During a ceremony held in the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, 93 members of staff in the Island Hotels Group received a commemorative long service award for periods of service ranging from five to 20 years.

Forty-six employees were presented with five-year awards, 36 with 10-year awards and a further six employees were presented with 15-year awards. There are now also five employees who have been awarded the 20-year award – of special significance in view of the fact that this year the group is marking the 20th anniversary of its operations.

This year’s awards brings the total number of staff in the group who have worked for the organisation for over five years to 662.

Of these, five have worked with the group for over 20 years, 38 for over 15 years, 188 for over 10 years and 431 for over five years.

At the ceremony, group managing director W.V Zahra thanked all those present for their continued commitment and loyalty towards the company. In a short address, Mr Zahra said he was very proud of the fact that the group has always based its employment policy on choosing Maltese nationals to work in the properties owned by the group.

He stressed that the staff of the group are the main asset behind the group’s success, and he thanked everyone present for their dedication and constant efforts towards the delivery of the best possible service to the thousands of international and local clients that use the group’s services.

Mr Zahra concluded by pointing out that this year the group celebrates its 20th anniversary and could look back at 20 years of continuous growth but, just as importantly, could look forward to the next 20 years of further growth with enthusiasm.