The nominees for the latest batch of the Visitor Industry Partnership Sunshine Awards have been unveiled.

The programme is designed to highlight Bermuda residents who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to make a visitor’s stay in Bermuda extra special.

In the next few weeks a VIP judging committee will choose the winner of this quarter from the 33 nominees.

The winner will receive a Sunshine Award Pin and a congratulatory lunch with the Minister of Tourism, Shawn Crockwell, as well as a complimentary hotel stay with breakfast and dinner.

Nominees for the latest quarter include bus drivers, taxi drivers, hotel staff and tour guides from across the island.

“The goal of the Sunshine Awards is to demonstrate that everyone can play a positive role in the rejuvenation of Bermuda’s tourism industry by meeting and exceeding visitor expectations,” Dr Barbara O’Shaughnessy, chairwoman of the committee, said.

“VIP wants to give recognition and create awareness that sometimes, it’s about the little things that we do, that can leave a lasting and positive impression on our visitors. Our nominees have demonstrated authentic Bermudian hospitality which has caused a visitor to take the time to write to VIP about their experiences.”

VIP will choose an overall winner from the four quarterly winners and that person will be recognised and congratulated at the next VIP Excellence Awards.

The visitor who made the nomination will be invited back to Bermuda with a complimentary hotel stay.

Stephen Todd, CEO of the Bermuda Hotel Association and Hotel Employers of Bermuda (HEB): “The Bermuda Hotel Association and the Hotel Employers of Bermuda are extremely pleased to acknowledge the importance that the Sunshine Award places on recognising the role that our residents from every sector of our community play in ensuring that our visitors have an enjoyable vacation experience through the hospitality and courtesies which they afford to them during their stay with us.

“We fully support this important programme, and commend the VIP for their work in recognising the unsung ambassadors who support and promote our tourism and hospitality industry. We congratulate them and salute their tireless efforts.”