Bermuda Server Awarded CTA of the Year

A server at the Fairmont Southampton has been named the Tourism Ambassador of the Year by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Gary Pitt, 29, said: “My daily goal I set for myself is to make sure that our guests have a memorable experience while I serve them.

“I love giving them ideas on what to do while on the island, places to eat and history about the island.”

Mr Pitt, a graduate of Florida's Full Sail University and a drummer in the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band & Corps of Drums, thought it was his love of showing visitors a truly Bermudian experience that helped him win.

He said: “I'm outgoing. I like to meet people, so it was fitting that I came into this industry.

“I like sharing my experience. The joy is through meeting new people, sharing the love for my island and also working with great people who put their all into making the guest experience great.”

Mr Pitt has also worked to pass his love of hospitality on to younger Bermudians.

He volunteered to teach students telephone and table etiquette, lectured at the Bermuda Hospitality Institute's Waiter-Server programme and has served as maître d' at annual charity event Plates of Passion for the past five years.

Mr Pitt was one of six certified tourism ambassadors honoured for their contributions to tourism.

Dwayne Caines took home the prize for accommodation; Phillip Anderson was honoured for travel services; Alec DeSilva won the award for transportation; John Dale won for recreation and entertainment; and Dee Simmons lifted the trophy for local ambassador.

Karla Lacey, BTA chief operating officer, said the CTA programme had helped spotlight the island's “hospitality front line” since it launched in 2014.

Ms Lacey added: “We've now reached the stage where individuals are able to receive international recognition for the work they do, which is a good thing for the industry and for Bermuda.”

Rasheeda Burgess, BTA tourism standards and training manager, said: “We are proud of our CTA stars who have been recognised by their peers for being great examples of those who exceed customer expectations, possess wide knowledge of Bermuda and support their fellow ambassadors and the local tourism industry.

“We are especially proud to recognise Gary Pitt, who not only demonstrates the above characteristics but continues to represent the ideals of Bermudian hospitality to our visitors every day.”