A pioneer in Jamaica’s tourism industry Robert Hendricks has died.
Hendricks, owner of Caribbean World Vacations, one of the largest destination management companies in Jamaica, died at his home in St. James on December 29. He was 75.
He was ailing for a few months.
Hendricks entered the tourism sector in the late 1970s. He started out as the owner of Lollipop on the Beach in Sandy Bay, Hanover, and then went on to set up Caribbean World Enterprises in St. James.
He also partnered in the establishment of the Aquasol Beach Complex in Montego Bay. Years later, he joined the ground and tour operating company, Tropical Tours in sales and marketing.
In 2020, he was recognized with the Spirit of Independence Award by the St James Municipal Corporation for his outstanding contribution to the tourism sector.
Tributes to Hendricks
Several tourism stakeholders including Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett and Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism, Senator Janice Allen, paid tribute to Hendricks for his contributions to the local tourism industry.
Senator Allen expressed her grief, stating, “I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Robert’s passing. Robert, well known in the industry, particularly within the transportation sector, made significant contributions to our tourism product.”
Senator Allen noted his numerous contributions to the industry, which notably created many employment opportunities for the people in his parish.
His work with ‘Lollipop on the Beach’ placed Sandy Bay, Hanover, on the tourism map, as it became a signature attraction and a major employer for the community.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” stated Allen.
Bartlett, in a release, described Hendricks as one of the pillars of Jamaica’s post-independence tourism industry.
“Robert was one of those notable Jamaicans who had an abiding faith in his country and was a firm believer in the contribution tourism could make to its development and the economic life of the people,” said Bartlett, noting that Hendricks’ contribution to tourism accumulatively spanned over 40 years and that he was a trailblazer in all aspects of the word.
“Robert Hendricks was a firm believer in Jamaicans owning a share of the tourism pie and being involved at senior management levels. He demonstrated this as an entrepreneur in the tours, ground transportation, and entertainment subsectors of the industry,” the minister recalled.
“He actually revolutionized marketing and sales, pioneering the introduction of tour guides and opening up thinking to different levels of marketing concepts that have been emulated by others in the tourism industry,” he added.
Bartlett offered condolences to Hendricks’ family and his colleagues.
