Aptly titled Revitalized and Renewed, the Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 70th Anniversary Awards Gala took place on Friday night at Sandals Royal Barbados.
Throughout the evening of celebration, stakeholders in the Barbadian hospitality sector were acknowledged for their sterling contribution. Awardees were heralded for having gone beyond the call of duty to ensure the sustainability of this important industry.
The evening opened with participants enjoying a cocktail party in the lush gardens of the luxury hotel with the mood being set by talented saxophonist Daniel Harvey. As the festivities moved to the interior, patrons were entertained by the Barbados Police Service Band. MC duties were conducted by CEO of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts- Reifer.
Opening remarks delivered by Renee Coppin, Chairman of the BHTA, were reflective of the theme. Coppin, in referencing the series of events which negatively impacted the sector, highlighted the impact of COVID-19, the ashfall ,a freak storm and the passage of a hurricane.
It was a full house for the Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 70th Anniversary Awards Gala at Sandals Royal Barbados.
She jokingly noted, “We will not be exaggerating if we say that we have lived through an apocalypse.”
She confirmed, “What it revealed to us was the depth of our resilience and our character, the breadth of our partnerships, every player stepped up to save this industry, our government to our suppliers and our industry partners. As a result of that, we are still here, still standing and tonight reflects our determination to build back stronger and better.”
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding Edghill in the feature address stated, “My ministry is pleased with the strategic course adopted by the BHTA to ensure that Barbados remains top of mind for travellers and the premier destination for both pleasure and business. I am happy to say that we have always enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the BHTA, and I look forward to the continuation of this strategic partnership.”
He acknowledged, “We are navigating through turbulent waters but through our resolve and resilience we face the challenges and stay the course.”
Gooding- Edghilll assured, “As minister with responsibility for both tourism and international transport, my vision for the sector is to strengthen the collaboration between government and the industry partners by building synergies. Therefore, my ministry has embarked on several initiatives aimed at strengthening Barbados and the Barbados brand in order to reposition the industry on a path of sustainable growth post COVID-19.”
Among the initiatives highlighted were the enactment of a Civil Aviation Bill and the signing of a contract with Mastercard International Inc to use a platform capable of capturing useful data to track trends and to gain a competitive edge in the market.
In a scaled down version of the ceremony, prizes were awarded in 15 categories. Among them were The Hotel of the Year- Luxury, which was won by the Sandy Lane Hotel, the A Class category was secured by Little Arches Boutique Hotel, while the B Class and Apartments Award was won by Eco Lifestyle and Lodge. The latter also won the Environmental & Sustainability Award of the Year.
Vacation Rental Property Management Company went to Blue Sky Luxury Rentals. Restaurant of the Year was presented to Cheffette Restaurant and this announcement was met by loud cheers. In the Business Excellence Award category – Tourism Attraction Member of the Year Award was presented to Atlantis Submarine Barbados. The final award in the opening segment was the Business Excellence Award – Supporting Member of the Year, which went to Gallagher Insurance Brokers.
Restaurant of the Year was awarded to Cheffette Restaurants.
Other awardees in the Business Excellence Award category were Flow Barbados for Industry Supplier of the Year. They also took home the Social Responsibility of the Year Award. Tourism Industry Partner of the Year recipient was the Enterprise Growth Fund Inc and a Special Award in Response to COVID-19 was presented to Crane Resorts.
In the individual categories Hanif Walcott of St . James Travel and Tours was recognised as Employee for the Year 2022. Lifetime Achievements were presented to Jackie White who committed 32 years of her life to the hospitality sector and hotelier Sunil Chatrani for his long-term investment in the industry.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley, though unable to attend the event, offered congratulatory remarks via a video presentation.
The entertainment package included performances by Krisirie, who was accompanied by Russell Padmore of 2 Mile Hill fame, and steel pannist Hashim Durant. (STT)
