Jamaica was recognized as the leading destination in the Caribbean of 2016 at the World Travel Awards event, which was held at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. The event was hosted by Yendi Philips and Adrian Atkinson, Jamaican TV personalities and featured performances by Tami T, Phylla and Etana, and Ana Strachan. Graham Cooke, president of the World Travel Awards, said it was an honor for the event to return to Jamaica and specifically called out the beauty of the island location and the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort venue. Graham called the event a “true celebration of tourism” in the Caribbean and North America. Created in 1993, the World Travel Awards are designed to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the tourism industry. The awards are internationally recognized as the ultimate mark of quality, and award winners establish the benchmark of excellence for the industry. Additionally, the World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are viewed as an exceptional opportunity to network, as they are attended by leaders in government and industry, as well as global broadcast and print media interests. In addition to taking the award for top Caribbean destination, Jamaica was also named the leading Caribbean cruise destination, and the island’s Dolphin Cove received the award as the region’s top tourist attraction. Sandals Ochi Beach Resort was named the top honeymoon resort in the Caribbean region.

About World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade.

Attended by senior executives from major travel companies, operators, destinations, WTA events are universally respected as providing established, top level networking opportunities, regionally and globally. The brand aims to celebrate those organisations who push the boundaries of industry excellence.