The Gleaner's 'Hospitality Jamaica' writer, Claudia Gardner (right), receives the American Express, Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) Award for Excellence in Print Journalism, while Minister of Tourism, Aruba, Edison Briesen (left), presents the award for Travel Features to Els Kroon, a freelance writer of the Curaao newspaper 'Amigoe', at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Conference (CHTC) in Miami, Florida, on Sunday night. - Photo by Janet Silvera

Janet Silvera, Senior Tourism Writer

Miami, Florida:

The Gleaner's tourism trade publication, Hospitality Jamaica, has copped another Caribbean media award for its contribution to raising awareness of the impact of tourism in the region.

The publication's freelance writer, Claudia Gardner, was honoured for Excellence in Print Journalism at the Fifth Annual American Express Tourism Media Awards at the Caribbean Hotel Association's (CHA) Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Miami, Florida, on Sunday night.

Ms. Gardner, who was awarded for her three articles: 'Marine litter threatens ecotourism', 'Environmental ebb and flow', and 'Our coral reefs are disappearing', which appeared in Hospitality Jamaica, shared the spotlight with fellow scribes Gabriel Parra, a reporter with Puerto Rico's Caribbean Business and Els Kroon, a freelance writer for the Curaao newspaper Amigoe.

Parra was named Travel and Tourism Writer of the Year - a new award presented for the first time in 2007, while Kroon received the award for Travel Features.

"This series (Claudia's) offered an impactful look at a crucial resource that needs protection in our Caribbean region. Her research and writing provided outstanding examples of reporting that would be recognised anywhere in the world," said Lucy Barrios, account manager - Destination Markets, American Express, as she commended Ms. Gardner's articles.

Knowledge for the region

Lauding the efforts of the three journalists, she said: "These reporters and writers are doing an extra-ordinary job of bringing the world of tourism to the people of the Caribbean."

Barrios noted that these issues provide an important awareness for the region, as they help all to focus on the importance of travel and tourism which, in turn, helps to stimulate a better understanding of the industry.

CHA and American Express established the awards programme in 2002, with the aim of raising awareness in the region, by fostering excellence in tourism reporting.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com