The World Travel Awards (WTA) recognizes excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. In fact, the awards have been referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry by The Wall Street Journal. Top hotels, airlines, travel agencies and car rental companies worldwide are voted on in several categories. The voting process is online and runs throughout the year. The winners are announced on the awards grand finale at the end of each year.

The 23^rd WTA ceremony was held on Friday, 02 December, 2016 in the Maldives, southern Asia. Jamaica won a total of nine awards, three individuals and six by resorts and travel partners.

The most common description of Jamaicans by Jamaicans is without a doubt, “wi lickkle but wi tallawah” meaning that although we are a small country we are strong and fearless. In sports, we have the world’s fastest man, Usain Bold and the fastest woman Elaine Thompson. We are well known for our reggae music and almost everyone throughout the world has heard of Bob Marley.

Jamaica has long since been recognised for our tourism product however this recent achievement should put any doubts to rest. With all your other major industries, such are bauxite, sugar cane, coffee, cocoa and banana contracting we need to ensure that our tourism product continues to grow.  We obviously have the world’s attention. Let capitalize on this recognition.

Nuff love