NEW DELHI, 20 March 2024: Jamaica has been named Global Destination of the Year at the renowned travel trade show, ITB in Berlin. The award was presented by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association’s (PATWA).

In accepting the award on behalf of the destination, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said, “Jamaica is known for its food, music and indeed love so we are humbled to be recognized for these experiential offerings to our visitors that provide meaningful memories.”

Jamaica has received several awards based on its authentic and unique tourism offerings. Last year, the island was named ‘Caribbean’s Best Culinary Destination’ at the World Culinary Awards. In the same year, Jamaica won 33 World Travel Awards, chief among them was being named the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination.’

“PATWA remains one of the highest honours you can receive in tourism and travel and Jamaica continues to punch above its weight to excel in its products and services. It is truly the perfect backdrop for all things romance – engagements, weddings, honeymoons – you name it,” added Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has also bestowed the prestigious title of Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, recognising his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry. Upon receiving the title of Global Tourism Icon, Bartlett expressed gratitude to the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association for this esteemed recognition. “It has been my life’s mission to ensure that the tourism sector in Jamaica flourishes in terms of arrivals, earnings, economic growth and resilience. I am pleased that through public-private sector partnerships, we have not only weathered the most devastating period in global tourism history but have elevated Jamaica as a premier travel destination and also set a benchmark for excellence in the global tourism landscape,” said Minister Bartlett.

The PATWA is a nonprofit international media organisation of travel writers founded in 1999 and the awards seek to recognize organizations, destinations/brands and individuals achieving the highest standards in their field.

These accolades have come on the heels of phenomenal arrivals and earnings for Jamaica last year. The destination welcomed over 4 million international visitors and earned US4.2 billion. The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, has also announced that the destination has welcomed one million visitors and earned USD $1 billion in gross foreign exchange earnings in the first two months of the year. The numbers highlight the impressive growth trajectory of the country’s tourism sector. Jamaica recorded 611,642 stopover arrivals, which represents a 7.4% increase, and 389,319 cruise passenger arrivals, which is a 29.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Total visitor arrivals for the period were 1,000,961, which is an increase of 15.1% over the same months in 2023. From these arrivals, the island has earned USD $1 billion, which is an impressive increase of 8.5%.

About Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, New Delhi, Tokyo and Paris.

In 2023, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fourth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it named “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board” for the 15th consecutive year, “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” for the 17^th consecutive year, and the “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination” in the World Travel Awards – Caribbean.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded six gold 2023 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean,’ and ‘Best Cruise Destination – Caribbean’ as well as two silver Travvy Awards for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and ‘Best Wedding Destination – Overall.’’ It also received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time. TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica the #7 Best Honeymoon Destination in the World and the #19 Best Culinary Destination in the World for 2024. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition and the destination is routinely ranked among the best to visit globally by prestigious international publications.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaican Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.