Hotelier John Jefferis has been named as the Premier Hotelier of 2006 at the International Caribbean World Travel Awards held in London.

The Coco Reef boss recently opened a 250-seat Caribbean theme restaurant and nightclub called Cafe Coco at his South Shore resort and is in the process of planning a 66 mixed-unit expansion of the Coco Reef Resort.

After receiving the award in a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane in London, Mr. Jefferis said: "The recognition I have received is a tribute to everyone at Coco Reef Resorts.

"Although I have over $75 million invested in hotels, our guests tell us that the one thing that sets our resorts apart from other properties is the friendly, courteous and professional staff.

"The award is a tribute the our wonderful staff and our highly motivated and professional management team. In these days of boring multi-national chains, I'm proud Coco Reefs is recognised as being exceptional."

Mr. Jefferis acquired the former Stonington Beach Hotel in 2003 and embarked on a $10-million renovation and refurbishment before it reopened as Coco Reef, taking the same name as his resort in Tobago.

His company Coco Reef Resorts is currently involved in plans for new Coco Reef hotels in Panama and Antigua.