The Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) honoured the region’s outstanding travel industry partners in Europe by presenting them with the “Crystal Palm Awards for Excellence,” at a black tie champagne reception and dinner. Four companies, one government, and two individuals were awarded the highest marketing honor presented by CHA at the event, held at the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel, in London, just prior to the opening of the 2004 World Travel Market.The winners were as follows:

Airline
- Air Jamaica Ltd.

UK Tour Operator
- Virgin Holidays

European Tour Operator
- Tropical Places Ireland

Trade Press
- TTG

Government
- St Lucia

Individual
- Sir Richard Branson

The honorees are chosen based on feedback from CHA members who attend the event in London. “The Crystal Palm Awards is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to those people and organizations in the all-important European marketplace that have played a major role in our revival over the past year,” said Alec Sanguinetti, director general and CEO of CHA.

In attendance were delegates from major supplier companies in the United Kingdom and Europe, along with European and North American trade and consumer press.

Many CHA hotel and allied members as well as Caribbean Tourism Organization ministers and directors of tourism also attended. Guests were treated to a taste of true Caribbean hospitality, featuring a four-course Caribbean menu prepared by 2004 Caribbean Chef of the Year John Hazzard, of Barbados.
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