Industry elite traveled from across the region to the island paradise for the World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & The America's 2023 Gala Ceremony to find out who among them had been crowned the best of the best.
The red carpet evening, held at Sandals Grand St. Lucian , marked the inaugural leg of the historic WTA 30th Anniversary Grand Tour 2023 – a global search for the best travel and tourism organizations.
The evening's winners included Jamaica, which overcame a tough field to emerge as the "Caribbean's Leading Destination," as well as "Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination" and "Caribbean's Leading Tourism Board." Turks & Caicos was voted "Best Beach Destination in the Caribbean." The Bahamas took the title of "Caribbean's Leading Luxury Island Destination."
Canada was named "North America's Leading Destination," while Miami Beach claimed the coveted title of "North America's Leading City Destination," and Seattle claimed "North America's Leading Meetings and Conferences Destination."
The Mexican resort of Tulum, with its magnificent beaches, lush jungles and Mayan ruins, was named "Best Beach Destination in Mexico and Central America." Costa Rica took first prize as 'Leading Destination in Mexico and Central America'.
Peru was elected 'South America's Leading Destination', while its avant-garde gastronomy was recognized as 'South America's Leading Culinary Destination'. The romantic charms of San Carlos de Bariloche were recognized when the Argentine resort was chosen as "Best Honeymoon Destination in South America."
Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, says: “It has been a privilege to kick off our 30th anniversary celebrations on the beautiful island of St. Lucia, which hosted an incredible ceremony involving top travel figures from around the world. the Caribbean and America. Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence and I congratulate each and every one of them for helping to raise the collective benchmark.”
The breadth and depth of St. Lucia's tourism offerings was bolstered by three key awards: the majestic island was named "Best Caribbean Honeymoon Destination," "Best Caribbean Adventure Destination," and "Best Caribbean Nature Destination." ".
The Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, commented: “We are very proud to host the 30th annual World Travel Awards Caribbean and Americas Gala Ceremony, an event that truly highlighted the remarkable hospitality of Saint Lucia. and rich cultural heritage. To be honored with three important recognitions that will undoubtedly enhance our marketing efforts is a source of great honor. This recognition serves to further strengthen our position as a premier destination and serves as a motivating force to continue providing unparalleled world-class experiences to travelers from around the globe, encompassing adventure, romance and the wonders of nature."
In the hotel sector, winners included Amanyara, Turks & Caicos ('Caribbean's Leading Beach Resort'); Jamaica's Halfmoon ('Caribbean's Leading Hotel'); Round Hill Hotel & Villas ('Caribbean's Leading Villa Resort'); Beaches Turks & Caicos ('Caribbean's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort'). The relentless drive for excellence helped Sandals Resorts International lift the title of "Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand." Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia was hailed as "Caribbean's Leading Luxury Resort" and Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia was named "Caribbean's Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort."
From the Americas, notable winners include Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun ('Best Beach Resort in Mexico and Central America'); Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Costa Rica ('Leading Ecological Hotel in Mexico and Central America'); Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana, Ecuador ('Leading Urban Hotel in South America'); Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills ('California's Leading Hotel'); The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara ('California's Leading Resort'); One&Only Palmilla ('Mexico's Leading Luxury Resort'); The St. Regis New York ('America's Leading Wedding Hotel'); Mandarin Oriental, Santiago ('Leading Business Hotel in Chile').
In the aviation sector, Bahamasair was named "Caribbean's Leading Airline," while Jamaica's Sangster International Airport was named "Caribbean's Leading Airport." Privé Jets earned the title of 'North America's Leading Private Jet Charter'. Air Canada was named "North America's Leading Airline".
Other winners include GO! Jamaica Travel ('Caribbean's leading tour operator'); Enchanting Travels ('North America's Leading Tour Operator'); Costamar Travel ('South America's Leading Travel Agency'); Llama Path, Peru ('South America Responsible Tourism Award'); Liberty Travel (Leading Travel Agency in 'United States'); and Skylux Travel ('North America's Leading Travel Agency'); and Ekinox Tours ('Leading Adventure Tour Operator in Mexico and Central America').
Find a full list of winners on the official WTA website .
St. Lucia 2023 Highlights
In addition to the WTA, St. Lucia has a number of key events and activities in 2023:
1. Three Peaks Challenge
New for 2023, the St. Lucia Three Peaks Challenge allows visitors to tackle three iconic mountains during their stay: Gros Piton, Petit Piton and Mount Gimie.
2. Roseau River Rafting
Climb aboard a bamboo raft and float along the stunning Roseau River, taking in the endless wonders of nature in a tropical paradise. Watch the exotic birds of this idyllic rainforest and inhale the fresh outdoors, sample some tropical favorites like sugar cane or coconut water or even a homemade local delicacy, Carl's Creole bread.
3. Kabawe Krawl
This new pub crawl (Kabawe is Creole for rum shack) gives you the chance to meet the locals, swap stories and enjoy St. Lucian hospitality. Book a guided tour or, if you're out and about, look for the Kabawe Krawl sign at a participating location.
4. Romance Summit
'Say Yes to Saint Lucia' is a global romance summit to be held later this year, allowing agents to meet with key partners including villas, hotels and wedding planners. There will also be keynote speakers, a bridal fashion show and a digital media strategy workshop.
5. Atlantic Rally Cruise
The Atlantic Rally Cruise (ARC) takes place annually and sees a fleet of over 100 boats set sail from Las Palmas on Gran Canarias to cross the Atlantic Ocean to Saint Lucia.