BASSETERRE St. Kitts, November 21st 2011 - St. Kitts celebrated its tourism product in grand style last Saturday, with an awards ceremony that honored individuals and businesses who have made a positive impact on the development of the tourism industry, which included the iconic Kim Collins.
The 11th Annual Tourism Awards Banquet was held at the historic Brimstone Hill National Park, and was attended by a wide-cross section of the society, including Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ricky Skerritt, other ministers of government, hundreds of individuals representing the various sectors of the St. Kitts tourism product, along with professionals from the agricultural, manufacturing, and other related service sectors.
The “ageless” international sprint athlete, Kim Collins, won the National Champion Award for awakening a sense of national pride in citizens, while at the same time promoting the destination, due to his outstanding performances this year in becoming a two-time bronze medalist at the World Championships, and a three-time silver medalist in the International Championships in Europe.
Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Hilary Wattley, was honored with the Legend of the Industry Award, which was a special award for her significant contribution to the development of the tourism industry.
Tour operator Thenford Grey was recognized for his sound knowledge of the tourism product and the ability to exceed service quality expectations, when he was presented with the Award of Excellence.
The Employee of the Year Award was given to Mary Matthew of Ottley’s Plantation Inn, for her willingness to go beyond the call of duty, and her display of team work and a positive working attitude.
The Environmental Excellence Award went to the Parks & Beaches Unit for their bold initiatives to ensure that the environment remains a key focus for their daily operations.
The Beach House won the Achievement of Excellence Award for providing strong leadership, vision and direction for the organization, and for also providing adequate training for their employees and striving to continuously improve customer satisfaction.
St. Kitts gave the Pillar of Tourism Industry Award to the St. Kitts Marriott Resort for setting the standard in the tourism industry, and contributing a profound impact on the development of the industry and for corporate social responsibility program that illustrates its commitment to making a positive impact on the community.
As an individual award, Mr. Kishu Chandiramani was honored with the Pillar of Tourism Industry Award for dedicating many years to the Tourism Industry. Mr. Chandiramani is a living role model with a pioneering spirit, and has a record of giving back to the industry.
President of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), Josef Forstmayr, was the featured keynote speaker at the Tourism Awards Banquet. Forstmayr gave a riveting speech, which highlighted the theme for this year’s Tourism Awareness Month, “Tourism is Key For All of Us.”
The Tourism Awards Banquet is the highlight of the Tourism Awareness Month and is part of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority’s efforts to elevate service standards in the island’s hospitality industry and encourage the creation of uniquely Kittitian visitor experiences and distinctive service elements that enhance St. Kitts’ competitive position in the regional and global tourism arena.
Tourism Awareness Month is a series of special events and activities held each year with the purpose of increasing public awareness of the importance of tourism to St. Kitts and the various opportunities it affords individuals. Tourism Month has grown in importance over the years as the island has shifted its focus from sugar production to tourism and other service-oriented business as the main economic driver.
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