Minister of Tourism the Hon. Asot Michael last evening (Thurs) joined with the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association (AHTA) in highlighting and awarding excellence within the industry for the past year.

The occasion was the 2016 installation of the AHTA Tourism Awards Gala held at the Sandals Grande Antiguan Resort and Spa.

The event focuses on rewarding peak performers in the islands’ hospitality industry and provides an opportunity for AHTA members and their associates to give due recognition to industry employees who have contributed significantly to the quality of the islands tourism product.

In addressing the awardees during Thursday evening’s gala event, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy the Hon. Asot Michael re-iterated the call for all industry workers to deliver par excellence service to the islands visitors.

“Excellence is our administration’s watchword; and, from the composition of the gathering of workers before me, it is evident that high performance is also the essence of your creed. I applaud each and every one of you for promoting Antigua by delivering excellent service to your customers”, the Minister highlighted.

He stated that it is excellence that would ensure that the lifeblood industry would continue to record significant gains.

The Hon. Minister continued that, “…Antigua competes with more than 20 Caribbean destinations to attract customers to its shores. The easiest customer, whom any property can attract, is the loyal customer who so enjoyed the last visit that he will come again and again. You are the key to ensuring that the customer becomes loyal to our destination. And, you have performed exceedingly well. The evidence of that claim lies not only in the repeat visitor arrivals, but also in the level of satisfaction which outgoing customers reveal.”

Nine (9) outstanding hoteliers were awarded in categories inclusive of Associate Employee of the year, Hotel Employee of the year, Chef of the year and Young Hotelier of the year.

The event was sponsored by State Insurance Corporation, Colombian Emeralds, and The Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank with prizes donated by local, regional and international tourism partners (Hotels, Tour Operators, Airlines, and Jewelers).

See below the full list of winners in their respective categories:

Associate Employee of the year – Hercules Francis – Antigua Commercial Bank.

Associate Supervisor of the year – Anika Henry- Antigua Commercial Bank

Hotel Employee of the year- Scotty Nelson – Sandals Grande Antigua

Hotel Supervisor of the Year – Patel Phillips – Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort

Young Chef of the Year – Bryan Smith – Carlisle Bay

Chef Assistant Rising Star Award – Ashley Ashterman – Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort

Most Promising Chef – Angella Joseph – Admiral’s Inn

Chef of the Year – Marvin Grant – Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort

Young Hotelier of the Year – Matara Murphy – Sandals Grande Antigua