KINGSTON, JAMAICA – October 8, 2025 – Jamaica has once again reaffirmed its position as a preeminent global tourism powerhouse, securing an astounding 45 prestigious awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony. This remarkable haul, comprising 29 regional and 16 national honors, underscores the island’s unwavering commitment to excellence in travel and hospitality.
Island Nation Dominates Caribbean Travel Landscape
For an unprecedented nineteenth consecutive year, Jamaica was crowned the Caribbean’s Leading Destination, a testament to its enduring allure and consistent delivery of exceptional visitor experiences. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) also received high commendation, earning the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board award for an impressive seventeenth year in a row. These consistent accolades highlight the strategic efforts and dedication of the JTB and its stakeholders in promoting Jamaica as a world-class travel destination.
The island’s significance in the cruise sector was also underscored, with Jamaica being named the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination. Complementing this, the Port of Ocho Rios secured the title of Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port, while the Port of Montego Bay was recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Home Port. These awards reflect Jamaica’s robust infrastructure and its vital role as a hub for maritime travel in the region.
Furthermore, Jamaica was celebrated as the Caribbean’s Leading Family Travel Destination, showcasing the island’s diverse appeal to travelers of all ages. This recognition highlights Jamaica’s ability to cater to families with a wide array of attractions, resorts, and cultural experiences.
A Spectrum of Excellence: Accommodation and Adventure Accolades
The luxury and diversity of Jamaica’s accommodation sector were widely celebrated. Princess Grand Jamaica was honored as the Caribbean’s Leading New Resort, and Princess Senses The Mangrove earned the title of Caribbean’s Leading Water Villa Resort. Iconic properties like GoldenEye secured the Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Resort award, while its GoldenEye Villa was recognized as both the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa and Jamaica’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa. Malatai Villa also received dual honors as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Private Villa and Jamaica’s Leading Luxury Private Villa.
In the realm of adventure and heritage, the Rose Hall Great House Tour was named the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Attraction, and Chukka Ocean Outpost received the award for Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction. Island Routes solidified its reputation as the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator, underscoring the island’s vibrant offerings for thrill-seekers and culture enthusiasts.
Official Recognition and Future Outlook
Speaking on the remarkable achievement, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed immense pride. “I am very pleased to see the hard work and dedication of the tourism team being recognised and rewarded internationally. It is truly heartening to see Jamaica consistently perform at a very high level despite the challenges faced by the destination in recent times. This performance is testament to the resilience and commitment of Destination Jamaica and our remarkable tourism stakeholders,” Bartlett stated. He added that these awards signify Jamaica’s readiness to welcome an estimated five million visitors and achieve US$5 billion in tourism revenue.
Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, commented, “Our island continues to be top of mind through our authentic tourism experiences, from food to music, and this recognition cements Jamaica as a top-tier destination. Thanks to all our partners who have worked hard to remain consistent and unique.”
The 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony, held on October 4 in St. Lucia, serves as a powerful endorsement of Jamaica’s sustained excellence. These numerous awards not only highlight the island’s captivating natural beauty and rich culture but also its innovative tourism product and the exceptional service provided by its people. As Jamaica continues to enhance its tourism offerings, this latest wave of international recognition reinforces its status as a leading global travel destination, promising an exciting future for the island’s vibrant tour and travel industry.