George Myers (hotelier)
George Myers (c. 1939 – 17 February 2023) was a Bahamian hotelier and businessman. He was credited with playing a major part in the development of Paradise Island into a premier tourist destination in the Bahamas.[1]
Early life
[edit]Myers was born in Jamaica,[2] where his family was in the hotel business.[1][3] As a child, he worked in family-owned Miranda Lodge in Montego Bay.[1]
Career
[edit]Myers worked in London as a management trainee at the Westbury Hotel before moving to the Bahamas in 1963.[1] He started out as a bar manager before working his way up to hotel vice-president.[4] Myers was executive vice president of Resorts International[2] from 1977 to 1992.[1] The group operated numerous hotels and resorts in the Bahamas which Myers oversaw.
In 1992, Myers founded the Myers Group[5] and served as its chair and CEO. The Myers Group owns the Bahamian franchises for Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), and Quiznos Subs.[1][4] The group previously operated the Radisson Cable Beach Hotel.
In 1970, he was chair of the Nassau and Paradise Island Visitors and Groups Promotion Board.[6] Myers also served as chair of the Paradise Island Tourism Board.[3] Myers was president of the Bahamas Hotel Employers Association, the Bahamas Hotel Association,[4][7] and the Caribbean Hotel Association.[4][1]
Awards
[edit]In 1980, Myers was named the Caribbean Hotel Association's Hotelier of the Year.[2][3][4] In 1998, he was given the government's Silver Jubilee Award[4] in recognition of "outstanding contribution to national development, in particular, in tourism". In 2006, Myers was awarded the Sir Clement Maynard Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cacique Awards.[4] In 2009, he was awarded the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce's Achievement Award.[1]
In 2022, Myers was awarded the Order of Merit, the country's highest honour.[4][5]
Death
[edit]Myers died on 17 February 2023, at the age of 83.[8] He was survived by his wife and step-daughter.[4][5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h Davis, Leah (7 June 2009). "George Myers Named 2009 Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient". Bahamas Weekly. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c "PARADISE: Refuge from Winter". The Los Angeles Times. 31 January 1982. pp. H6. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ a b c "Paradise Island: Nassau's Elegant's Next Door Neighbour, "Mr. Bahamas"". Fort Pierce Tribune. 29 December 1985. pp. G1-2, G4. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Munnings, Lynaire (18 February 2023). "Businessman George Myers dies age 83". The Tribune. Nassau, Bahamas. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ a b c "Obituary: George Myers, Caribbean hotelier and tourism executive". www.travelweekly.com. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ "Two Promoted". The Miami Herald. 28 June 1970. pp. 7-J. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ Kelly, Nikki (6 March 1970). "Tourist Bookings Slump Up to 50% in Bahamas". The Miami Herald. The Financial Times. pp. 2A. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ "Iconic businessman, tourism mogul George Myers has died". Jamaica Observer. 17 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
External links
[edit]- Myers parachutes new franchise into airport, Nassau Guardian
- Myers-operated Radisson 'insolvent', Nassau Guardian[dead link]
- Investors express interest in Grand Bahama, Nassau Guardian[dead link]
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