Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/187632
•pg_42-55__BMT_pg3-58 9/25/13 12:28 AM Page 52 CARIBBEAN CORNER CARIBBEAN TOURISM OFFICIALS RECEIVE BM&T APEX AWARD Black Meetings & Tourism had the honor of presenting several leading Caribbean industry leaders Apex Awards at the recently concluded 11th Annual TPOC Conference & Trade Show, held in Trinidad & Tobago July 29-August 4. Two of the four recipients were present to receive their awards in person: Hugh Riley, secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)), headquartered in Barbados, and Dittie Guise , general manager of the SMG managed Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica. Riley said that while he was accepting the award, it was a team effort and any success he has achieved at fulfilling his mission to service the 33 CTO member nations must be shared with his team. Awards for the two other Caribbean recipients – Campbell Rudder and Beverly Nicholson-Doty – who were unable to attend, were accepted on their behalf. Rudder, vice president of Marketing USA for the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) based in New York, is a 32-year veteran in the aviation and tourism industry, having served impressive stints at both BWIA and Air Jamaica before joining the BTA. Nicholson-Doty contributions in the particular fields that have positively impacted travel and tourism. The next Apex Awards are scheduled for TPOC's 12th Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale. BOOK GOVERNOR'S HARBOUR, ELEUTHERA NOW FOR THE LOWEST LODGING RATES OF THE YEAR Celebrate The Bahamas' 40th Year of Independence on Eleuthera's Pink Powder Sand Beaches For Less Than $195 Per Night A legendary Caribbean destination and host to countless Hollywood and British royalties, Governor's Harbour announces its lowest lodging rates of the year. Sixty miles east of Nassau, the island is known for its pink powder sand beaches, luxurious beachfront estates, cozy restaurants, fun beach bars, world class fishing, serene colonial villages and rolling hills of pineapple plantations. Governor's Harbour is returning to the prominence it experienced from 1950 to 1980 and was recently referred to as a "hot real estate market" on HGTV's "House Hunters International." To return to Eleuthera or experience this secluded paradise for the first time; fall season stays are the most affordable of the year. Cooler than Miami in the summer and warmer in the winter, Governor's Harbour rental estates for two guests start at less than $195 per night; oceanfront two bedroom, two bathroom condos for four guests start at $225 per night. Also, set to open fall of this year, French Leave Resort will offer debut stays of $350 per night. "The word is out about Eleuthera's beauty and serenity, visitors are returning. Guest homes, hotel and resort lodging rates in Eleuthera are the lowest of Pristine Eleuthera beach BM&T publisher's Gloria Herbert (l) and Solomon Herbert (r) present Hugh riley with Apex Award serves as commissioner of Tourism for the United States Virgin Islands, and was elected chair of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners during the 2012 CTO State of The Industry Conference in St. Kitts. The Apex Awards for Distinguished Service, presented during two luncheons held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, are given annually to a select group of industry movers and shakers who have made outstanding 52 the year in August, September and October. For those looking to come back or experience this incredible island for the first time, now is an ideal time to take advantage of the year's best rates," said Matt Simon, president, Eleuthera Vacations. Located 200 miles southeast of Miami and 50 miles east of Nassau, Eleuthera has three airports: Governor's Harbour (GHB) in central Eleuthera, North Eleuthera (ELH) at the north of the island and a smaller airport at Rock Sound, on the south of the island. Daily flights are offered from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Nassau. Non-stop flights to Nassau are available from many major cities airports including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas and Toronto. From Nassau, Southern Air, Pineapple Air and Bahamas Air all fly to Eleuthera multiple times a day. For more information visit http://www.bahamas.com. B M & T ••• September/October 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com