Leon Norville of Sandals Grande Antigua was named Young Hotelier of the Year at the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, an event that celebrated standout performers across the country’s tourism sector.
The gala, held on November 29 under the theme “Mirror Ball Gala: A Time to Reflect and Shine,” brought together industry leaders for a night highlighting excellence in service, leadership, and innovation.
The ceremony was presented by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA).
Norville’s award was among several presented by the ABHTA, which also recognized Albev Wade of Blue Waters Resort & Spa as Employee of the Year, Sophia Welch of Mill Reef Club as Supervisor of the Year, Shemaiah Gordon of Royalton Antigua as Rising Star of the Year, Kahendi Jackson of Hermitage Bay as Young Chef of the Year, and Jean-Pierre Tuitt of Jumby Bay Island as Chef of the Year.
The ABTA’s Social Media Excellence Award went to Antigua Inside Out, represented by Qasim Henry.
The Ministry of Tourism also honored top performers across frontline roles, including Sandy Ramsaran of Sandals Grande Antigua for Customer Service Excellence, Jahlyn Turner of the Immigration Department as Port Frontline Employee of the Year, Philbert John Baptiste of South Coast Horizons as Tour Guide of the Year, and Ian Richards of United Taxi Company Antigua Ltd as Transportation Service Provider of the Year.
Special recognition was given to Annette Michael for 33 years of service in the industry and to Cleo Henry for contributions to training and workforce development.
A posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award honored the legacy of Alexandre de Brito e Cunha for his decades of leadership and support to the ABHTA.
