November 16, 2012 - Hotel Viking's General Manager Mark Gervais has been named the 2012 Man of the Year by the Rhode Hospitality Association. Gervais, a tireless proponent for the tourism industries in Rhode Island, has sat on the association's Board of Directors for the past six years, served as Chairman of the Board in 2011 and is  involved in legislative advocacy to help protect vital business interests throughout Rhode Island. Gervais will be honored at the November 28th Stars of the Industry Awards gala at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Gervais, General Manager of the Hotel Viking since May 2006, has led the hotel through extensive renovations and through the severe economic downturn. Under his guidance the hotel has received many distinguished awards including 2012 Best Large Company in Newport County; Newport Life Magazine's Best Hotel and Best Accommodations 2007- 2012; Best Spa 2006, 2007, 2012; Top 20 Historic Hotels in the U.S. and Meetings East Magazine Best of the East 2006, 2011. Mark was voted Rhode Island Hotelier of the Year in 2009.

Gervais has held executive positions at impressive industry giants like Starwood, Doubletree, Hyatt and more. A native of Worcester, MA, Mark is a graduate of University of Massachusetts at Amherst. For the last 14 years he has resided in Rehoboth, MA with his wife Lisa, son Jackson and daughter Julia.

About the Hotel Viking
Hotel Viking, a member of Historic Hotels of America, is just 71 miles from the historic home of Paul Revere in Boston and 177 miles from the Empire State Building in New York City. The 209-room hotel is convenient to Newport's many attractions, including Newport Harbor and Waterfront. Hotel Viking features the luxurious SpaTerre; fine dining at One Bellevue; over 14,000 square feet of event space; an indoor pool; and fitness center. For more information and reservations, please call Hotel Viking at 800-556-7126 or visit www.hotelviking.com.