St. George’s, January 15, 2010 – Renowned Grenadian hotelier, Sir Royston Hopkin, has set a standard for excellence in the tourism industry that is worthy to be emulated by other tourism stakeholders, says Tourism Minister Hon. Glynis Roberts.
 
 She made the remark in response to the announcement that Sir Royston, chairman and owner of Spice Island Beach Resort, had received the prestigious Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.
 
 The globally-recognized award, for “outstanding leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism,’’ is given to persons who are considered as having achieved top quality in the industry.
 
 Sir Royston, who is also a founding-member and current chairman of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, received the award at the recent Caribbean Marketplace held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
 
 “I want to commend Sir Royston, his family and the staff at Spice Island Beach Resort, for receiving yet another outstanding service award,’’ said Mrs. Roberts, who is also Minister of Civil Aviation. “They have established a standard that taxi operators, vendors and other in the tourism sector could emulate as we work together to enhance the tourism product in Grenada.’’
 
 The Minister described Sir Royston as “an ambassador for Grenada. He’s someone who has been flying our flag high for many, many years.’’
 
 Spice Island Beach Resort was also the recent recipient of the Green Globe Certification Award for operating at the world’s highest environmental standards.
 
 Guido Bauer, chief executive officer of Green Globe Certification, said Spice Island Beach Resort had “demonstrated their commitment to care for the natural environment and to engage their staff and the local communities.’’
 
 He called the Grenada holiday facility “a beacon for sustainable operation and management of resort properties across the Caribbean.’’
 
 Minister Roberts, in congratulating Sir Royston, thanked him for “making Grenada proud. He’s a man of remarkable personal and professional achievements and I want to wish him continued success.’’