John Jefferis wins ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’

Bermudian hotelier John Jefferis has been named by the International Caribbean World Awards as ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’.

Mr Jefferis won the award for his contribution to the travel and tourism industry and for his innovative and creative business skills. 

Along with owning and operating Coco Reef Resorts in Bermuda, Tobago and Panama, Mr Jefferis has a range of other related business interests in the Caribbean region. 

He said in a release: “I am honoured to have received this award.

Mr Jefferis, who is a former ‘Caribbean Hotelier of the Year,’ former chairman and former president of the Caribbean Hotel Association and the Bermuda Hotel Association, also said 

“I’ve spent many years in the rewarding field of hospitality and tourism and I am particularly pleased that I have been able to live out my dream of operating businesses in the Caribbean region — one of the most beautiful and idyllic places in the World. 

“I am most fortunate in having such a wonderful group of professionals as colleagues, who share my vision of customer focused operations.  

“Their dedication to and passion for our businesses have played an integral role in my receiving the ‘Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award.

In their 19th year, the International Caribbean World Awards have become known as the Oscars of the Caribbean. 

Admirers

Ray Carmen, founder and publisher of World Caribbean Magazine, said: “The International Caribbean World Awards are a unique chance for admirers to celebrate companies and individuals who have made a real difference to the Caribbean region over the past years.” 

“As Mr. Jefferis continues to invest in developing and enhancing his award-winning Coco Reef Resorts, the hotels maintain strong followings of guests who relish the properties’ beautiful locations, unique design and first class service. 

“With all of his business ventures in the region, including airline catering, theme restaurants, residential property rentals, commercial property development and various retail businesses, Mr Jefferis has made a great contribution to the wider tourism sector. And for that, he is well-deserving of the Entrepreneur of the Year title.” 

After selling his various hotel and property interests in Bermuda in 1991, Mr. Jefferis designed and developed the $58 million Coco Reef Resort and Spa — Tobago which opened in 1996.

After a $12 million investment, Mr. Jefferis opened Coco Reef — Bermuda in 2004.  

The property features an award-winning lobby with a soaring 50-foot atrium and crystal skylight, as well as marble flooring, a triple layer octagonal fountain, French antiques and exotic paintings. 

The property’s 70 rooms are situated on the beach.

Along with two restaurants, the hotel offers a private dining room, and conference and wedding facilities.