For the fifth consecutive year, Coco Reef Resort & Spa, Tobago, has been recognised at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony that acknowledges significant achievements in all areas of the travel and tourism industry, this year being voted in as Caribbean’s Leading Hotel.
The accolade was awarded based on a worldwide poll of travel agencies and travel professionals - over two million votes are cast during the five-month independent survey period. Criteria used to evaluate companies and organisations include customer service, technology, operational efficiency, product offering and style. 

Coco Reef Tobago, which first opened its doors in 1996, has been the recipient of numerous accolades for the hotel’s facilities and consistently outstanding service. Its previous triumphs at the WTA have included ‘Best Luxury Resort in the Caribbean’ from 2002 to 2005 and ‘Tobago’s Leading Hotel’ in 2005.

Coco Reef’s owner John Jefferis recently stated: “the recognition and numerous awards that we have received is further proof that Coco Reef - Tobago is a World Class resort.”
Commenting on receiving a World Travel Award at last week’s ceremony in Turks and Caicos, Jefferis remarked: “We are very honoured to receive the award. Although I have over $48 million invested in the property, continually we are told by are guests that it is the staff that sets Coco Reef above and apart from other Hotels in the
Caribbean.”

One recent example of Coco Reef’s innovative leadership-style, is a recent incentive scheme launched at its sister resort in Bermuda, to encourage tourists to continue travelling to Bermuda in light of the new passport legislation.
Bermuda is the latest Caribbean destination to adopt the new passport rule that will require all American citizens to carry a passport in order to re-enter the US.
The new policy, which will come into effect on January 8th 2007, is designed to thwart terrorists from exploiting the relative ease of travel in North America, but it is also expected to have a great impact on Bermuda’s tourism industry if estimations that only 22% of American’s have a passport are accurate.
In a bid to prevent travelers from being deterred to the Bermuda region, Coco Reef Bermuda will pay for their passports by way of a $97.00 food and beverage credit at the resort for all Coco Reef guests who have bought a new passport specifically for the trip.

According to Jefferis: “The new passport requirement for US citizens visiting Bermuda is a potential threat to the dramatic tourism growth that we have enjoyed this year. By re-imbursing our customers for the cost of purchasing a passport we will not only provide an incentive to encourage Americans to visit Bermuda, but also raise the awareness of exactly what documentation is required for a Bermuda Vacation commencing in January of next year.”
Coco Reef Bermuda has reported steady 90% occupancies since March, an increase of over 33% on 2005 results.

According to Jefferis the increase in tourism arrivals is a direct result of the new policies put in place by the Department of Tourism, and a significant investment in marketing by Coco Reef Resorts.

He warns that in today’s competitive industry, there is no time for complacency: “In light of our customer’s continually increasing expectations with regards to the cost/value ratio we must take advantage of this more positive business climate in Bermuda, and use it as an opportunity to invest in, and further upgrade our properties.”

 

 

In other developments, Coco Reef Bermuda will be opening a new Beach Bar Grill in coming months. Jefferis also revealed he is seeking planning approval for 66 Luxury Suites.

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