Nominations open for tourism awards
CITA president Ken Hydes speaking at the 2015 Stingray Awards
(CNS): Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Cayman Stingray Tourism Awards which recognise talented individuals working in member businesses of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA). The deadline for nominations is 25 May and the awards will be presented at the 13th annual ceremony, which is set for Tuesday, 14 June.
The awards highlight personnel that have set themselves apart from the rest through their outstanding achievements and stellar service both behind the scenes and in the eye of the consumer.
CITA executive director Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks said, “I want to encourage our members to seriously evaluate who are the ‘movers and shakers’ in their respective establishments so we may celebrate both those on the front-line and in back-of-house positions who keep the industry going.”
CITA members can nominate their top performers (manager or employee) for an award in these sectors: accommodations (condos and hotels); watersports; restaurants; and allied (which includes retail, services, media, arts and entertainment), attractions and transportation. The event will also include a “Rising Star Award”, given to the newcomer who shows promise in the field of tourism; a “Long Service Award” to the veteran who has been in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years; and a “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
John Douglas, who works at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and took home the 2014 Rising Star Award, said, “Winning the award was a phenomenal experience. The pride that I feel when telling people about the award is second to none. To be recognised not only by my employers but by the CITA for all of my hard work was truly amazing. The award sits in a special place at home where it serves as a constant reminder that dedication has its own recompense.”
CITA president Ken Hydes said of the event: “The Stingray Tourism Awards culminates with a night of celebration for the individuals who make so much possible for the Cayman Islands tourism industry. As a destination, we take pride in being a leader in the delivery of service excellence in a very competitive marketplace. For each and every nomination we receive and review for the various accolades, we salute them as ambassadors of our brand.”
For information on the nomination process, go to the CITA website
Category: Tourism
