Caribbean hotelier of the year
David Dodwell wins Caribbean Hotel and Tourism's Association's highest honor
virginvoices.com staff
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA (Jan. 18, 2011) David Dodwell, owner of The Reefs Hotel & Club in Bermuda and Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on Nevis, was recognized as the 2010 “Caribbean Hotelier of the Year” at Caribbean Marketplace 2011, hosted at the new Montego Bay Convention Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Caribbean Hotelier of the Year Award is co-sponsored by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Ypartnership.
Dodwell is the 33rd recipient of the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year – the highest professional honor bestowed by CHTA. Presented annually, this award recognizes an outstanding hotelier in the Caribbean region for demonstrating excellence in all areas of hotel and resort operations, as well as a commitment to the training and development of staff, to the community, and to sound environmental practices. The honor also acknowledges each recipient’s active role in both national and regional issues affecting Caribbean tourism.
Dodwell has had a career in the hotel and tourism industry for more than four decades. A native Bermudian and graduate of Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, he is a former minister of tourism for Bermuda. He also served as president of the Bermuda Hotel Association where he was honored as Bermuda Hotelier of the Year.
Dodwell has always been committed to serving his local community – both in Nevis and Bermuda. He is a Member of the Resort Committee of the American Hospitality & Lodging Association, and has served many other leadership roles.
Dodwell has been a powerful presence at The Reefs in Bermuda, which includes 19 luxury two-and three-bedroom beachfront suites, for nearly 40 years and at the 36-room Nisbet Plantation for more than 20 years.
In 1999, Nisbet Plantation established a local elementary school “adoption” program, stocking library shelves with children’s books and computers, while also encouraging school supply donations from resort guests. Children in Nevis are now reading at a level two grades higher than before the program began. Nisbet Plantation’s chef has also mentored Nevis high school students as part of the 2010 St. Kitts & Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association’s "Future Chef" program.
Dodwell’s proactive role in the Nevis community also extends to environmental stewardship. Numerous eco-initiatives helped Nisbet Plantation achieve Green Globe 21 certification by Green Globe International.
In October 2007, Nisbet Plantation constructed an artificial reef to provide a habitat for sea life, create a calmer swimming area for guests, and save numerous palm trees by preventing beach erosion. As a result, more than 15 feet of beach has reappeared. Other initiatives include the planting of a coconut palm for every wedding held at the resort, an organized Hands-on Earth Day beach cleanup, and both water and energy recycling efforts. Sustainable cuisine utilizing local fish, produce and even St. Kitts and Nevis rum are evident in the plantation's dining experience.
In 2010, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club was ranked the number one Hotel in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Awards. It was also named among Conde Nast Traveler’s" Best Places to Stay." The Reefs was named the number one Hotel in the Atlantic in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Photo: “Caribbean Hotelier of the Year” David Dodwell, owner Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis and The Reefs Hotel & Club in Bermuda, with his wife Margarita, daughter Stephanie and son David, Jr. CHTA photo by Bill Cancellare.
For more information about Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association click here.
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