The Curtains Have Closed – TSEA 2018

Hon Edmund Bartlett - Minister of Tourism and Dr. Andrew Spencer - Executive Director, TPDCo pose with the 2018 Tourism Service Excellence Awards
Hon Edmund Bartlett (centre)- Minister of Tourism and Dr. Andrew Spencer – Executive Director, TPDCo pose with the 2018 Tourism Service Excellence Awards National Champions

It was another exciting staging of the Tourism Service Excellence Awards, and most rewarding for Half Moon Hotel, as they walked away with the Individual and Organization National Champions awards. The luxurious four diamond award winning resort also walked away as Resort Champions for Montego Bay, in both the individual and organization categories of the award.

Saturday March 30th was the night of celebration for tourism workers and the organizations that have excelled in their various areas of specialties. The spirits of all nineteen finalists were heightened as they came dressed in their finest and dandiest. To make the night even more special, sponsors Main Event, perfected the theme of glitz and glam with a modern black carpet, complemented by a gold photo wall and hints of pink. The dim lights, candle lit tables and excited crowd made the moment even more exhilarating.

At the end of the night, five individuals including Michael Hoskins of Caribic Vacations, Ryan Edwards of Negril Adventure Divers and finalists Kinglsey Blake, Miss T’s Kitchen and Ultimate Freedom were presented with special recognition awards for the outstanding way they have delivered their service, while nine other finalists were named resort area champions in their respective regions.

At the end of the night, it was Training Manager, Conroy Thompson, affectionately called “Teacher” who won the major award of Individual National Champion. The Half Moon Hotel employee was visibly overjoyed as he collected his award and prizes which include a Cruise trip courtesy of Royal Caribbean International, VIP attractions card for a year, a 100,000 cash prize, trip to Sandals Grenada and Barbados and airfare courtesy of Caribbean Airlines.

Shortly after, Half Moon would hear their name again, and Brand and Communications Manager Laura Redpath, the company’s representative eagerly collected the award and prizes. She was joined by the proud members of staff such as Chairman of Half Moon Guy Stuart III, who flew in just for the occasion. They received a VIP attractions card for one year, a trip to sandals Grenada and Barbados, airfare courtesy of Caribbean Airlines and 6 Team Jamaica training courses for members of staff.

We are happy to know that all these tourism workers were able to walk on stage as ambassadors of the tourism sector. It was a proud moment, and whether they won or not, all our finalists were celebrated and their outstanding performance put on display for all to see.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said it well that the “essence of Jamaica is the value of the promise we make to visitors and the integrity of the promise is visualized”

We look forward to crowning a new set of champions next year, and invite you, once nominations open to submit someone or an organization that you believe reflect exemplary customer service.

Until next year, to all our tourism workers, carry high the tourism torch.

Read our 2018 Tourism Service Excellence Awards press release

Visit the Tourism Service Excellence Awards page for more information about the programme

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