By Nashauna Drummond, Staff Reporter
Minister of Tourism and Industry Mrs Aloun N' Dombet-Assamba (left), speaking with Sue Gilman, publisher of Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine (centre) and Vice-President of SuperClubs Resorts, Joe Issa. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
IT WAS a time of celebration for the SuperClubs family, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Appleton Rum, at an awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel last Tuesday.
In the special March issue of Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, Jamaica was named 'Best Destination', Appleton Rum 'Best Rum' and the SuperClubs chain won four award; Grand Lido Negril was named most luxurious resort, best wedding and best second honeymoon, while Grand Lido Sans Souci was named 'Best Spa Resort in Jamaica.
Vice President of Operations, SuperClubs Grand Lido, Sam James, said the most important voice has spoken, that of the guests. The awards were based on a reader survey conducted by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine. Publisher of Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, Suzan Gilman, highlighted the fact that their readers are not one-time travellers to the Caribbean but they return at least every nine months. She announced that Jamaica has won 14 of the 30 categories, including 'Most friendly people in the Caribbean.'
A very delighted and confident Minister of Tourism and Industry, Mrs. Aloun N' Dombet-Assamba, noted that this was her first award as minister of which there will be more. "There is so much about us to love. We offer what all the other Caribbean islands combine have to offer," she said.
Vice President of SuperClubs Resorts, Joe Issa, in delivering an acceptance speech for his father John Issa who was unavoidably absent, said, "These awards are a reflection of Grand Lido Negril's success in maintaining the high standard of service 14 years later."
He also announced the 'Best of Jamaica' scheduled for October 14-18 which will be jointly hosted by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, Appleton Estate and Grand Lido Braco. The four-night five days of activities ranging from a rum blending seminar by Appleton rum blender Joy Spence, to private cooking classes by Grand Lido Braco's culinary staff, making it a truly memorable Jamaican experience.
Among those present to celebrate the achievements of Jamaica and the SuperClubs family were Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Dennis Morrison; Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook; Director-General of Tourism, Carole Guntley-Brady; General Manager Grand Lido Sans Souci, Pierre Battaglia and General Manager Grand Lido Negril Bryan Drew.
