Philipsburg – The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is pleased to announce Interval International as the main International Sponsor for the Crystal Pineapple Awards to be held on Friday November 20th at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino. Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market since 1976.

“Interval is pleased to sponsor this year’s ceremony that will acknowledge individuals who make such important contributions to the tourism Industry. Their dedication and exemplary service helps make the island a special place to visit and a popular destination among our members”, said Neil Kolton, Interval’s director of resort sales and service for the Caribbean and Florida. Interval is an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, Inc., a leading global provider of non-traditional lodging, encompassing a portfolio of leisure businesses from exchange and vacation rental to vacation ownership. Interval International has been a long-time supporter of the tourism industry in the Caribbean – it has been involved in the region since 1977 when it affiliated its first Caribbean resort. Interval’s exchange network comprises more than 2,900 resorts in over 80 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs.

Today, as a Strategic Partner of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), a Board Member of CHTA, and a Board Member of Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Foundation, Interval remains committed to the region. “The SHTA is thrilled to have Interval International be a part of the 10th Annual Crystal Pineapple Award as our International Main Sponsor. This sponsorship indicates that the significance of the Crystal Pineapple Awards is being recognized internationally. We are very appreciative of Interval’s support of our association’s efforts to promote St. Maarten and the wonderful vacation experience we provide to many thousands of visitors every year,” said Executive Director Anenda Zaandam.

The Crystal Pineapple Award Ceremony, the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association’s largest annual event, will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year alongside the 45th Anniversary of the SHTA.

To date the Awards Gala is the ONLY event on the island that recognizes Hospitality & Trade personnel, organizations and associations for their contribution towards the tourism industry. During the 2015 “Night of the Industry Stars” themed Gala Awards, individuals who are employed in the Hospitality and Trade industry will receive awards in the categories of Accommodations, Restaurants & Bars, Trade, Timeshare, as well the category Outstanding Community Service Achievement, Best Entertainer of the year and Best Customer Service Representative.

Tickets for the Crystal Pineapple Awards are on sale for $150 dollars and can be purchased at the SHTA office on the Pond fill. Limited seating is available for the night as tickets sales are increasing. Therefore early purchase ensures a seat at this year’s spectacular 10th Anniversary Crystal Pineapple Awards and the 45th Anniversary celebration of the St. Maarten Hospitality and trade Association. The SHTA, the largest business representative on the island, is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail office@shta.com or visit our website www.shta.com .

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