Jamaica crowned Caribbean's leading destination for 19th consecutive year at World Travel Awards

Jamaica has emerged victorious at the renowned World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony, securing an impressive 45 awards.

The gala, held in Saint Lucia, brought together the best travel brands across the Caribbean and North America.

The island received 29 regional awards and 16 national prizes, cementing its status as a premier travel destination.

For the 19th consecutive year, Jamaica has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination. The Jamaica Tourist Board won the award for the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board for the 17th time in a row. 

Additionally, the country was recognised as the Leading Family Travel Destination 2025.

Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism in Jamaica, said: "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."

He added: "As we enter a new chapter in the development of tourism in Jamaica, as minister, I feel blessed to share in these achievements. Congratulations to the entire tourism team!"

The Caribbean was also named Leading Honeymoon Destination and Leading Adventure Destination.

Leading Beach Destination went to Turks & Caicos, and the Bahamas earned its title as Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination.

North America winners included The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel (North America’s Leading Luxury Hotel), Four Seasons Resort Lanai (North America’s Leading Luxury Resort) and Edgewood Tahoe Resort (North America’s Leading Boutique Resort).

Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, said: "It has been a privilege to host our Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2025 on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia. Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across the region."

The Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony took place in June. Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa dominated the awards that were held at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Cape Town picked up the award for Africa’s Leading Cruise Port 2025, Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2025 went to Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) and Valley of Waves in Sun City was titled Africa’s Leading Water Park 2025. 

The Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony will take place on October 13, followed by the Europe Gala Ceremony on October 22.

The Grand Final Gala Ceremony will take place on December 6 in Bahrain.