Philipsburg – The videos of the nominees of the 10th Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards ceremony are now available for viewing on the Crystal Pineapple Awards Youtube channel. The videos are a new addition this year’s  to the press coverage of the nominees. The gala award ceremony themed “Night of the Industry Stars” will take place on Friday November 20th, 2015 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino at 7pm.

The press coverage and festivities started early,  with nominees personally receiving their nomination certificates from the Director and Staff of the SHTA in September. Nominees were surprised at their workplace where they received their certificate, a Pineapple pin to be worn for all to recognize their nomination status, participated in a photoshoot and made a video. The Weekender Edition in The Daily Herald has featured the nominees for the past few weeks leading into the video presentations. The Industry Stars have also been featured on the Crystal Pineapple Awards Facebook page and SHTA website.  The videos are the last installment of the press coverage for the nominees. Viewing of the videos can be done by selecting the Crystal Pineapple Awards Page on YouTube, or by following the link on the SHTA website www.shta.com and Crystal Pineapple Awards Facebook page.

The voting period for 10th Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards officially opened on October 19th, 2015. This Crystal Pineapple Awards has put YOU in the perfect position to vote for those individuals and organizations you think should be recognized for their outstanding performance in the Hospitality, Tourism and Trade Industry. May it be an excellent employee, an outstanding manager, your favorite chef, bartender or any of the other nominees. Voting s can be done by following the link on the Crystal Pineapple Awards Facebook page as well as on the SHTA website  www.shta.com . Simply click on the link  and vote for your favorite. The polls will close on Sunday November 15th, 2015 at 12 noon. Remember that your vote can brighten a candidate’s already shining star!

The Award Ceremony, the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association’s largest annual event, will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. 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 island and in particular the tourism industry. During the 2015 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.

The  gala evening will include a sumptuous dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction, a raffle and much more. This year’s 10 anniversary will also feature some additional surprises to commemorate the Awards Gala Milestone. In addition the SHTA will be commemorating its 45th Anniversary. “This will be a double celebration for the Association, which should not be missed”, said SHTA.

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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