A number of workers in the tourism sector, with several years of long service, were honoured at the Golden Tourism Awards held last Sunday (December 11) at the AC Hotel in St Andrew.

In a ceremony for the Golden Tourism Day Awards, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett recognised employees who have worked in the tourism sector for 50 years or more.

“As minister of tourism, this particular occasion is one that is close to my heart, as we recognise and celebrate those distinguished workers who have dedicated 50 years or more to working in our beloved tourism industry,” said Bartlett.

“This moment is even more special as we continue on our path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. And, indeed, we are recovering and recovering strongly,” Bartlett continued.

This year’s Golden Tourism Awards honoured a total of 14 individuals who have worked for five decades or more in the island’s tourism sector. One of these individuals, Jean Seaga Anderson, received special recognition for having worked in the sector for 65 years.

The name Jean Anderson is well known in the travel industry, especially in the mid-island town of Mandeville in Jamaica, where she pioneered the operation of travel agencies.

Seaga Anderson’s 65 years of sterling service had its genesis in a six-month stint as a social hostess at Silver Seas Hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann. She opened the first IATA-certified travel agency, Global Travel Service, in Mandeville in 1974. 

She has captained its development through the years, from the agent having to make all arrangements for travel related matters manually to meeting the new technology demands by going digital.

Bartlett thanked the workers for their service over the years within the tourism sector.

“These awards are even more special because even when times were tough and borders were closed, it is the people here who remained dedicated to their jobs and helped us be able to welcome visitors back to our shores and to do so often in record-breaking numbers,” the minister said.

He continued: “I am truly honoured to have this opportunity to acknowledge and applaud your many years of commitment and dedication to this incredibly important sector that contributes so much to our nation’s economy. It is your legacies that have helped Jamaica become one of the leading tourism destinations in the world, both before the pandemic and now.”

Director of Tourism Donovan White joined Bartlett in saluting workers for their dedication to the sector over the years.

“Jamaica’s demand and success as a destination truly lies in the creativity and genuine hospitality of our people. We salute them for their years of hard work and dedication,” said White.