Jamaica has once again ascended to the pinnacle of global tourism, securing an extraordinary 45 prestigious awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony. Held on October 4th in the picturesque setting of St. Lucia, this significant achievement underscores Jamaica’s enduring appeal and its unwavering commitment to excellence in the travel industry. The island nation’s remarkable haul comprises 29 regional accolades and 16 national honors, a testament to its status as a world-class travel powerhouse.
A Legacy of Excellence Continues
For an astonishing 19th consecutive year, Jamaica was crowned the Caribbean’s Leading Destination. This unparalleled streak highlights the island’s consistent delivery of exceptional visitor experiences, from its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes to its world-renowned hospitality. Complementing this, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) was recognized for the 17th year in a row as the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board, a clear indicator of its effective global promotion and strategic marketing efforts.
Cruise and Port Prowess
Jamaica’s dominance extends to its vital role in cruise tourism. The island was awarded Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination, with its key ports receiving significant recognition. The Port of Ocho Rios earned the title of Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port, while the Port of Montego Bay was named the Caribbean’s Leading Home Port. These awards underscore Jamaica’s robust infrastructure and its capacity to attract and manage a substantial volume of cruise passengers.
Diverse Accolades Across the Tourism Spectrum
The recognition extended across a wide array of categories, celebrating the diverse offerings that make Jamaica a sought-after destination for every type of traveler. Jamaica was also lauded as the Caribbean’s Leading Family Travel Destination. Furthermore, Sangster International Airport (SIA) secured its 17th consecutive win as the Caribbean’s Leading Airport, with Club Mobay at SIA receiving the Caribbean’s Leading Airport Lounge award. The Montego Bay Convention Centre successfully retained its title as the Caribbean’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre.
Numerous Jamaican hotels, resorts, and service providers also received individual honors. These included awards for leading boutique hotels, luxury resorts, new resorts, and destination management companies, showcasing the breadth of quality within the island’s tourism sector. Notably, GO! Jamaica Travel collected four awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Destination Management Company.
Ministerial Recognition and Future Outlook
In response to the overwhelming success, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, expressed profound pride, attributing the achievements to the dedication of Jamaica’s tourism stakeholders and the resilience of the island’s tourism product. “These accolades underpin the excellent contribution of our people, who are at the heart of the sector,” Minister Bartlett stated, emphasizing the collective effort that drives Jamaica’s success. He highlighted that the island is on the cusp of welcoming five million visitors and earning US$5 billion in tourism revenue, reinforcing its position as a global economic driver.
This significant recognition at the 2025 World Travel Awards solidifies Jamaica’s reputation not just as a leading Caribbean destination, but as a world-class travel powerhouse. The awards reflect Jamaica’s continuous investment in its infrastructure, service excellence, and unique cultural experiences, ensuring its continued appeal to travelers worldwide and setting a strong trajectory for future growth in travel and tour news.