Jamaica’s role in spearheading the recovery of the Caribbean’s travel and tourism economy is to be acknowledged by World Travel Awards at a VIP ceremony in Montego Bay in October.
 

The awards program, hailed as the “Oscars of the travel industry" by the global media, noted that Jamaica’s growth in visitor arrivals this year is expected to beat 2010’s impressive five percent rise, and comes despite the on-going austerity challenges of key source markets in Europe and North America.
 

After months of intense voting featuring more than 2,000 organizations, the nominees have been whittled down to the elite few. Categories to watch include “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” with Aruba, Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Turks & Caicos, among those competing for top honors.
 

Meanwhile “Caribbean’s Leading Hotel” sees stiff competition between such iconic properties as Half Moon, A RockResort (Jamaica), Jumby Bay (Antigua), Parrot Cay (Turks & Caicos), and Sandy Lane (Barbados).
 

Rivalry on a country level is also intense, notably “Jamaica’s Leading Resort,” which sees Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club, Couples Negril, Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, all going head to head.
 

John Lynch, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, in commenting on Jamaica’s performance said: “In the midst of the global economic challenges, Jamaica’s growth in 2010 is remarkable. We are fortunate to have an unrivaled tourism product offering diverse vacation experiences to the most discerning traveler, and this is complimented by a high-touch quality service, which makes our visitors want to return. Hosting WTA’s Caribbean and The Americas Ceremony will allow us to showcase that we offer an authentic experience, which provides value for money.”
 

The Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony marks the fifth and final leg of 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.