Above: George Markantonis (CJ Photo)

By Alexander Britell

MONTEGO BAY — George Markantonis has been named the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association announced on Sunday evening.

Markantonis, a native of Zimbabwe, is the president and managing director of Kerzner International Bahamas and the president and managing director at Atlantis Paradise Island.

“It’s a real honour for me to receive this award and to be recognized,” he said Sunday evening. “We know that for every job we create in the Bahamas, the trickle effect is another 1.4 jobs in the local economy. So we take our responsibility very seriously.”

Atlantis is the largest resort and largest private employer in the Bahamas.

“We know that when we catch a cold, everyone else gets pneumonia — and it’s very important for us to make sure that we stay on track,” he said.

Markantonis has served in his position since 2005. He is also the former CEO of Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.

It was the 33rd time the association gave out the award, which is the CHTA’s highest honour.

Atlantis has hosted the Caribbean Travel Marketplace three times.