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Tourism Awards Press Release
Contact: CITA 435-936-9353
info@cita.ky
Cayman Islands Tourism Association Honors Excellence at 2025 Stingray Tourism Awards
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Sept. 22, 2025 — The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Stingray Tourism Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the nation’s tourism industry, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony was held on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort.
The evening celebrated excellence across key sectors—accommodations, restaurants, transportation, attractions and watersports. More than 140 guests attended, including government o icials, industry leaders, and tourism professionals representing all three islands.
Acting Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Trade Development, Hon. Johany S.
“Jay” Ebanks, delivered remarks on behalf of Deputy Premier Hon. Gary Rutty, MP. Minister Ebanks commended the honorees for their dedication and professionalism, highlighting their vital role in strengthening the Cayman Islands’ world-class tourism sector.
“We are immensely proud of the 34 nominees recognized for their outstanding contributions to Tourism and Hospitality. It was a true honor to celebrate their dedication to service, which is at the heart of what makes our islands so extraordinary,” said Sharlene Brenkus, President of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association.
2025 Stingray Tourism Award Winners
Employees of the Year
Accommodations: Verona McLean – Cayman Brac Beach Resort
Restaurant: Armand Dilbert – The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman (Saint June Restaurant)
Transportation: Jevon Nickelson – Dollar/Thrifty Auto Rental
Watersports: Ragime Powery – Divetech Managers of the Year
Accommodations: Sandrine Dixneuf – The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman (Spa)
Watersports: Nicci Paul – Red Sail Sports
Allied/Attractions: Archie Whittaker – Cayman Crystal Caves
Restaurant: Joan Walsh-Simms – Seven Restaurant (The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman) Rising Star
Accommodations: Gustavo Noborikawa – Grand Cayman Marriott Resort Lifetime Achievement Award
Ivan Farrington
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ivan Farrington, honored for his decades of service and leadership in shaping the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry.
“Mr. Farrington’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the very foundation of our tourism industry. His legacy reflects vision, dedication, and a deep, enduring love for Cayman. This award honors not only his remarkable achievements but also serves as an inspiration to future generations within our sector,” said Brenkus.
The Stingray Tourism Awards continue to be a landmark event, celebrating the more than 14,000 people employed in Cayman’s tourism industry. Each nominee and winner embodies the warmth, passion, and innovation that define the Cayman Islands.
CITA expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including the Ministry of Tourism and
Trade Development, Grand Cayman Marriott and its dedicated sta , Health City Cayman Islands, Progressive Distributors Ltd., Foster’s, Jacques Scott, and Red Sail Sports.
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**About the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA):**
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is a non-profit organization representing over 250 tourism-related private businesses in the Cayman Islands. Its sectors include hotels, condos/villas, watersports, restaurants, transportation, attractions, cruise, and allied businesses. Formed in March 2001 through the amalgamation of the Cayman Tourism Alliance and the Cayman Islands Hotel and Condominium Association, CITA is funded by membership subscriptions and fundraising. The association actively promotes the development of Cayman's tourism industry through information exchange, government relations, training and education, marketing, and events
