GVB and GHRA recognize excellence in tourism

The Guam Visitors Bureau and the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association honored 95 nominees and 25 winners on Tuesday, August 13, at the HERO (Hospitality Employees Are Outstanding) and Golden Latte Awards during a special ceremony at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort's Grand Ballroom in Tumon.

Accoring to a GVB release, the awards celebrate individuals and companies for their outstanding contributions to the tourism community.

Mary P. Rhodes, president of GHRA, in her opening remarks, emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring employees who contribute to the prosperity of Guam's tourism industry. She said that such acknowledgment is, “Essential in maintaining Guam's distinctive visitor experience." Rhodes highlighted that as the industry rebuilds, GHRA is committed to advocating for the sector and facilitating career development. She said, "When we identify healthy spirit, working behavior, non-supervisory and supervisory, you're really talking about that career ladder, with everybody reaching to middle management and, of course, executive leadership."

Rhodes also noted the current challenges facing the industry, particularly labor shortages, and said, "Through events like this, we can truly promote the benefits of why it's important to work in our industry and to be proud of it." She affirmed GHRA's commitment to the growth and enhancement of the tourism sector, saying, "We all play a crucial role in boosting our island's economy through a steadfast dedication to service excellence. That's really part of our mission at GHRA, is service excellence and that we continue to inspire the new generation of talent, but also (foster in) a new slate of innovative services.” mbj 

For more photos, click here see our gallery for the HERO and Golden Latte Awards.

Winners for the HERO Awards include the following:
(provided by GVB)

Håfa Adai Spirit
Floyd Waguk (Pacific Islands Club)
Ernest Chonggum (B&G Pacific)

Rookie of The Year
Christopher Crame (Hilton Guam Resort & Spa)
Thomas Steven S.N. Cruz (Pacific Islands Club)

Life Saving
Setiel Velasco (Hyatt Regency Guam)
Ryan Yarofalpiy (Hyatt Regency Guam)

Integrity
James Ordona (Dusit Thani Guam)                            
Jaime Antonio (The Tsubaki Tower)
Dorothy Nemarhmwar (RIHGA Royal Laguna Guam Resort)
Mary Ann E. Ablania (McDonald’s of Guam)

Non-Supervisory
Hillary Ann Joker (Hotel Nikko Guam)
Anthony Nericua (Hilton Guam Resort & Spa)

Supervisory
Jacilyn Calvo (Hyatt Regency Guam)
Roy Galao (Hyatt Regency Guam)

Middle Management
Kinara Buekea (Hyatt Regency Guam)
Queenelyn Luna Izar (Hyatt Regency Guam)


Winners for the Golden Latte Awards include the following:
(provided by GVB)

Håfa Adai Spirit
Supernatural Legends of Guam Display (Hilton Guam Resort & Spa)

Sustainability
The Westin Resort Guam

Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction
Super American Circus (Pacific Islands Club Guam)

Most Outstanding Tourism Promotion
HYMarket (Hyatt Regency Guam)

Most Outstanding Tour Operator
Kloppenburg Enterprises, Inc. (KEI)

Best Allied Member
Atkins Kroll Guam, Inc.

Best Restaurateur Member
Akihiro Tani (Fish Eye Marine Park)

Best Hotelier Member
Dean Huntsman (Dusit Thani Guam)

Golden Latte Individual award
Sophia Chu Wigsten (Hyatt Regency Guam)

To view the ceremony, click here: GHRA Facebook post of HERO and Golden Latte Awards