The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on June 01, 2024 held its annual THAG Awards Dinner and Auction at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, celebrating the outstanding achievements of its members and their significant contributions to the tourism industry.

The evening began with a lively cocktail session, where attendees enjoyed a variety of beverages, including SAK, a non-alcoholic drink produced and bottled by the Institute of Applied Science and Technology. Made from the same purple potatoes used to create traditional Amerindian beverages such as ‘fly’ and ‘piwari’, SAK was a unique and refreshing highlight of the event.

Each year, THAG members nominate and vote for award recipients, with the exception of the prestigious Hall of Fame Award, which is voted for by the Executive Members. This year, THAG introduced two new awards: the Street Food Award, determined by social media voting, and the President’s Choice Award, selected by the THAG President.

The winners of the 2024 THAG Awards are:

• Hotel of the Year: Grand Coastal Hotel
• Resort/Lodge of the Year: Baganara Island Resort
• Restaurant of the Year: Grand Coastal Hotel
• Tour Operator of the Year: Wilderness Explorers
• Tour Guide of the Year: Leon Moore
• Tourism Supporting Services: Mattai the Food Market and Maggie’s Catering Inc
• Top Domestic Airline Catering to Tourism: Trans Guyana Airways
• Top Performing Port of Entry: Cheddi Jagan International Airport
• Best Street Food Award: Exclusive Eggball
• Hall of Fame/Lifetime Award: Gem Eytle of Frandec Travel Service
• President’s Choice Awards: Jane Miller OBE and Environmental Management Consultants

Additionally, five ‘Tourism Angels’ were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the industry:

• Sonia Williams Peters, Advisory Security Supervisor at Cheddi Jagan International Airport
• Wazeed Manjour, Taxi Driver attached to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport
• Luan Pellew, Trans Guyana staff member at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport
• Sandra Fraser, Guest Environment Expert at the Guyana Marriott Hotel
• Kevin Glasgow, In-Room Dining Guest Service Expert at the Guyana Marriott Hotel

The THAG Awards Dinner & Auction not only highlights the excellence within the industry but also serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit that drives the tourism sector forward. The event’s success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all THAG members and the broader tourism community in Guyana.