Continuing its remarkable winning streak, Jamaica has received three prestigious World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas 2022 at the Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Montego Bay on August 31. The island was named the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2022 for the 14th year in a row, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2022 for the 16th year in a row, and the Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022.
“This was a very powerful night for us because even though Jamaica has traditionally led in the field of awards, the feeling of satisfaction is stronger this year because we all struggled and fought to recover from this pandemic. For Jamaica to have emerged as the leading destination is a strong statement that our team worked assiduously to make this happen,” said Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett.
“Our beautiful destination has been a leader in the recovery of the global tourist industry due in large part to our destination assurance programme that allowed us to confidently welcome visitors back to our shores. On behalf of everyone at the Jamaica Tourist Board and all our partners, I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the travel professionals and consumers who voted and contributed to our success,” he added.
A win at the annual World Travel Awards is considered to be the premier travel and tourist industry accolade. Voted by travel and tourism professionals and consumers worldwide, the awards recognise each winner’s demonstrated commitment to excellence.
“Earning the highest marks for a tourist board and destination is a great honour for us. It is a testament to the work of the Jamaica Tourist Board staff and all of our stakeholders. From the largest of hotel chains to our individual tour operators and craft persons, we are grateful to be recognised like this,” said Director of Tourism, Donovan White.
Executive Vice President, World Travel Awards, Justin Cooke noted that the event was yet another indication that the challenges of the last two years are fading.
“What an incredible evening it has been here in Jamaica to mark the opening leg of the 29th annual World Travel Awards, also our first ceremony since the lifting of global travel restrictions. The last two years have presented us all with unprecedented challenges, but it’s fantastic to be back, and so heart-warming to welcome industry figureheads from across the Caribbean and the Americas to celebrate with us in Jamaica. We have had the privilege of recognising the leading destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines and travel providers and my congratulations to each of our winners,” he said.
The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality in those industries.
