Jamaica wins Leading Destination title

Jamaica has copped the prestigious Caribbean’s Leading Destination title at the recent World Travel Awards at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) was voted best in the region, so was the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Port, during the Caribbean and North America Gala Ceremony which was attended by more than 300 hoteliers, destination management companies, transportation and tour operators.

Jamaica’s tourism stakeholders took the greater number of awards, from the rest of the region.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told the gathering that the expenditure received from tourism is now more than arrivals.

Among the Caribbean winners were Turks and Caicos Islands, recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination, while Antigua and Barbuda copped the award for the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination.

Sandals Resorts International topped the region with 15 awards, including the coveted Caribbean’s leading Brand title for the 23rd consecutive year.

World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke said; “this has been a true celebration here in the Caribbean and North America and it has been a pleasure to recognize some of the leading lights of the industry.”

Montego Bay’s Half Moon, took home three awards- Jamaica’s Leading Spa Resort; Jamaica’s Leading Conference Hotel; and the Caribbean’s Leading Conference Hotel.

Caribbean Airline emerged as the “Caribbean’s Leading Airline” for the sixth consecutive year.