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 (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 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%.
