The Cayman Stingray Tourism Awards are the highest honours that can be bestowed by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA). The Stingray awards emphasize the association’s commitment to reinforce and cultivate exceptional service through distinct performance standards which exceed our guest’s expectations.

The Gala Tourism Awards Dinner held on June 25^th at The Ritz-Carlton kept up that tradition.

Sunset House owner Adrian Briggs, who has been at the helm of the hotel and dive shop since the early 1970s, was the big winner, being honoured for a lifetime contribution to the tourism industry with Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jay Ehrhart from Radio Cayman compered the event.

48 persons were nominated for awards.

The keynote address was done by Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell who told the nominees it was for their commitment to tourism that they were here and “the input of many other unsung heroes that the tourism industry continues to go from strength to strength.”

The 10^th annual Stingray Awards was attended by 250 people.

The event also saw the introduction of the new biennial CEPTS Environmental Stewardship Award, awarded by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. The award recognises tourism businesses for their ongoing commitment for implementing environmental initiatives for the conservation and preservation of the natural environment.

2013 Cayman Stingray Tourism Award winners:

Jo-Anne Brown, Celebrations, Long Service Award

Adrian Briggs, Sunset House, Lifetime Achievement Award

Alexandra Bush, Ritz Carlton, Rising Star Award

Gary Chernowski, Red Sail, Watersports Manager of the Year

Dora Valdez, Cobalt Coast, Accommodations Manager of the Year

Steven Hayes,Tropical Trader restaurant group, Restaurant Manager of the Year

Kate Pellow, CCMI, Allied Manager of the Year

Seggrett Quizeo, Rum Point, Restaurant Employee of the Year

Martin Whyte, Majestic Tours, Allied Employee of the Year

Marilyn Ebanks, The Anchorage, Accommodations Employee of the Year

Derrick Duffield, Ocean Frontiers, Watersports Employee of the Year

Cobalt Coast Dive Resort, Compass Point Dive Resort and Southern Cross Club were dive properties named for outstanding practices for 2013.

PHOTO: From Sunset House (http://www.sunsethouse.com/news.php)