Mark Anderson Wins VIP Sunshine Award
Mark Anderson, who won the Visitor Industry Partnership’s Sunshine Award, recently received his Sunshine Award pin and certificate from the Minister of Tourism Shawn Crockwell at a congratulatory lunch.
This quarterly programme is sponsored by the Bermuda Tourism Authority and is designed to highlight a Bermuda resident who has gone ‘above and beyond’ to make a Visitor’s stay in Bermuda ‘one to remember’. Visitors are encouraged to nominate a resident using a nomination form that can be found online at www.vip.bm.
Mr Anderson, a bus driver, was nominated by Ms. Jennifer Wondolowsk who said: “Mark Anderson is the reason I’ll be making a return visit to Bermuda. It was a pleasurable and memorable experience. His knowledge and pride of his home is bountiful. He went above and beyond to make the 5 hour island tour worth the time.
“Mark’s outgoing, shining, personality made for a comfortable learning and entertaining tour. Bermuda should be proud to have Mark as a representative of its beautiful island. I will be making plans for my future return and look forward to seeing Mark on my future trip to learn more. A job well done!”
College lecturer and the Chair of Visitor Industry Partnership Dr. Barbara O’Shaughnessy said: “When VIP started this programme, this is exactly what we envisioned – a visitor so charmed that they would want to return. We are proud to congratulate and thank Mr. Anderson for making Ms. Wondolowski’s Bermuda holiday such a special memory. Since the inception of the Sunshine Awards, Mark has received 85 nominations. They were all glowing and talked about his friendly and warm personality. He exemplifies the true Bermudian spirit of hospitality and friendship.
Minister Shawn Crockwell said: “Mark Anderson truly represents Bermuda hospitality; he is a tourism ambassador full of genuine warmth and friendliness. It is really good to celebrate the success of Bermudians who go above and beyond the call of duty. Today I am pleased to offer my congratulations and gratitude to Mark for ensuring that our visitors have a pleasurable and memorable experience. He is very deserving of this award.”
Ms. Jill Dill, Tourism Appreciation and Communications Manager and member of the judging committee commented, “The positive way in which Mark engages our visitors and showcases Bermuda’s brand of hospitality is invaluable. His interactions along with the warm and sincere greetings demonstrated by all of us throughout the community are paramount in solidifying the island’s reputation as one of the world’s most friendly destinations.”
Mr. Stephen Todd, Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Hotel Association and the Hotel Employers of Bermuda and member of the judging committee, said: “The recognition by the VIP of Mr. Mark Anderson as the very deserving recipient of the Sunshine Award, this is clearly an example of the important role which each of us must play in ensuring that our visitors experience the very best that our island home has to offer in the form of courteous, professional and friendly service. The accolades which he continues to receive is a testament to the pride which he has and demonstrates on an ongoing basis through his interaction with both our residents and visitors alike. Well done and congratulations Mark!
The Sunshine Awards lunch at Victoria Grill was sponsored by the Island Restaurant Group and Mr Anderson — a well known entertainer who recently walked the island to raise funds for charity — also received a hotel stay, complete with dinner and breakfast, compliments of Mr. Allan Federer, General Manager of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.
Anderson appears to be doing more for Bermuda tourism then Minister of Tourism Development & Transport Crockwell. Send Crockwell his pink slip and place Anderson as Minister.
Oh and Sylvan Richards I hope you get the next Minister post over $350,000 Jet Gate puppet. If Dunk gives Craig’s List a position I’m going to really think Dunk is off! Then again the PLP may want the OBA to give Craig a Cabinet seat so the rest of Bermuda can say WTF!!!
Good grief!! Some people have to bring politics into every single story.
Exactly. here’s a nice story and some cant help themselves, they just have to try and ruin it. idiot
Politics are in everything and selective to some.
Good image for Bermuda but disagree with his twin.
Congratulations Mark!!! You are a ray of sunshine each and every day, and I’m so glad to see you were recognized.
You go!! Marky well deserved
Congrats to Mark, who truly is a shining star!
Mark has always been one of those special people who goes above and beyond, has an extremely pleasant demeanour, and is willing to help in any way he can.
Essentially, we should all vote him in as our unofficial “Ambassador of Bermuda” as I am sure if the 85 votes were compared to how may other people were voted for, he would come out on top!
Johny Barnes might spread smiles….but Mark puts his heart and soul into it!
All who agree say Aye!!
Aye! I second that!
Congratulations Mark!!:-)
Great Job and well deserved. He is the BEST Bermuda has to offer when it comes to tourism. His happy smile and warm welcome is a 24/7 attitude he should be teaching happy classes or something.
Aye. Congratulations Mark. So deserving.
Absolutely LOVE Mark Anderson. I get this big grin on my face as soon as I get on his bus.
Mark you are so deserving of this award. You are truly an example not just for tourists but for locals. Your intentions come from the heart. Congratulations friend. Jenn and Anthony
Hats off to Mr.Anderson
A true professional,an fine Gentleman,and a Ambassador for Bermuda.
This best thing is we still have quite a few people like this in Bermuda.
Very well deserved Mark – you have held on to what made Bermudians unique, pride in your country and a warm, friendly smile to our visitors (and residents alike for that matter). No entitlement expectations from you, you work hard every day to make a difference. A wonderful role model for all Bermudians to follow (oh and the best set of legs in the business LOL!)
Congrats Mark you are awesome and this is well deserved!!!!!!!!!!
This man right here. I love Mark Anthony Anderson to infinity and beyond. He was there for me at a time when I truly needed a friend. When he calls my phone, I drop everything because I’m forever grateful. That said, Bermuda needs to pay attention to the many people capable of impacting the Bermuda Tourism product positively. This is one such person. Yours truly is another… but I digress. After all it is a #MeanwhileInBermuda topic!
Well done!!!
Congratulations and well done Mr Anderson. You set a good example to others.
I LOVE him! I notice that when it is raining and he is driving the bus he SLOWS down and considers the people on the sidewalk. He is a good person and deserves this award!!