HHLA Names Aqua Waikiki Wave Housekeeper 'Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year'
Aqua Waikiki Wave housekeeper, Leticia Gamiao
WAIKIKI BEACH, HI - January 20, 2010 - Leticia Gamiao, housekeeper for the 247-room Aqua Waikiki Wave hotel, was named “Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year” for 2010 at the 20th annual Na Poe Paahana (the hardworking people) awards ceremony on Friday, January 15. Gamiao was selected on the basis of her outstanding and exceptional service to hotel guests, the community and co-workers.
“We are so proud of Leticia winning this prestigious industry award. Her hard work is consistently outstanding and she is our shining star,” said Lynette Eastman, Area General Manager and also the one who nominated Gamiao. “Leticia is recognized several times a week for her cleaning skills, friendliness and her detailed care of guests and their families. She was acknowledged by name on more than 100 comment cards and notes we received in 2009.”
Gamiao has been a Waikiki housekeeper for more than 12 years. She started at the Coral Reef and remained with the hotel throughout its renovation - a process which transformed it into the Aqua Waikiki Wave. Gamiao volunteers regularly for her Church's community outreach programs and is an active participant in the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk and Aloha United Way campaigns.
Originally from the Philippines, Gamiao and husband, Amado, live in Kalihi where they raised 6 children.
Organized by the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association (HHLA), the statewide trade association of hotels, hotel management firms, hotel owners, suppliers, and other related firms and individuals, Na Poe Paahana honors deserving Hawaii hotel and lodging industry employees in nine categories:
- Bell/Valet,
- Engineering/Maintenance,
- Food & Beverage,
- Front Office,
- Housekeeper,
- Manager,
- Security Officer;
- plus Allied Member of the Year and
- Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year.
Capturing the top honor, Gamiao is HHLA's nominee for the national American Hotel & Lodging Association “Stars of the Industry Awards” this summer.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
