George Markantonis, president and managing director, Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas (pictured center) was named “Caribbean Hotelier of the Year” and was presented the Golden Conch Award by Jeffrey Vasser, CHA (left), director general & CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), and Peter C. Yesawich (right), vice chairman, MMGY Global.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and MMGY Global presented the “Caribbean Hotelier of the Year” award to hospitality veteran George Markantonis, president and managing director, Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas at the annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace here.

Markantonis is the 34th recipient of the award, which recognizes excellence in all areas of operations, as well as a commitment to the training and development of staff, contributions to the community, and a demonstrated commitment to sound environmental practices. The award also acknowledges each recipient’s active role in both national and regional issues affecting Caribbean tourism.

In 2005, Markantonis assumed the leadership of Atlantis, Paradise Island as president and managing director and has overseen its rapid expansion into the iconic and most successful destination resort in the Caribbean. Atlantis boasts 8,000 employees and 3,400 rooms in six hotels, including the 1,100 room Cove and Reef hotels, a 100,000 square foot convention center, over 50 restaurants, bars and lounges, a 140 acre water theme park, two marinas, a variety of retail facilities and the largest casino in the Caribbean.

Under Markantonis’ leadership, Atlantis has also supported training and educational programs for employees, including working with local high school and post-secondary training institutions on the development of chefs through apprenticeship programs, and providing support for scholarship initiatives and culinary competitions including the Taste of The Bahamas and CHTA’s Taste of The Caribbean.

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com