Jamaica has been crowned Global Destination of the Year at the prestigious ITB travel trade event in Berlin. The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) presented the award recently. The PATWA is a nonprofit international media organization of travel writers created in 1999, and the awards aim to reward companies, destinations/brands, and individuals that have achieved the highest standards in their industry.

Hon Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, accepted the award on behalf of the destination, saying, “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.”

The PATWA awards are hosted during ITB and are among the most desired recognitions, with nominees reviewed on a variety of criteria, including a thorough internal evaluation for each category.

The Minister of Tourism is attending the 2024 edition of ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel exhibition. With over 20,000 attendees expected this year, ITB Berlin is regarded as a crucial venue for the international tourist industry, encouraging networking and supporting knowledge exchange.

“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,” Minister Bartlett remarked.

Jamaica has garnered numerous honors for its authentic and unique tourism offerings. Last year, the World Culinary Awards voted the island ‘Caribbean’s Best Culinary Destination’. Jamaica earned 33 World Travel Awards that year, the most notable of which was the title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination.’

This prize follows the island’s record-breaking arrivals and earnings last year. The location received almost 4 million international tourists and earned $4.2 billion.