Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB Announces Recipients of 2022 Paradise Coast Tourism Star Awards

Awards event recognizes excellence in service and the top tourism professionals in Collier County

Naples, Fla., December 1, 2022 –  The 2022 Paradise Coast Tourism Star Awards sponsored by the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB, took place at the Naples Grande Beach Resort on November 21, 2022. The event recognizes excellence and outstanding achievements made by individuals within the tourism industry in Collier County.  As a main economic driver within the community, tourism and tourism related businesses create employment opportunities for over 30,000 people in the destination.  These efforts allow Florida’s Paradise Coast to consistently be ranked as one of the top national and international travel destinations globally.

Nominations were submitted for individuals by their peers in 13 categories. These include awards specific to hotels and resorts, restaurants, attractions, sports, arts and culture, and leadership. 

A selection committee was created to review the nominations and included representatives from the Collier County Board of Commissioners, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Florida Gulf Coast University, representatives from the arts community and others.

The winners of the 2022 Paradise Coast Tourism Star Awards are:

Shining Star Eco Adventure Award                           Bob McConville, Dolphin Explorer

Shining Star Arts & Culture Award                            Hyla Crane, Marco Island Center for the Arts

Shining Star Restaurant Award                                  Umarr Sesay, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples

Shining Star Culinary Excellence and Innovation  Rostin Munsami, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples

Shining Star Sports Award                                          Liz Sanders, Springhill Suites - Naples

Shining Star Hospitality Award – FOH                     Aleshia Donaldson, Fairfield Inn & Suites

 Select Service / Motel   

Shining Star Hospitality Award – HOH                     Tracy Arman, Springhill Suites - Naples

Select Service / Motel    

Shining Star Hospitality Award – FOH                      Rafe Ahmed, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples

Luxury / Resort 

Shining Star Hospitality Award – HOH                     Frantz Rosembert, Naples Grande Beach Resort

Luxury / Resort 

Tourism’s Rising Star Award                                       Nikki Dugan, Naples Grande Beach Resort

Shining Star Award – Tourism Leadership                 Randy Smith, Naples Transportation & Tours

Director’s Partnership Award                                     JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Tourism Legacy Award                                              Jack Wert, Wert Marketing Group

About Florida’s Paradise Coast

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official source for area travel and tourism information about Florida's Paradise Coast. Located in Southwest Florida, this premier vacation and meeting destination offers leisure and business travelers a variety of exceptional year-round amenities and attractions. Set along a 30-mile Gulf of Mexico coastline ribboned with white-sand beaches, visitors will discover a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere highlighted by a lively social scene, robust arts and culture activities, exceptional restaurants, luxury boutique shopping and plenty of outdoor adventure experiences. Home to over 90 public and private golf courses, sports enthusiasts have access to a variety of championship courses; pickleball and tennis facilities; and water activities ranging from kayaking to sailing charters. Outdoor adventures include exploring the world-famous Everglades – the only sub-tropical mangrove wilderness in the U.S. and home to endangered wildlife and over 350 species of birds. Florida’s Paradise Coast is truly where the high life meets the wildlife. Recent accolades include being named the No. 1 “Best Beach Town in the U.S. to Live In,” No. 1 “Healthiest and Happiest City in America” and “One of the Best Small Cities in the U.S.” Located just two hours from Miami, three hours from Tampa, and four hours from Orlando, Florida’s Paradise Coast is easily accessible by Interstate highway. Travelers outside of the Sunshine State can fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Punta Gorda (PGD), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA). For more information about Florida’s Paradise Coast, call 800-688-3600, visit ParadiseCoast.com, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.