Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador presented an Ambassador of Hospitality Award to singer/songwriter Kevin Collins at the St. John’’s Tourism Awards Presentation held at St. John’’s City Hall yesterday. Kevin Collins has been captivating audiences throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for many, many years. He started singing as a young boy at the age of six and began performing in pubic at age eleven. The tremendous influence of his family, community and home life are evidenced throughout many of his songs, which effectively capture the spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador. Having become a nationally and internationally recognized performer, this individual has remained true to his traditional roots, promoting and regaling the majesty of our province and its people wherever he goes. His heartfelt dedication to Newfoundland and Labrador is further evidenced throughout much of his music, which not only entertains listeners, but entices, enchants and excites them with tales of our culture, our history, our people and our heritage. One of the nominators for this individual, and there were many, quoted him as saying ""Newfoundland is a place where hospitality and friendship is not a business, but a way of life."" These words simply and beautifully convey his dedication and passion for Newfoundland and Labrador, making him a wonderful ambassador for this province. Congratulations, Kevin!

Kevin's Love of music is exceeded only by his love for his people and Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a humbled, honored and proud recipient of this prestigious award and would like to thank The Tourism Industry Association and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador for their recognition and confidence in his endeavors, as he continues to hammer home Kevin's phrase and let the whole world know that "Newfoundland is a place where hospitality and friendship is not a business, but a way of life"