Jamaica named Destination of the Year at PATWA International Travel Awards

Jamaica has secured six major honours at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Travel Awards, including the coveted Destination of the Year title, further reinforcing the island’s standing as a global tourism leader.

- Advertisement -

The recognition was announced during the 26th PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Travel Awards, which celebrates excellence, innovation and leadership across the global travel and tourism industry.

Jamaica’s designation highlights the island’s strong tourism performance, strategic international marketing and continued investment in sustainable development. The recognition also reflects the destination’s ability to offer authentic cultural experiences, high-quality accommodations and the signature hospitality that has long made the Caribbean nation a favorite among global travellers.

The awards extended beyond the national honour, with S Hotel Jamaica earning recognition as one of PATWA’s top accommodation recipients. Meanwhile, the Montego Bay Convention Centre received a separate accolade, affirming its status as a leading venue for international meetings and events.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett welcomed the recognition, describing it as a reflection of the collective effort behind Jamaica’s tourism industry.

“This award belongs to the people of Jamaica, to our workers, our partners and every stakeholder who contributes to making our island a world-class destination,” Bartlett said. “Being named Destination of the Year reinforces that our focus on resilience, innovation and sustainability continues to resonate globally. We remain committed to strengthening our tourism product and ensuring that the benefits of the industry are shared widely across our nation.”

Director of Tourism Donovan White also underscored the significance of the award for the country’s global brand.

“Being named Destination of the Year by PATWA is a significant milestone for Brand Jamaica. It highlights the confidence the international community has in our product and our people. We will continue to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences that inspire travellers from around the world,” White said.

The latest honours add to Jamaica’s growing list of international recognitions and further strengthen its reputation as a premier global travel destination known for resilience, creativity and authentic experiences.

More Stories

Jamaica Tourist Board

Jamaica showcases culture at 2026 New Orleans Jazz Fest

Jamaica is taking a prominent role at this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, with the Jamaica Tourist Board partnering with Sandals Resorts...

Couples Tower Isle: A classic Caribbean all-inclusive that still delivers

Couples Tower Isle sits quietly along Jamaica’s north coast near Ocho Rios, combining decades of history with a relaxed, all-inclusive rhythm that has made...
InterContinental Dominica

InterContinental Dominica rolls out discount for CARICOM travelers

Caribbean travelers looking for a refined but easy escape now have a new incentive to visit Dominica, as InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa...

Guyana opens new multimillion-dollar hotel: Four Points by Sheraton

Guyana has officially opened the Four Points by Sheraton hotel along Heroes Highway in Georgetown, marking another major addition to the country’s rapidly expanding...

Coconut Bay to host 6th annual Rum & Rhythms Festival in Saint Lucia

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, one of Saint Lucia’s leading premium all-inclusive resorts, has rolled out an expanded calendar of wellness activities, signature...

Atlantis Paradise Island unveils The Imperial Club, elevating luxury experience in The Royal

Atlantis Paradise Island has announced the launch of The Imperial Club, a refined private club experience set to debut May 1, 2026, on the...

‘100% illegal’: Jamaican hotelier slams fence blocking Seven Mile Beach access for residents

A routine early morning run along Negril’s famed Seven Mile Beach has sparked renewed debate over public access to Jamaica’s coastline, after hotel operator...
The Palms Turks and Caicos

Caribbean summer escapes: From barefoot seclusion to culinary hideaways

With summer on the horizon, the Caribbean begins to shift into its most tempting season — long, sun-soaked days, quieter beaches, and luxury resorts...
Grenada welcomes new service by Haiti-based airline

Virgin Islands gains new air link as Sunrise Airways launches Santo Domingo–Beef Island route

The Virgin Islands now has an additional airline option for travel between the Territory and the Dominican Republic, following the launch of direct flights...

Saint Lucia to host inaugural CTO Latin American Market Summit in 2027

Saint Lucia has been selected to host the first-ever Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Latin American Market Summit, scheduled for May 5–6, 2027. The announcement was...

Latest Articles