Spice Island Beach Resort President Janelle Hopkin honored with PATWA Gold Award

Janelle Hopkin, president and managing director of Spice Island Beach Resort, has been honored with the PATWA Gold Award for Woman of the Year in Hospitality (Caribbean) during the 26th annual PATWA World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit held alongside ITB Berlin in Germany.

The award was presented on March 4 by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), an affiliate member of UN Tourism. The PATWA International Travel Awards recognize governments, brands, destinations and individuals for leadership and excellence in the global travel and tourism industry.

Hopkin was recognized for her leadership of the Grenada-based luxury resort and for promoting Caribbean hospitality internationally. As one of the region’s prominent female hotel executives, she has championed sustainable tourism practices, community engagement and service excellence while continuing the family-owned legacy of the property.

“I am deeply humbled to receive the PATWA Woman of the Year Award. This celebrates Caribbean leadership, inspires future women in tourism, and reflects unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence and purposeful industry leadership,” said Hopkin.

Located on Grand Anse Beach, Spice Island Beach Resort is an independently owned all-inclusive luxury property known for its personalized service and spacious suite accommodations. The resort was founded by the late Sir Royston Hopkin and is now led by his daughter, who has continued the family’s role in Caribbean tourism.

Under Hopkin’s leadership, the resort has maintained its AAA Five Diamond Award distinction and has earned multiple international accolades for service and environmental stewardship, including recognition through the Michelin Key program.

The 2026 summit was held under the theme “The Future of Tourism,” bringing together ministers, ambassadors, tourism executives and international media to discuss industry trends and development.