Bermuda Premier to Receive Caribbean Tourism Award at CMEx

Bermuda Premier to Receive Caribbean Tourism Award at CMEx

Premier Dr Ewart Brown will receive the highest honor bestowed by the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism [CMEx] at its conference which began in Jamaica yesterday  and runs to October 4.

Reacting to news of this accolade, Dr. Brown, who also is Minister of Tourism, said, “I am humbled and deeply gratified to be selected as a recipient of the CMEx 2010 World Leadership Award. In Bermuda, we have made tremendous strides to revive our once moribund tourism industry. From targeting new air carriers to improving existing hotel properties and attracting new properties to our island, we have begun a tourism turnaround that will continue for years to come.”

Premier Dr Brown, who attended St. Jago high school in Jamaica, said “To accept this award in Jamaica is particularly rewarding as their leadership on tourism is one that has inspired many throughout the region. It is also personally significant, as Jamaica is the country where I attended high school and spent many of my formative years.”

Premier Dr Brown urged Caribbean neighbors to build on their traditional ties to Bermuda: “While Bermuda is separated from our regional partners by a vast ocean, we are deeply connected through historical, social and familial ties. We have much to learn from each other and we are proud of the leadership displayed throughout the region to develop tourism models that are innovative, resourceful and successful.”

The CMEx World Leadership Award is a special recognition established to “recognize those who inspire others with their life’s work to the cause of sustainable tourism and development.”

Since 2001, CMEx has produced 18 conferences and symposia throughout the Caribbean and North America to underscore the value of the region’s largest industry, tourism, in improving the health, education, culture, environment and wealth of Caribbean communities. The Caribbean Media Exchange produces interactive symposia that match journalists from the Caribbean, North America and Europe with representatives of the government, business hospitality and development sectors to discuss tourism policies aimed at improving the lives of Caribbean people.