The Tribune

A Ministry of Tourism executive has won the Apex Award presented annually by Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine.

Linville Johnson, who is responsible for the Ministry's multi-cultural market development, joins previous winners such as tourism ministers, governors, chief executives and presidents of major national organisations and associations.

He received the award at the recent gala that concluded the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) and the International Multicultural and Heritage Summit and Trade Show.

Mr Johnson was rewarded for his Distinguished Service in the tourism industry. His career has spanned more than three decades, starting at the former Britannia Beach Hotel on Paradise Island. He has managed the Ministry's tourist offices in major US cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, New York and Miami.

Mr Johnson was among those who helped spearhead the development of The Bahamas' religious tourism market and efforts to make inroads into Latin America. He was also responsible for the Ministry's vertical markets strategy, which started with 12 sectors and was ultimately narrowed to six, including fishing, boating, diving, private flying, religious markets and weddings, and honeymoon.

Mr Johnson has worked with US organisations such as The National Urban League, The National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners and the National Black Caucus.

Ellison "Tommy" Thompson, the Ministry of Tourism's deputy director-general, said of his contribution: "Linville has indeed provided outstanding service to the development and growth of tourism to The Bahamas from across the USA.

"He has served in numerous capacities with Ministry of Tourism and Aviation in Nassau, and in cities across the US over the past few decades. This award is a great way to recognise his continuous long and dedicated service in our field."