Transport pioneer Ralph Robert Smith gets lifetime award
WITHOUT AIR, sea, and ground transport, there would be no tourists. Cognisant of that, Ralph Robert Smith founded Tropical Tours Ltd more than 40 years ago. It has grown to be one of Jamaica’ s largest destination management companies.
And over the years, Smith has introduced several leading international tour operators to the island such as First Choice/TUI, Maxi Tours, Maxi Coverage Company Sun Wing, and Hotel Plan.
Smith’s work and worth extend beyond his own personal and professional endeavours. He was a member of the Jamaica Tourist Board, president of the Jamaica Association of Tour Operators, president of the Montego Bay Skal Club and of the North America Area of Skal Committee, and president of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay.
He was also chairman of United General Insurance Company and Irie FM and was a member of the Victoria Mutual Building Society board. And quietly, the justice of the peace has made various types of contributions to community projects, schools, and churches.
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION
For his significant contribution to the development of tourism in Jamaica, Smith was, in 2005, bestowed with the Order of Distinction, an important national award, and over the years, Tropical Tours has received many Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) awards.
The current operator of Tropical Beach in Montego Bay was inducted into the inaugural Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Wall of Fame last year. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest award given by Rotary International.
Ralph Robert Smith is a pioneer for modern ground transportation, and for his “distinguished, dedicated, long-standing contribution to tourism, community and the nation”, he is this year’s recipient of the JHTA Lifetime Achievement Award.