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Jamaica corners market on tourism awards
published: Thursday | September 21, 2006 <DIV class=KonaBody>
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
From left, vice-president of cruise shipping, William Tatham; chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Dennis Morrison; Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Aloun Assamba, senior vice-president, marketing at Air Jamaica, Paul Pennicook, and the airline's vice-president George DeMercardo pose with the Oscar-looking World Travel Award trophy at the Beaches Hotel in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, yesterday. - Photo by Janet Silvera
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands:
On the heels of recording the fastest growth rate for visitor arrivals in the Caribbean, Jamaica's momentum continued here yesterday at the World Travel Awards (WTA).
Jamaica grabbed the coveted World Leading Cruise Destination Award, outclassing renowned cities such as Miami, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Barcelona and Genoa, while edging Barbados out and reclaiming the Leading Caribbean Destination prize, which that country held for the last two years.
JTB takes title
Air Jamaica, for the ninth year, was awarded the Leading Caribbean Airline and Leading Caribbean Business Class awards, while the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) took the Leading Tourist and Conventions Bureau title.
However, the government agencies were not the only winners as Sandals Resorts International received 12 awards, which included the 'Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand' for the 13th year, rising above highly-acclaimed brands such as Hilton, Wyndham, Hyatt and Ritz-Carlton.
Ocho Rios' Jamaica Inn was named 'Jamaica's Leading Resort'.
In its 13th year, the WTA recognises those organisations that have made the greatest contribution to the global tourism and travel trade. This year some 165,000 travel agencies and professionals in over 200 countries worldwide voted to recognise excellence in travel destinations, airlines, hotels and companies worldwide.
Speaking with The Gleaner at the ceremony held at the Beaches Resort in Providenciales, William Tatham, vice-president of cruise shipping at the Port Authority, said: "Jamaica's reputation as an outstanding cruise destination is not only evident in our high visitor arrivals and increased cruise calls, but also from the endorsements of travel professionals who play a pivotal role in travel decision making."
Chairman of the JTB, Dennis Morrison, who also attended the event, spoke of the great potential of the Jamaican people to compete successfully on the international stage. "These awards are for the many, many people who contribute to the industry, especially the workers, hoteliers and the other sectors that support it," he said. </DIV>
published: Thursday | September 21, 2006 <DIV class=KonaBody>
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
From left, vice-president of cruise shipping, William Tatham; chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Dennis Morrison; Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Aloun Assamba, senior vice-president, marketing at Air Jamaica, Paul Pennicook, and the airline's vice-president George DeMercardo pose with the Oscar-looking World Travel Award trophy at the Beaches Hotel in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, yesterday. - Photo by Janet Silvera
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands:
On the heels of recording the fastest growth rate for visitor arrivals in the Caribbean, Jamaica's momentum continued here yesterday at the World Travel Awards (WTA).
Jamaica grabbed the coveted World Leading Cruise Destination Award, outclassing renowned cities such as Miami, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Barcelona and Genoa, while edging Barbados out and reclaiming the Leading Caribbean Destination prize, which that country held for the last two years.
JTB takes title
Air Jamaica, for the ninth year, was awarded the Leading Caribbean Airline and Leading Caribbean Business Class awards, while the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) took the Leading Tourist and Conventions Bureau title.
However, the government agencies were not the only winners as Sandals Resorts International received 12 awards, which included the 'Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand' for the 13th year, rising above highly-acclaimed brands such as Hilton, Wyndham, Hyatt and Ritz-Carlton.
Ocho Rios' Jamaica Inn was named 'Jamaica's Leading Resort'.
In its 13th year, the WTA recognises those organisations that have made the greatest contribution to the global tourism and travel trade. This year some 165,000 travel agencies and professionals in over 200 countries worldwide voted to recognise excellence in travel destinations, airlines, hotels and companies worldwide.
Speaking with The Gleaner at the ceremony held at the Beaches Resort in Providenciales, William Tatham, vice-president of cruise shipping at the Port Authority, said: "Jamaica's reputation as an outstanding cruise destination is not only evident in our high visitor arrivals and increased cruise calls, but also from the endorsements of travel professionals who play a pivotal role in travel decision making."
Chairman of the JTB, Dennis Morrison, who also attended the event, spoke of the great potential of the Jamaican people to compete successfully on the international stage. "These awards are for the many, many people who contribute to the industry, especially the workers, hoteliers and the other sectors that support it," he said. </DIV>