*UPDATE: We have recently announced an extension to the deadline, moving it from the 8^th to the 15^th of June

Nominations for the 2018 Cayman Stingray Tourism Awards are open and the deadline for submissions is midnight on Friday, 8^thJune* [now 15th]  2018.  Gaetan Babin, CITA Events Planning Committee member and Director at the Wyndham Reef Resort, shares that once a year the Association has this wonderful opportunity to showcase the best contributors within the Tourism Industry.  He states “This is that one opportunity we get to recognize our talented and committed team members in fine style in front of Government Officials and Industry Leaders.  Recognition is a significant motivator for employee retention. The nominees that are submitted will all have their fifteen seconds of fame and one lucky nominee per category will receive a Prestigious Glass Stingray.”  Mr. Babin further commented on the Association’s commitment to making the Awards a consistent yearly deliverable. “This is a sold-out event every year, and we encourage all members to submit nominations early and reserve your tables or seat as soon as possible. We are back at the Ritz-Carlton again which promises to surpass expectations for an evening that has been referred to as the ‘Cayman Oscars’.”  All planning committee members and the board and staff teams are looking forward to this occasion.

CITA members may nominate top performers (manager or employee) in the following categories:

• Accommodations (condominiums/villas and hotels)
• Watersports
• Restaurants
• Allied, Attractions and Transportation (Allied includes retail, services, media, arts and entertainment)

In addition to the categories above, there is a Rising Star Award which is presented to a newcomer to the industry who shows promise in the field of tourism.  There is also the Diamond Award (previously referred to as Long Service Award).  This will be awarded to an industry veteran who has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Lastly, there is the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award that will be presented on the night.  Only CITA member organizations are eligible for these awards.  CITA welcomes new members to the Association, and applications can be processed before the Awards to ensure inclusion of a wider cross-section of candidates. For further information on the rules and regulations and how to nominate an outstanding employee or manager, persons may visit the webpagehttps://www.cita.ky/stingrayawards

CITA is actively seeking sponsors to come on board.  Companies interested in sponsoring this event may contact the office at [email protected] or 1(345) 949-8522.  The awards will be held on Tuesday 17^th July 2018 starting with a 6:00pm cocktail reception and dinner and Awards Ceremony at 7:00 p.m.  CITA warmly welcomes the public to attend and tickets for the event can be reserved through the CITA office for CI$90 per person, or $850 for a table of ten.