Jamaica Wins Big at the World Travel Awards 2016

19 September 2016 11:24pm

The World Travel Awards named Jamaica the Caribbean's leading destination for 2016.

At a gala ceremony held over the weekend, industry leaders toasted the best of Caribbean travel as voted by major players in the industry.

Snowbirds who may already be conducting early research for their winter escape may want to consider destinations like Jamaica, Turks & Caicos and Antigua & Barbuda, which took home some of the major awards of the night.

Turks & Caicos was voted the Caribbean's leading beach destination, while Antigua & Barbuda was named the most romantic.

Jamaica-bound travelers may be interested in the tourism office's “Meet the People” program, which pairs visitors with local ambassadors who share a common profession, hobby or interest.

Ambassadors include musicians, doctors, chefs, dancers, farmers, teachers, beauticians, photographers, and artists.

Another innovative program includes volunteering opportunities that include educational, faith-based and farming programs throughout the island.

Jamaica's Dolphin Cove was also named the region's leading tourist attraction and the island itself named leading cruise destination.

Here are some of the big winners from the Caribbean edition of the World Travel Awards 2016:

Caribbean's Leading Luxury Island Destination: The Bahamas

Leading beach destination: Turks & Caicos

Leading beach resort: Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Leading cruise destination: Jamaica

Leading hotel: Coco Reef Resort & Spa, Tobago

Leading destination: Jamaica

Leading honeymoon destination: Saint Lucia

Leading honeymoon resort: Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Jamaica