Almost 20 years of solid service at The Reefs hotel was rewarded at the weekend when Neal Stephens was named Bermuda Hotelier of the Year.

And veteran newsman Bryan Darby won the Visitor Industry Partnership (VIP) sunshine award for going the extra mile in pleasing tourists with his guided walks around Dockyard.

Mr. Stephens, the general manager of The Reefs, follows in the footsteps of other hoteliers such as his boss David Dodwell, Muriel Richardson of the Rosedon, Michael Winfield of Cambridge Beaches, Billy Griffith of the Harmony Club and Norman Mastalir of the Fairmont Southampton in being voted as the best by his peers.

Mr. Stephens was presented with his prize from Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) by Premier Jennifer Smith at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel on Saturday night.

The Bermudian father of four said he was humbled by the experience and would recommend his children to go into the industry.

He oversaw a recent multi-million expansion of The Reefs and has been at the helm when the Southampton resort picked up an avalanche of awards, including being best hotel in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda for three years in a row by Travel and Leisure magazine.

“It is something I love to do. I remember before college deciding on insurance or hotels and I am glad I chose hotels because I am not one to sit behind a desk and I love meeting people,” he said after accepting his award.

“Bermuda is a very, very special place and the hotel industry is a very rewarding career and I would encourage every Bermudian to be part of it.

“It is so rewarding when visitors come to our Island and leave and want to return. That is our goal. I am glad to be part of the expansion and success of the hotel.”

Mr. Stephens, a former Saltus Grammar student who worked at Elbow Beach and the Dinghy Club, has been general manager at The Reefs for nine years.

BHA chairman Mr. Mastalir said: “Neal was up against some very stiff competition. He is conscientious, he gives his best every day and he truly is the vision of the hotelier (of the year) we want.”

Mr. Darby, VSB's chief news correspondent, won the fourth quarter nomination for VIP sunshine ambassador, said he almost felt embarrassed at winning the award when he looked at the other nominees he had beaten.

“Ever since I have been here, I have seen the way they have done tourism in Bermuda and it has got to be the most special thing on Earth.

“When I think of (fellow nominee) Weldon Gilbert, 30 years at Triminghams and being polite every day, it is almost upsetting to win this.

“Journalists are not expected to win awards. We are the messengers, and doing the Dockyard walk is such a relief from the stress of journalism and I get to be funny.

“They laugh and they get to know about Bermuda and it is priceless. I've been doing this for 16 years and to get this award tonight is overwhelming.”

BHA executive director John Harvey was also given recognition for his dedication to tourism.