Regent Palms Turks & Caicos’ general manager and industry veteran Karen Whitt is the latest winner of the ‘Top General Manager Worldwide’ title from the prestigious Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence.

Whitt has been general manager of Regent Palms since 2011, and a leader in the Caribbean hospitality industry since 1999.

She has been recognised as Hotelier of the Year at the Turks & Caicos STAR Awards in the past, as voted by the local industry players.

Luxury Travel Advisor, part of Questex Travel Group, hosts the Awards of Excellence to award suppliers that deliver outstanding experience and provide top-notch service around the world.

The Awards of Excellence Advisory Board, an invitation-only panel of travel advisors, hand-select a collection of hotels, cruise lines, restaurants and individuals as nominees.

The publication’s travel advisor readership determines the winners through an online ballot.

Eighteen general managers worldwide were nominated in the category.

Winners were announced on March 24th, 2014.

“To receive such an accolade in the company of so many distinguished hoteliers gives me a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction,” said Whitt.

“To win such a prestigious award is testament to the quality of our tourism product in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and especially to all the hardworking staff, management and owners at Regent Palms who have supported me, and I am so honoured that our team efforts have been recognised.

“This award is particularly satisfying for me personally as it also reinforces to our guests, owners and industry partners our commitment to providing first-class experiences while maintaining the highest standards.”

Whitt is on the board of directors and former five-year president of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association.

She was appointed to serve on both the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board.

She presently serves on the marketing committee for the Caribbean Hotel & Tourist Association for the past five years.

She is actively involved with a number of charitable and civic organisations, including the Red Cross and the National Cancer Society.