Awards for Pioneer of Tourismfor the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Hoteland Condominium Association (CIHCA) will be presenting "TheCIHCA/ Eric Bergstrom Partnership Award" for the first timeat Marketplace 2000 to be held at the Marriott Beach Resort May28-31.
This annual Award will be presented on a annual basis, to TravelCompanies who in partnership have demonstrated the greatest promotionalefforts, good business ethics, and provided the most businessto CIHCA members for the past year.
There are 5 categories
of award:
1. Outstanding North American (National) Wholesaler
2. Outstanding North American (Regional) Wholesaler
3. Outstanding European Wholesaler
4. Outstanding Charter Operator
5. Airline of the Year
CIHCA President Mr. William Conolly stated: "It is most appropriatefor this new award to be named after the first Director of Tourismfor the Cayman Islands, and one of the first Presidents of ourAssociation. It is our wish that this Award Program reflects thegreat contributions and efforts that Mr Eric Bergstrom has dedicatedto the development of Tourism for our Islands".
Eric Bergstrom was born in Wisconsin, USA on October 14, 1933.He graduated from Dartmouth College and worked for a brief periodin his home state. Mr. Bergstrom migrated to Cayman with his familyafter a visit to the Islands in the early 1960's. They made theisland their permanent residence and he dedicated himself to thecommunity and the development of the Cayman Islands.
He and his wife built one of the first Caymanian hotels, the TortugaClub in 1963. In 1965, Mr Bergstrom became the second Presidentof The Cayman Islands Hotel and Condominium Association. He wasawarded the MBE in 1969.
Eric was appointed the first Director of Tourism in 1973, takingthe first steps towards the professional Department of Tourismthat we know today. Prior to that time he held the position ofChairman of the Cayman Islands Tourist Board, then a board ofvolunteers.
Mr. Bergstrom became well known locally and internationally asa pioneer of the tourism industry in Cayman and has always firmlybelieved in helping the Island grow financially while preservingits natural beauty.
He has 5 children, some of whom continue to live on Grand Caymanwith their families.
Now living in Arizona, Mr Eric Bergstrom still maintains contactwith the Caymanian community and this award will undoubtedly continueto reflect his efforts toward great achievements in the tourismindustry
The CIHCA/Eric Bergstrom Partnership Award also continues thegoals of the Cayman Islands Hotel and Condominium Associationunder their 2000 theme,' One vision beyond 2000 - Business asUnusual', to promote the Cayman Islands worldwide and to driveoccupancy.
The Cayman Islands Hotel and Condominium Association and its subsidiarycompanies (e.g. Cayman Tourism Association) is the National TourismAssociation for the Cayman Islands.
For further information on CIHCA, or the CIHCA/Eric BergstromPartnership Award please contact Sharon Mitchell on (345) 9454057, or William Conolly on (345) 949 7440
Mr Eric Bergstrom.