For the seventh consecutive year, Bermudian hotelier and owner of Coco Reef Resorts, John Jefferis, accepted the award for “Caribbean’s Leading Hotel” at the World Travel Awards (WTA) on behalf of his property in Tobago.Mr Jefferis, who also owns sister property Coco Reef in Bermuda, attended the regional ceremony in Turks & Caicos along with a packed delegation of VIPs, senior tourism figures and international media whom travelled from more than 30 nations to attend.The WTA awards programme, now in its 19th year, highlights and rewards those travel brands that have made the greatest contribution to the industry over the past year.Graham E Cooke, president & founder of WTA, said: “Our winners are drawn from the breadth of the Caribbean and the Americas, reflecting the strength and depth of the travel and tourism sector in the regions.”“To win this prestigious award for seven years straight on behalf of Coco Reef-Tobago is extremely gratifying,” said Mr Jefferis, who is a previous winner of the Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year Award.“It shows the unfailing commitment of the professionals at Coco Reef Resorts to providing outstanding guest service.“I am grateful to the staff who go above and beyond to give every guest a memorable experience.”Proving the staff’s dedication, the World Travel Award follows director and general manager of Coco Reef Resort-Tobago, Eric Feniet, being named the Best Hotel General Manager in the Caribbean by luxury tour operator Tropical Sky.As the “Caribbean’s Leading Hotel”, Coco Reef Resort-Tobago was in good company with other leading brands. St Lucia won the coveted title of “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” and Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island (British Virgin Islands) was voted “Caribbean Leading Private Island.”Mr Jefferis developed Coco Reef-Tobago 16 years ago. Like his hotel in Bermuda, Coco Reef-Tobago features a dramatic lobby and unique architecture that reflect the local surroundings.The exquisite $2,000 per night Sunset Villa at Coco Reef-Tobago, with its marble bathrooms and 24-karat gold fittings, has been frequented by celebrities including Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart and Diana Ross. The Tobago property, which has 150 rooms and suites, is situated on its own private beach surrounded by ten acres of manicured tropical gardens.Following in its big sister’s footsteps, Coco Reef-Bermuda opened in 2004 and consists of 70 rooms situated on a spectacular beachfront location.The hotel features an award-winning atrium lobby, two restaurants with sea views and exotic private dining facilities.