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By Robert Andre Emmanuel
In a glittering ceremony celebrating waves of excellence and distinction, Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry gathered to celebrate its outstanding achievers and young stars to mark what officials called their most successful tourism year to date.
The “Waves of Opulence and Distinction” event brought together industry leaders, hotel managers, supervisors and frontline workers to appreciate those who would have truly made their mark in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism across 12 categories.
“Tourism is the key driver of the economy and it is the greatest asset that we have for improving not only our country but the lives of our people,” stated Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA).
Highlighting the industry’s unprecedented success, James said that “we are now seeing phenomenal results that will see Antigua and Barbuda end 2023/2024 as the best year yet for tourism arrivals into our beautiful country.”
The event particularly celebrated frontline workers, with James describing them as “the true stars of our nation’s hospitality”.
He praised “the chefs who transform meals into memories, the front desk associates who set the tone of welcome with every smile, and the housekeepers who ensure every corner of the resort shine”.
Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), emphasised the collective achievements of the industry.
“Tonight’s theme couldn’t be more fitting,” he stated. “From the vibrant energy of our frontline staff to the visionary leadership driving our industry forward, we are architects of what we experience, and it inspires travellers from all over the world.”
He also highlighted the industry’s commitment to youth development, stating: “Our youth are not just the future; they are the foundation of a stronger, more innovative tourism sector.”
Alisa Smith from Hermitage Bay was named ABHTA Employee of the Year, while ABHTA Supervisor of the Year went to Lunessa Mills from Awesome Development Ventures.
The Rising Star of the Year was Abigail Bynoe from The Escape at Nonsuch Bay Resort while Kris Krisendat of Cocos Hotel took home Young Hotelier of the Year.
“I was nominated two years ago for the Young Hotelier of the Year. I was very close to winning but I didn’t get it at that time. I never gave up and this year I was excited when I heard my name. It is still an awesome feeling,” Krisendat said.
Meanwhile, with a divine touch in the kitchen, Eustace Cabral Jr of Jumby Bay Resort received Chef of the Year while Shirlon Anthony of Jumby Bay Resort received the Young Chef of the Year.
Cabral Jr told Observer media, “I feel very proud of winning this Chef of the Year award, it’s a very prestigious award. I want to say how thankful I am to my team … the culinary team, managing director, just the whole of Jumby [Bay] because they supported me throughout the years.”
“It means so much to me. It allows me to put my self-doubt aside…This is not just for me, honestly, because it’s not just me, this is for my whole team,” Anthony said.
Tour Guide of the Year went to Nutilia Simon from Ocean Point Resort and Spa, Customer Service Excellence was Chesley Simon from Royalton Antigua and Port Frontline Employee of the Year was Sergeant Jaime Charles from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda—the first time that someone from the police force has been nominated.
Llewellyn Willock took home Transportation Service Provider and in the digital media/marketing space, The Escape at Nonsuch Bay Resort received Digital Marketing Excellence Award, while Antigua Inside Out received the Social Media Excellence Award.
Other notable prizes were Cruise Industry Award of Excellence which celebrated the hard work of the industry’s finest in advancing the cruise industry and celebrated Antigua Cruise Port, and the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Brian Joseph for his decades as a chef and community activism.
In receiving his award, Joseph told Observer, “You got to love what you’re doing and be disciplined and from there, it’s always nice to get overseas exposure because what we’re doing here is just the start.
“Going abroad and seeing what those guys are doing over there is like, wow, I want to be the best. You always want to do more and more… so…just love what you’re doing, and it will help you a lot.”
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