Sandals Resorts International executive O'Brian Heron was on Saturday elected president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), defeating Christopher Jarrett after members voted for new leadership at the organisation's annual general meeting.

Heron won the closely contested election with 76 votes to Jarrett's 55, ending Jarrett's one-year tenure as president.

Heron, who was serving as first vice-president of the association, assumes leadership at a time when the tourism industry is navigating several critical issues, including proposed tax measures affecting the sector, investment in tourism infrastructure, workforce development and maintaining Jamaica's competitiveness in an increasingly challenging global marketplace.