ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — Janelle Hopkin Wins PATWA Gold Award for Woman of the Year in Hospitality (Caribbean), recognizing her leadership of Spice Island Beach Resort and her contributions to advancing Caribbean tourism on the global stage.
The award was presented March 4 during the 26th annual PATWA World Tourism and Aviation Leaders’ Summit held alongside ITB Berlin in Germany. The summit is organized by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association, an affiliate member of UN Tourism, and brings together government officials, industry leaders, and international media to discuss developments shaping the global travel sector.
Hopkin, who serves as president and managing director of the Grenada-based luxury resort, was honored for her role in strengthening the region’s reputation for high-quality hospitality and sustainable tourism leadership.
Caribbean tourism spotlight as Janelle Hopkin Wins PATWA Gold Award
The PATWA International Travel Awards recognize governments, tourism brands, destinations and individuals who demonstrate leadership and excellence within the global travel and tourism industry.
Hopkin’s recognition reflects her continued influence as one of the Caribbean’s most prominent female hotel executives. Under her leadership, Spice Island Beach Resort has maintained a strong reputation for personalized service while promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement.
In a statement following the award, Hopkin said the recognition represents an important moment for Caribbean tourism leadership.
“I am deeply humbled to receive the PATWA Woman of the Year Award,” Hopkin said. “This celebrates Caribbean leadership, inspires future women in tourism, and reflects unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence and purposeful industry leadership.”
Industry observers say such recognition highlights the growing visibility of Caribbean tourism professionals at major global travel forums, particularly as destinations across the region compete for high-value international visitors.
Spice Island Beach Resort continues family hospitality legacy
Spice Island Beach Resort is located on Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach and is widely recognized as one of the Caribbean’s leading independently owned all-inclusive luxury resorts.
The property was founded by the late Sir Royston Hopkin, KCMG, and remains family-owned. Leadership later passed to his daughter, Janelle Hopkin, who now oversees the resort as president and managing director while continuing the family’s legacy of Caribbean hospitality.
Known for its spacious suite accommodations and personalized guest experience, the resort has built an international reputation for service excellence and sustainable operations.
Under Hopkin’s leadership, the property has retained its AAA Five Diamond distinction and earned numerous global hospitality accolades for environmental stewardship and guest service standards. Among its recognitions is the Michelin Key designation, an international benchmark awarded to exceptional hospitality properties.
Global tourism leaders convene at ITB Berlin summit
The awards ceremony formed part of the PATWA World Tourism and Aviation Leaders’ Summit, held during ITB Berlin, one of the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fairs.
The 2026 summit was held under the theme “The Future of Tourism” and convened tourism ministers, ambassadors, aviation executives, hospitality leaders, and international media.
Discussions focused on sustainability, innovation, and the evolving expectations of global travelers as destinations and tourism operators adapt to a rapidly changing travel landscape.
For Grenada and the wider Caribbean tourism sector, Hopkin’s recognition underscores the region’s continued role in shaping global hospitality standards while promoting Caribbean destinations in competitive international markets.
