Three Caribbean tourism stalwarts honoured by Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) posthumously presented its most prestigious award, Icon of Hospitality to three Caribbean tourism giants at its recent travel forum in Barbados. 

The recipients are the late founder of Sandals Resorts International Gordon "Butch" Stewart, the late founder of Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada Sir Royston Hopkins, and the late Jamaican-born businessman George Myers.

Gordon Stewart's son and current executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International Adam Stewart was in attendance to receive the award. 

"Three determined young men dreamed of making their mark in Caribbean tourism and hospitality, and along the way, they forged a new path, mentoring and molding other young Caribbean dreamers to aim for excellence.

They have now been named Icons of Hospitality by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, and I could not be prouder," Stewart commented during the ceremony.

In a press release that recaps the event, the CHTA notes that Stewart, founder of Sandals Resorts International, elevated Caribbean tourism to the pinnacles of global leadership in sustainable luxury.

He was also known for his commitment to improving the quality of life and employment opportunities for those in the most dynamic sector of the regional economy.

In the meantime, the regional tourism association lauded Sir Royston Hopkins who worked tirelessly on branding Grenada as the number one Caribbean spice island.

His daughter and current president and managing director of Spice Island Beach Resort, Janelle Hopkin said, "Hospitality is a service-based business – for people, by people.

There are certain things you can learn in this business, and others you cannot. My father had a way with people.

His instinct was unerring. He also possessed an uncanny ability to work with and through them. For me, those were his greatest assets.”

CHTA recognized Caribbean tourism stalwart and preeminent Caribbean businessman, the late George Myers, who is still celebrated in the Bahamas for shaping the tourism landscape of Nassau Paradise Island and providing employment opportunities for many Caribbean nationals over the decades.

Also, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett was presented with the President's Award for Caribbean Tourism Excellence.

The association shared that Bartlett is recognized regionally as a role model being the longest-serving tourism minister in the Caribbean who continues to be at the forefront of international tourism initiatives that are of benefit to the Caribbean region.