Academic/Professional Qualifications:
PhD in Tourism and Strategic Management Bournemouth University (2011), United Kingdom
Master of Science Degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management (2005), University of the West Indies, Mona
Certificate: Hospitality Supervisor Programme, Resort Activities Workshop, Memory Makers Programme, SAFE Programme and The Spirit of Hospitality Programme. The American Hospitality Academy in association with the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association; Orlando, Florida.
Certificate in Tertiary Teaching. Bournemouth University, UK
Where is Andrew now?
At present, I am the CEO of the Tourism Product Development Company of the Government of Jamaica. My research focuses on the determinants of technology adoption for travel retailers with particular emphasis on the strategic management implications for owner-managers. I have presented papers at conferences and published in international journals in the areas of the travel supply chain, tourism distribution channels, tourism advertising effectiveness, small hotel competitiveness and sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. I have also engaged in consultancy with the United Nations Environment Programme with Professor Anthony Clayton and have worked closely with the Jamaica Tourist Board to conduct training for faculty advisors to tourism action clubs in secondary schools across the island of Jamaica.
Reflections on Life at CHTM
The experience of CHTM has laid the foundation for these achievements and involvements by equipping me with the skills, experience and tools to engage in an academic career in tourism management. I also benefitted greatly from my role as Vice President of the student executive. Through this position I was able to interact with the wider student population and faculty was also able to hone my leadership skills. I also have fond memories of being VP of SALT (Students armed with love and truth). I have been happily married since 2007 to Diana Spencer and my hobbies include playing music, playing sports such as football and table tennis, and reading.
In Closing
My words of wisdom are perhaps no different than anyone else’s. The clichés all have their value “if at first you don’t succeed try and try again” “some people dream of success, others wake up and work for it”, “a rough road leads to the stars.” Dedication and hard work towards a desired goal are keys to success, but it is also equally important to aim for realistic goals and also to know when a specific path may not be right for you. With the leading of God, I have had to turn from certain roads to end up where I am today, and I am very pleased with my life and prospects. So I would add “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again, (and then try something else).”
Contact Information
Company: Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management, University of the West Indies
Title: Programme Director and Head
