Jamaica dominates World Travel Awards
45 wins cement island’s tourism supremacy
Published:Monday | October 6, 2025 | 12:11 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jamaica’s tourism juggernaut continued its reign at the World Travel Awards (WTA) on Saturday night, capturing an impressive 45 honours, 29 regional Caribbean awards and 16 national titles, during a glittering ceremony staged at Sandals St Lucia.
The wins underscore Jamaica’s position as a regional powerhouse in tourism excellence, with the island once again named Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) taking home the coveted title of Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board.
The JTB’s achievement capped a year of strong global marketing and destination growth, underscoring the strength of Brand Jamaica and its partnerships across airlift, accommodation, and experiences.
Sandals, Island Routes and Go! Jamaica Shine
Among the biggest victors was Sandals Resorts International, which dominated several major categories. Its flagship property, Sandals Montego Bay, was crowned Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort, while the brand maintained its decades-long streak as Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand, a title synonymous with its legacy of luxury and innovation.
The company’s sister brand, Beaches Resorts, also earned accolades, reinforcing the Stewart family’s continued dominance across the region’s hospitality landscape.
Equally triumphant was Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, which copped the prize for the Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator for its immersive and authentic excursions spanning 13 destinations.
In a standout moment for independent operators, Dave Chin Tung’s Go! Jamaica Travel walked away with four major awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Travel Agency, Caribbean’s Leading Destination Management Company, and Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator.
“We are deeply honoured to have been recognised with four prestigious awards at this year’s World Travel Awards,” Chin Tung told The Gleaner.
“These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and creating unforgettable travel experiences for our valued clients. We extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team, loyal partners, and wonderful customers whose trust continues to inspire us.”
Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure also earned high praise. Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay was once again named Caribbean’s Leading Airport, a recognition it has held for 17 consecutive years, while Club MoBay, the VIP arrival and departure lounge, secured the title of Caribbean’s Leading Airport Lounge.
Shane Munroe, chief executive officer of MBJ Airports Limited, described the recognition as “a milestone that solidifies SIA’s position as the region’s premier aviation gateway and underscores Jamaica’s continued distinction in travel and tourism”.
AWARDS
The awards extended across Jamaica’s hotel landscape. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall reclaimed the title of Jamaica’s Leading Conference Hotel, a position it held from 2020 to 2023.
S Hotel Kingston, which first opened in 2009, was named Jamaica’s Leading Business Hotel, while its sister property, S Hotel Montego Bay, which débuted in 2019, earned the distinction of Jamaica’s Leading Hotel, cementing the Issa-led brand’s reputation for design-forward Caribbean luxury.
The Princess Grand Jamaica Resort, the newest addition to western Jamaica’s coastline, made a stunning début by taking Caribbean’s Leading New Resort and Leading Water Villas Resort, establishing itself as a rising force in Jamaica’s all-inclusive scene.
Among other winners were Rose Hall Great House, which continues to enchant visitors with its blend of mystery and heritage; the Montego Bay Convention Centre; GoldenEye; Tryall Club; and Round Hill Hotel and Villas, all symbols of Jamaica’s enduring hospitality excellence.
This year’s World Travel Awards tally marks one of Jamaica’s strongest performances to date and comes amid renewed efforts to deepen investment, diversify source markets, and elevate service quality across the island.
The achievement also reflects the long-term vision of the Ministry of Tourism, whose minister, Edmund Bartlett, has been focusing on resilience, innovation, and market diversification.
He continues to guide Jamaica’s global tourism strategy. Bartlett, who recently set an ambitious target of attracting 500,000 visitors from the United Kingdom by 2030, has championed the development of new markets, while strengthening the island’s foothold in traditional regions.
Under his leadership, Jamaica’s tourism growth has been driven by a robust public-private partnership model that empowers local stakeholders, the very collaboration celebrated in Saturday night’s triumph.