The Reefs owner David Dodwell named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association for his work with his Nevis property, the Nisbet Plantation.Mr Dodwell accepted the award at the 2011 Caribbean Marketplace in front of hospitality industry leaders and regional tourism officials.He is the 33rd recipient of the award.“I can think of no one who has earned this recognition more than (Dodwell) has,” said St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Senator Richard (Ricky) Skerritt who is also chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. “He has made a tremendous difference in the hotel sector on St. Kitts and Nevis, and has contributed significantly across the region and in tourism everywhere.Dodwell purchased the 36-room Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in 1989. The resort is the Caribbean’s only historic plantation inn located on the beach and has gained international attention with many industry awards.Both of Mr Dodwell’s properties have recently earned #1 spots on prestigious lists Nisbet Plantation debuted on the 2011 Travel + Leisure 500 as the #1 hotel in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas, and The Reefs was the #1 hotel in the Atlantic in the 2010 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row.General Manager of Nisbet Plantation Beach Club Jamie Holmes said: “David Dodwell has been extremely proactive in his support and development of the people of Nevis. He is a big believer in investing in his team.”Mr Dodwell has organised cross-training of the Nisbet Plantation staff at The Reefs in Bermuda, getting the team involved in decision-making and promoting the local economy by employing Nevisians, utilizing local produce and seafood, and adopting a local primary school.During the economic downturn, many hotels were reducing amenities. However, Nisbet Plantation expanded its offerings to include scooters, kayaks, sailboats, Flip digital video cameras, complimentary Wi-Fi and more. Dodwell was also recognized for his focus on the staff and Nevis community.