where one lucky person walked off with a $20,000 prize.

The first Visitor Industry Partnership Excellence Awards were held on Saturday evening, honouring the employees who make Bermuda's tourism business tick.

And an 81-year-old lady dedicated to sharing her Island knowledge with thousands of visitors was chosen as the hospitality worker who has given most and who has set the best example to young people.

An overwhelmed Elsbeth Gibson was chosen as Minister of Tourism's "best of the best'' awardee -- an accolade for her 40 years service to the hospitality industry.

She joined fourteen other finalists who were chosen as winners of their respective categories -- ranging from front desk, waiter, tour guides, to taxi drivers and administration.

Hospitality heroes honoured Mrs. Gibson, who won a holiday as well as a $20,000 Bank of N.T. Butterfield Money Market Fund, said: "It was wonderful. I was completely amazed and had no idea I would receive it.

"It was probably for the being the oldest, who has been doing it the most for the longest time.'' Tourism Minister David Allen and Graham Brooks, Bank of Butterfield executive vice president of international and trust, presented her with the prize at the Oscars-style ceremony at the Southampton Princess.

Mrs. Gibson, who came to Bermuda from Seattle in 1954, has worked with tourism in many different positions. Currently, she is a host at Fort Hamilton, the Number One Shed fashion show and also for the Gombeys.

She also finds time to work as a tour guide at the BUEI and hosts other activities.

"I do it because I simply love Bermuda and want very much to keep it beautiful,'' she said.

Over 300 hoteliers, tourism officials and guests attended the gala, which is to be an annual event.

Mr. Allen said the 43 nominees were national treasures and were ideal role models for young people considering a career in hospitality.

"When we have people who are committed to excellence in their professions, nobody can tell me we can't reinvent Bermuda tourism with people like this,'' he said.

And he said that some of the winners would be accompanying tourism officials on overseas roadshows and would be going into schools to spread the word.

VIP chairman Eugene Blakeney commended the finalists, who he said were the heroes of the industry.

He said the winners, who came from every section of the industry, had the self motivation, attitude, work ethic and dedication.

The winners were as follows; Best doorman, Wayne Brangman, Southampton Princess; best front desk, Roz Rawlins, Southampton Princess; best concierge June Ann Furbert, Grotto Bay; best waiter, Herbert Duarte, Southampton Princess; best bartender, Malcolm Johnston, Harmony Club; best chef, Fred Ming, Bermuda College; best entertainer, Alan Lottimore, airport; heart of house, Gerald Simons, Rosedon; housekeeping, Cynthia Simons, the Reefs; best conventions, Brian Flanagan, Southampton Princess; transportation, Lucille Woolridge, taxi driver; tour guide, Elsbeth Gibson; administration, Nicola Russo, La Trattoria; young person with most promise, Antoine Smith, Southampton Princess; best retail store employee, Edith Godwin, Harbourmaster.

Minister of Tourism's best of the best award, Elsbeth Gibson.

VIP presentation: Tourism Minister David Allen at the Visitor Industry Partnership awards.