Carol Bourke named hotelier of the year
Published:Wednesday | June 15, 2016 | 12:00 AM
Western Bureau:
Jamaica's only female managing director of a large hotel chain, Carol Bourke, has been named the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association's (JHTA) Hotelier of the Year.
Bourke, general manager of Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa and managing director of the Jewel Resorts group of hotels, has joined the ranks of Godfrey Dyer; Gordon 'Butch' Stewart; his son, Adam; Josef Forstmayr; Kevin Hendrickson; and Clifton Reader.
The veteran hotelier was selected by her peers at the JHTA annual general meeting at Sandals Ocho Rios last Saturday.
It was a touching affair as Bourke reminisced on the challenges her family went through three years ago when her husband, Richard Bourke, took ill.
UNPARALLELED WORK ETHIC
Boasting an illustrious career in the hospitality sector, Bourke, who joined the industry in 1984, was lauded for her unparalleled work ethic, attitude, strength, and interpersonal and communication skills.
Her expertise, the JHTA says, has enhanced the hospitality product.
Bourke, who received most of her experience at both SuperClubs and Wyndham resorts while at the helm of the Jewel brand, which is owned by Sagicor, has been awarded numerous accolades. These include, but are not limited to, the Aimbridge Hospitality President's award for four consecutive years between 2011 and 2014.
She and her team also received the Service Excellence Award 2013; Full Service Hotel of the Year 2012; Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2011 through 2015; and Apple Vacations Golden Apple Awards 2012 through 2015.
Other persons and entities honoured at the event included Tony Rebel, who received the Abe Issa Award for Excellence for his contribution to entertainment; as well as Kevin Hendrickson of the Hendrickson Group; and Gail Jackson of Negril Tree, who were recognised with lifetime achievement awards.
Michael Campbell, operator of Island Car Rentals, received the President's Award, and Purveyor of the Year went to Caribbean Producers Jamaica, while Knutsford Express received the Local Transportation Award. JetBlue Airways received the International Transport Award.