The 2010, tourism week came to a glittering conclusion on Friday December 3rd, with a fabulous Gala award dinner at the beautiful Coba' restaurant at Viceroy Anguilla Hotel.

Tourism officials, hoteliers, and other industry partners, gathered to honor the best within the tourism industry.  

The event, which started with a red carpet cocktail reception, was held this year at the beautiful Coba' restaurant with a total  of 168 guests, in attendance. The awards  was co-chaired by Mr. Delroy Lake VP, of the AHTA, and Mrs. Gilda Gumbs-Samuel, Executive Director of the AHTA. 

The evening's programme featured the presentation of a total of 10 awards, recognizing various categories within the tourism sector. 

The blessing was delivered by Pastor James Harrigan, of No Walls Church, followed by a few brief remarks from the Governor Mr. Alistair Harrison, who commented that  while some things have gotten better from a year ago, some things had gotten worse, but that Anguilla is still a superb tourism product. 

Parliamentary Secretary, with responsibility for Tourism, Hon. Haydn Hughes, made remarks to the fact that Anguilla has the best beaches, best restaurants and the best people, but that we have slipped with regards to service and this needed to be addressed. He asked that the industry remain focus, and return to our first class service delivery. He spoke briefly on the importance of Anguillans, being placed in the positions of top management in the hotels. 

Mr. Leon Roydon, owner of Malliouhana Resort and Spa, and Mr. Austin (Bennie) Conner, were the honored recipients of the Pioneer of the Year awards. They were both recognized for their unwavering contribution and commitment within the tourism industry in Anguilla. 

Dr. Franklin Hughes and Mrs. Sherille Hughes, Owners and Managers of Paradise Cove, InnSuites Boutique Resort, were the proud recipients of the  Hotelier of Year award.

Mr. Ian (Sugar George) and Mrs. Janine Edwards) from Sunset Homes were recognized as  Villa Members of the Year, while the Restaurant  Members of the year was won by Jerry and Carrie Bogar from Veya restaurant. This was the first time that the Villa and Restaurants, were being recognized at the tourism awards.   Anguilla Life Magazine, under the direction of Ms Claire Devenor walked away with the Allied Member of the Year Award, which was accepted by Ms. Joan Richardson, from the Anguilla Tourist Board. 

Ms. Gloria Leverett, Supervisor from Cuisinart Resort and Spa, was awarded the Supervisor of the Year award, while the employee of the year award was won by Mr. Santiago Yan, who is the Executive Chef from Sheriva Boutique Hotel. 

Seaport Employee of the Year went to Ms. Kenisha Bryan,  and Ms. Sandra Hodge who is employed  with  the Immigration Department at Clayton Lloyd International Airport, walked away with the Airport Employee of the Year award.

Dr. Frankie Hughes, delivered a brilliant acceptance speech, while being toasted, Dr. Hughes, reminded the very attentive crowd of the importance of tourism in Anguilla, and that TOURISM IS KEY. He continued to speak to the importance of maintaining our product, and to be vigilant with our marketing of Anguilla. He said that we have been fortunate thus far, but it was now time for us to get it right, both in our delivery of the product and that our service should reflect our product, high end and high yield tourism.  He continued to remind us that tourism is every one's bread and butter in Anguilla, and that everything hinges on it, and the tourism industry should be respected. He appealed to the Government to be sensitive in terms of excessive taxation of the tourism sector, and said that overtaxing the tourism industry, was not the way to fix the economic problems facing Anguilla.  Mrs. Sherille Hughes gave a vote of thanks on behalf of her husband and herself, and thanked the organizing committee, her staff, Scotia Bank the sponsors of the award and her hotel peers, for selecting them to receive such an important and prestigious award.

A fabulous three course menu was served, and a total of 38 prizes were drawn, and lucky winners walked away with an array of prizes, to include Airline Tickets, Hotel Stays, Restaurant Dinners, Spa Treatments, and more. 

The evening came to a climaxed with dancing by the ever popular Boss and the Horsepower Band providing dancing music at Coba, while DJ Sugar, kept the crowd hopping  and dancing at the after party at the Sunset Bar. The evening has been described as one of  the best gala events to date. 

Thanks to our Award Sponsors:

• Viceroy Anguilla Resort and Residences - The Award Ceremony and Gala
• Hotelier of the Year - Scotia Bank
• Allied Member of the Year - Cap Juluca
• Villa Member of the Year - Cape Air
• Restaurant Member of the Year - Anguilla Air Express
• Employee and Supervisor of the Year - National Bank of Anguilla 
• Airport and Seaport Employees of the Year - First Caribbean Bank
• Pioneers of the Year Awards - Caribbean Commercial Bank

Special thanks also go to Contributing Donors:

• Lime and Social Security. 

Thanks to our Vendors:

EVASS Printers, Boss and the Horsepower Band, Black Orchid Florists, DJ Sugar, Professional Photos (Denise and Rocklyn Maynard), Alloyd Trophies and Awards and all our many Gala Prize Givers.