Gerald Christ is Hotelier of the Year
SANDALS ROYAL Caribbean’s Gerald Christ topped the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s (JHTA) national awards at the organisation’s 57th anniversary annual general meeting at the Moon Palace hotel in Ocho Rios recently when he was named Hotelier of the Year.
Christ, a 40-year veteran who has spent the last 12 years with Sandals Resort International climbing the ladder to the position of general manager, is credited for his excellent analytical skills, sound business insight and capabilities as a goal-and result-oriented professional.
“His ability to motivate and energise has resulted in the maintenance of a highly enthusiastic team,” said the JHTA, noting that his leadership has resulted in increased ADR – the average rental income per paid occupied room in a given time period – profitability, and hotel occupancy.
Christ, who was born in Austria, first came to Jamaica in 1984 and worked as a trainee at the Half Moon Club before moving on to the Trident Villas and Hotel in Port Antonio, Portland.
The man, respected for his customer-service skills, shared the spotlight with junior member of the Sandals team, Kadeen Black, a front-desk agent.
“The exemplary work of persons such as Christ and Black embody what has made Jamaica,” stated JHTA President Omar Robinson.