ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HOTELS & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Born in England and reared in Australia, Graeme Antony Johnson has contributed greatly to the tourism industry in his adopted home of Antigua and Barbuda.

His accomplishments speak for themselves. During the past 50 years, Johnson has constructed hotels throughout the islands, including Siboney Beach Club, which he managed for 35 years; founded the twin islands’ first watersports operation; designed the islands’ first glass-bottom boat; built the first sports fishing boat, as well as cutting-edge catamarans made of fibre glass; taught tourists how to water ski and scuba dive — after teaching himself by reading books; popularised windsurfing after taking up the sport at age 59; supplied text and photos for the nation’s first overseas tourism brochure; served as chairman of the Antigua Barbuda Hotel & Tourism Association (ABHTA), which presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award; and, in his “spare time,” founded the Amazing Grace Home.

A Storied Life Indeed!

At the age of 88, Tony Johnson received a Lifetime Achievement Award which he remarked was one of the greatest moments in his life. He shared the following quote, one which reminds us all to step out and embrace the industry we all love so well!

"Within the industry you have hospitality and service; apart from providing a place to stay, which is basically the hospitality aspect, you have to ensure that the guests get the best service by looking into their needs on all levels. Is the lighting in the rooms OK?  Is the food great? How was the service? And so on. Things like these. And that’s what our staff here are very good at. It makes me happy when I see people do what they are paid to do at the best of their ability.”

We are pleased to have a feature on Mr. Johnson in our 2020 Visit Antigua and Barbuda magazine. Be sure to read "A Storied Life" on its release and read more on the legacy of a great man.

Sleep in peace Mr. Johnson.