Jamaica's St. Ann Tops in 2011 Tourism Service Excellence Awards

General Manager of Couples San Souci Hotel, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Pierre Battaglia, and the Mystic Mountain Rain Forrest attraction, also situated in the parish, copped top honors at the 2011 Tourism Service Excellence Awards ceremony, held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, on Saturday (December 8).

Mr. Battaglia captured the overall individual category, edging out 11 other contenders, while Mystic Mountain Rain Forrest, topped the nominees vying for the award for organizations/entities, and were awarded multiple trophies, awards and other prizes.

The awards, which are presented annually under the Tourism Service Excellence Program (TSEP), are organized by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo). They represent the highest accolades given in recognition of excellence in service delivery in the sector.

In his address, Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, said while the presentations rewarded the recipients for excellence in service delivery, they are also intended to motivate and inspire others to aspire towards attaining achievements at the highest level, through hard work.

The Minister contended that the successes recorded by Jamaica’s tourism industry, to date, have hinged on the stakeholders’ ability to improve on the “intangible element” of service excellence.

Consequent on this, Mrs. Smith said Jamaica currently benefits from sustained levels of excellence in service delivery to which they and others have committed.