The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority honored 26 individuals last night May, 6 at the 18th Annual Atlantic City Host Awards.
The awards, presented each year during National Travel and Tourism Week, acknowledge and inspire outstanding customer service by tourism, hospitality and retail industry employees who contribute to the success of Atlantic City as a sought-after destination.
John Palmieri, executive director, CRDA, and Miss America Kira Kazantsev, presented the awards to the winners. Each received a package that includes a gold commemorative lighthouse lapel pin—meant to symbolize them being beacons of hospitality—a $250 cash gift card and chocolate kept in a commemorative box. Finalists received a silver lighthouse lapel pin.
Winners were nominated for their enthusiasm, exemplary customer service and ability to improve the overall experience of Atlantic City visitors. More than 250 people were nominated and selected by a committee made up of educators, along with representative from Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Greater Atlantic City Chamber and Local 54.
Also during the night’s events, the CRDA and the Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association handed out scholarships to students pursuing degrees in hospitality at Atlantic Cape Community College, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
During the event, Palmieri noted:
“Tonight’s Host Award nominees represent the best of the thousands of people who work hard to make this destination special for our visitors. The experience we give our visitors is a large part of making Atlantic City a must-do destination, and you are leading the way.”
