The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has announced that veteran hotelier and influential regional tourism leader Josef Forstmayr will be honored as a 2026 leadership laureate. The prestigious recognition will take place during the annual CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday, December 6, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area.
Forstmayr, a titan of the Caribbean hospitality industry, is best known for his transformative tenure as the managing director of the iconic Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Jamaica, a role he has held since 1989. Under his stewardship, the resort has achieved global acclaim, consistently securing top honors such as the World Travel Awards’ “Best Villas” title, the AAA Four Diamond Award of Excellence, and prominent placements on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best list.
Having made Jamaica his home since 1979, Forstmayr’s career is a masterclass in operational excellence and strategic growth. Before cementing his legacy at Round Hill, he held key leadership roles at the Coconut Cove in Negril, the Tryall Golf and Beach Hotel, and the Trident Villas and Hotel in Port Antonio.
Beyond his contributions to individual properties, Forstmayr has been a tireless advocate for the Caribbean tourism sector at large. From 2010 to 2012, he served as president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), where he spearheaded the impactful “Tourism Is Key” advocacy campaign. Throughout his career, he has been a staunch proponent of economic integration, championing the use of locally produced Caribbean goods—from regional spirits and sauces to agricultural products—to strengthen local economies.
His commitment to regional development extends into the arts and diplomacy; he currently serves as a director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, chairman of the Montego Bay Arts Council, and the honorary consul-general for the Republic of Austria in Jamaica. His decades of service have earned him numerous accolades, including the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (2005) and multiple designations as Caribbean Hotelier of the Year.
The upcoming CMEx ceremony will be supported by a robust network of industry partners, led by Platinum Sponsor, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, and Gold Sponsors, the Anguilla Tourist Board and Carnival Corporation. Proceeds from the fundraiser are dedicated to advancing the future of the industry by supporting educational programs, youth development, and professional training for the next generation of Caribbean tourism and media leaders.
As the industry prepares to celebrate his career, Forstmayr stands as a shining example of the intersection of hospitality, regional pride, and leadership. Those interested in attending the event or supporting the foundation’s mission are encouraged to visit cmexmedia.org for more information.
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