David Dodwell named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year

Hotel industry veteran David Dodwell, the owner of Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis and The Reefs in Bermuda, has been named the 2010 Caribbean Hotelier of the Year - the highest professional honour given by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.

Peter Yesawich of Ypartnership presented Dodwell with the award in front of an international audience of hospitality leaders and tourism officials at the 2011 Caribbean Marketplace in Jamaica.

Dodwell, who has more than four decades of hospitality career experience was honoured by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association for his achievements in the areas of hotel operations, food and beverage, marketing, property maintenance, staff training and motivation as well as his commitment to the environment and the St. Kitts and Nevis community. He becomes the 33rd recipient of the distinguished golden conch shell and joins an elite list of the most accomplished hotel leaders in the Caribbean.

"I can think of no one who has earned this recognition more than (Dodwell) has," stated Senator and the Honorable Richard Skerritt, Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and St. Kitts and Nevis' Minister of Tourism and International Transport. "He has made a tremendous difference in the hotel sector on St. Kitts and Nevis, and has contributed significantly across the region and in tourism everywhere."

Both of Dodwell's properties have earned top spots on prestigious lists - Nisbet Plantation was named the top hotel in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas in the 2011 Travel + Leisure 500 while The Reefs was the top hotel in the Atlantic in the 2010 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards for the second year in a row.

During the economic downturn, many hotels were reducing amenities. However, Nisbet Plantation expanded its offerings to include scooters, kayaks, sail boats, Flip digital video cameras, complimentary Wi-Fi and more. Dodwell was also recognised for his focus on the staff and Nevis community.

Mr. Dodwell is actively involved in community service and promoting tourism. He is a Member of the Resort Committee of the American Hospitality & Lodging Association, and has served as President of the Bermuda Hotel Association and Bermuda's Minister of Tourism among many other leadership roles.