Jamaica sweeps top awards at 2023 World Travel Awards

The 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA) Gala Ceremony in Saint Lucia brought a host of surprises, revealing the crème de la crème of the travel industry in the Caribbean and the Americas.

Jamaica stole the limelight as it secured not one but three prestigious titles: ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination,’ ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board.’

Turks & Caicos followed closely, clinching the title of ‘Caribbean's Leading Beach Destination,’ while The Bahamas reigned supreme as the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination.’

North America's best: From cityscapes to conference hubs

Switching focus to North America, Canada outshone its competitors, becoming ‘North America’s Leading Destination.’

Miami Beach shone as the ultimate city escape, earning the title of ‘North America’s Leading City Destination.’ Seattle, not to be outdone, garnered attention as ‘North America’s Leading Meeting & Conference Destination.’

Highlights from Mexico and Central America

Venturing southward, the enchanting resort of Tulum in Mexico took the accolade for ‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Beach Destination’ with its unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history.

Costa Rica bagged the award for ‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination,’ affirming its position as a hotbed for tourism.

South America’s culinary and romantic getaways

In the southern hemisphere, Peru emerged as a dual winner.

It won ‘South America’s Leading Destination’ and also found recognition for its avant-garde cuisine by receiving ‘South America’s Leading Culinary Destination.’

Argentina did not lag behind; its resort San Carlos de Bariloche secured ‘South America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination.’

Saint Lucia: A triple crown achievement

The host island, Saint Lucia, did not just serve as a backdrop for the award ceremony; it also bagged three significant titles.

Recognized as ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination,’ ‘Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Destination,’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination,’ the island proved its versatility in tourism offerings.

Accomplishments in the hospitality sector

Turning the lens towards hospitality, numerous establishments stood out.

Winners included Amanyara, Turks & Caicos (‘Caribbean’s Leading Beach Resort’); Jamaica’s Halfmoon (‘Caribbean’s Leading Hotel’); Round Hill Hotel & Villas (‘Caribbean’s Leading Villa Resort’); Beaches Turks & Caicos (‘Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort’).

The drive for excellence helped Sandals Resorts International to lift the title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand’.

Sandals Dunn’s River: Jamaica’s newest resort opens in Ocho Rios — Sandals Dunns River. (Photo via Sandals Resorts.)

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Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia was hailed ‘Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Resort’ and Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia took ‘Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort’.

From the Americas, notable winners included Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún (‘Mexico & Central America's Leading Beach Resort’); Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Costa Rica (‘Mexico & Central America's Leading Green Hotel’); Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana, Ecuador (‘South America's Leading City Hotel’); Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverley Hills (‘California’s Leading Hotel’); The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (‘California's Leading Resort’); One&Only Palmilla (‘Mexico’s Leading Luxury Resort’); The St. Regis New York (‘North America's Leading Wedding Hotel’); Mandarin Oriental, Santiago (‘Chile's Leading Business Hotel’).

Aviation milestones and other honors

airport — Donald Sangster International Airport.

The aviation sector also had its share of the spotlight. Bahamasair soared as ‘Caribbean’s Leading Airline,’ and Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport landed ‘Caribbean’s Leading Airport.’

Privé Jets won the title of ‘North America’s Leading Private Jet Charter’ and Air Canada was named ‘North America's Leading Airline’.

The ceremony also honored various tour operators and travel agencies, among them are GO! Jamaica Travel (‘Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator’); Enchanting Travels (‘North America’s Leading Tour Operator’); Costamar Travel (‘South America’s Leading Travel Agency’); Llama Path, Peru (‘South America’s Responsible Tourism Award’); Liberty Travel (‘United States’ Leading Travel Agency); and Skylux Travel (‘North America's Leading Travel Agency’); and Ekinox Tours (‘Mexico & Central America's Leading Adventure Tour Operator’).