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| (c) 2011 World Travel Awards |
Called the “Oscars of the travel industry,” World Travel Awards will acknowledge Jamaica’s role in spearheading the recovery of the Caribbean’s travel and tourism economy at a VIP ceremony in Montego Bay on October 7.
The gala, to be held at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, highlights news that Jamaica’s growth in visitor arrivals this year is expected to beat 2010’s five percent increase. This finding is noted to be happening despite the on-going austerity challenges of key source markets in Europe and North America.
In a media release, World Travel Awards President and Founder Graham E. Cooke stated this feat underlined Jamaica’s ability to perform well in adversity. “Jamaica has proven one of the tourism stars of the global downturn because of its boundless appetite for reinvention,” he said.
As an example, Cooke cited the success of Sandals, the event host, as the resort chain marks its 30th anniversary this year.
Cooke also touched on how the Caribbean is able to capitalize on travel opportunities that are affordable for those in the BRIC [Brazil, Russia, India, and China] nations as traditional source markets are stuttering. “However, to unlock this potential, accompanying governmental support remains vital, including the easing of restrictions that currently limit intra-Caribbean travel,” he added.
Top decision-makers and thought leaders from across the Americas and Caribbean will attend the event, competing for the most influential accolades in travel. Following months of voting on more than 2,000 organizations for award consideration, the chosen nominees in various categories will compete for top honors.
Categories include “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” with Aruba, Barbados, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Turks & Caicos among those in the running for this title. In “Caribbean’s Leading Hotel,” the contending properties are Half Moon, A RockResort (Jamaica), Jumby Bay (Antigua), Parrot Cay (Turks & Caicos), and Sandy Lane (Barbados).
For “Jamaica’s Leading Resort,” Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club, Couples Negril, Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort and The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall are all competitors.
The Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony marks the fifth and final leg of the World Travel Awards 2011 Grand Tour, and will follow heats in Dubai, UAE; Antalya, Turkey; Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; and Bangkok, Thailand. Regional winners from these events then progress to the Grand Final in Doha, Qatar, in November.
For more information about World Travel Awards 2011 Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony and bookings, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.worldtravelawards.com.