Hotelier John Jefferis has been presented with an award recognising his contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism industry.The award is part of a series of initiatives by the government of Trinidad and Tobago to celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence from Great Britain.Mr Jefferis operates Coco Reef hotels both in Tobago and in Bermuda.He accepted the award at a ceremony earlier this month.“I am delighted to have received this high-profile award from the government of Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of Coco Reef Tobago,” Mr Jefferis said.“The management and staff have worked extremely hard to ensure that all guest needs are met and that we continue to be the leading hotel on the island. I accept this award on their behalf and wish the government much success over the next 50 years.”A spokesperson for the hotel said the resort played a major role in getting a direct British Airways flight from the United Kingdom to Tobago.The airline agreed to start a direct flight once Mr Jefferis’ hotel opened. He then started an airline catering company to serve the flight.Minister of Tobago Development Delmon Baker said: “We expect that Coco Reef will continue to be the flagship hotel contributing to the long-term success of Tobago’s tourism industry.”The hotel opened in 1996 and has won the World Travel Award for Leading Hotel in the Caribbean four years in a row. More than $52 million has been invested in the property, including the construction of a 400-metre beach with sand imported from Guyana.“The resort sits on a ten-acre property featuring tropical gardens and 140 rooms, suites and villas.Mr Jefferis said of the resort: “No matter how much was spent on capital improvements at the property, our customers tell us it is not the marble and gold that makes them want to return, but the exceptionally friendly and professional management and staff at Coco Reef.”