At the renowned global travel trade show, ITB Berlin, Jamaica was named Global Destination of the Year.

The award was presented on March 6 by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association’s (PATWA). The PATWA is a non-profit international media organisation of travel writers founded in 1999 and the awards seek to recognise organisations, destinations/brands and individuals achieving the highest standards in their field.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, in accepting the award on Jamaica’s behalf, 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.”

The tourism minister is participating in the 2024 staging of ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel tradeshow. With over 20,000 participants expected for this year, ITB Berlin is viewed as a critical platform for the international tourism industry, fostering networking and facilitating knowledge exchange.

“PATWA remains one of the highest honors 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,” Bartlett added.

Jamaica is no stranger to these awards and continues to shine in the tourism space. Last year, the island received ‘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 ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination.’

The award comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for tourism in Jamaica, which saw the island welcome four million international visitors and earned US$4.2 billion.