thebahamasweekly.com - Bahamas Minister of Tourism Receives APEX Award at National Association of Black Hotel Owners

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Ministry of Tourism Updates
Bahamas Minister of Tourism Receives APEX Award at National Association of Black Hotel Owners
By Anita Johnson-Patty
Jul 22, 2014 - 10:52:14 PM

Pictured from left to right are Juanita Walton Jay, Mistress of Ceremonies, Solomon Herbert, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine, Gloria Herbert, Associate Publisher, Black Meetings and Tourism, Minister of Tourism, The Honorable Obie Wilchcombe, PG Sands, Andy Ingraham, Founder and President of NABHOOD, and Roy Jay, Master of Ceremonies

Wilchcombe was applauded for his efforts to advance The Bahamas’ tourism industry

Miami, Florida - Demonstrating a great love and passion for his country, Minister of Tourism, The Honorable Obie Wilchcombe became the newest APEX (APEX symbolizes the level of excellence) award recipient as the three-day hotel investment came to close last weekend.

In his acceptance speech, the tourism minister said being recognized by industry professionals is an added bonus for a job that he “loves and finds such pleasure in doing.”

And while he is honored by this accomplishment, he assured attendees that he remains committed to ensuring that The Bahamas as a destination remains competitive, relevant and attractive to the millions of visitors that come to the Bahamian shores annually, many of whom are from the African-American Diaspora.

“I am a Bahamian, a generation that’s carrying on the dream and is committed to the work we have to do. I want all of you to understand that our country is your country. Come and visit our country. Over the years, we have had such wonderful partners who have helped us to build our country and provide for the more than 350,000 Bahamian residents,” Wilchcombe said proudly.

“And when you come to our country, you’re going to appreciate why we are so proud, why we stand and tell the world it’s better in The Bahamas because we live it, we walk it, we show it and we truly believe it.”

Wilchombe publicly thanked those responsible for bestowing him with this prestigious honor.

Other award recipients include Arnold Donald, President and CEO of the Carnival Corporation, Merrett Stierheim, former President of the Miami-Dade Visitors and Convention Bureauand H. T. Smith, Founding President of the Black Lawyers Association of Dade County.

Like those before him, Wilchcombe has demonstrated his ability to provide long-term benefits for The Bahamas’ travel industry and represents a national level prominence for a number of years.

Hank Thomas, a legendary Civil Rights icon and freedom fighter was also honored at the awards dinner.