In a celebration of excellence across the tourism sector, the 2025 GIMIES, held earlier this week, honoured both grassroots and large-scale tourism service providers for their outstanding contributions throughout 2024. From hotel staff to independent operators, the awards spotlighted individuals and organisations that have made an impact on the industry.
Full List of Winners
Individual Awards
- Small Hotel Employee of the Year: Bradley Joseph – Anse Chastanet Resort
- Medium Hotel Employee of the Year: Christus Gill – Zoetry Marigot Bay
- Large Hotel Employee of the Year: Terroll Compton – Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
- Collection de Pepites Employee of the Year: Shamiah Esnard – Paradise Hotel St Lucia
- Land-Based Transportation Employee of the Year: Iselma Phillip – Hibiscus Tours Saint Lucia
- Marine-Based Transportation Employee of the Year: Vernessa Williams – Dive Saint Lucia / Scuba Steve & Diving
- Sites and Adventure Employee of the Year: Angel St Hill Jean – Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, Sulphur Springs Park
- Tourism and Hospitality Student of the Year: Tecla Summer Alexis – UWI Global Campus
- Independent Tour Guide of the Year: Jn Louis Mathurin – Father Nature Adventures
- Independent Restaurant Employee of the Year: Jaime Henry – Artisan Restaurant
- Craft and Souvenir Retailer of the Year: Gilliano Louis – Chezel Arts
- Port Employee of the Year: Salès Jessica George – Soufriere Regional Development Foundation
- People’s Choice Award: Ile Dominique
- Youth in Tourism Award: Denise Nelson – InstaComfort
Culminating the night’s individual honours was the Lifetime Achiever Award, presented to Joyce Destang, OBE, Founder and Managing Director of the Bay Gardens Resorts. A teacher by profession, Destang made a bold leap into tourism three decades ago—then a rarity for a Saint Lucian woman. With support from her brother, Gregory Glace, and a passion for the island, she built the locally owned and operated resort group into a nationally celebrated success story.
Three additional individuals received Special Recognition Awards for their decades of service, policy advocacy, and contributions to community development:
- Lucien Joseph – Land Transportation
- Mary Calderon – Tour Guiding
- Patrick Nicholas – Marine Transportation
Organisational Awards
- Small Hotel of the Year: East Winds St Lucia
- Medium Hotel of the Year: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
- Large Hotel of the Year: Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort
- Collection de Pepites Property of the Year: Sky Luxury Villa
- Land-Based Tourism Transportation Business of the Year: Panoramic Excursions Ltd.
- Marine-Based Tourism Transportation Business of the Year: Sugar Boat Charters Inc.
- Sites and Adventure Business of the Year: Soufriere Hotwire Rides Inc.
- Wedding and Events Planner of the Year: Cap Estate Garden Weddings
- Independent Restaurant of the Year: Artisan Restaurant
- Destination Management Company of the Year: Solar Tours and Travel
Special Awards
- Community-Based Tourism Award: Soufriere Regional Development Foundation
- Sustainable Tourism Award: Anse Chastanet Resort
- Tourism Education and Training Award: National Skills Development Centre
- Tourism Social Impact Award: Soufriere Regional Development Foundation
- Tourism Innovation Award: Panoramic Excursions Ltd.
The GIMIES are presented by the Ministry of Tourism, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, and the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (Tourism Enhancement Fund).
