Travel & Tour World: Saint Lucia Joins Philippines, Vietnam, Jordan, Portugal, UAE, Oman in Hosting World Travel Awards

Saint Lucia joins an esteemed list of countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Jordan, Portugal, UAE, and Oman, in hosting the prestigious World Travel Awards. This event, which honours the finest in global travel, is a powerful testament to the growing influence of these nations on the international tourism stage. By welcoming the 2025 World Travel Awards, Saint Lucia has not only elevated its tourism profile but also showcased its commitment to excellence in hospitality and cultural experiences. The island, known for its lush landscapes and world-class resorts, serves as the perfect backdrop for this prestigious occasion. As Saint Lucia takes its place alongside these renowned destinations, it reinforces the Caribbean’s increasing prominence in the global tourism market. This collaboration further strengthens Saint Lucia’s reputation as a key player in the tourism industry, alongside other iconic countries that have hosted this renowned global event.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025 Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony was held on October 4, 2025, at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian, Saint Lucia. It was a star-studded affair, with the travel industry’s elite gathering to honour the best in the business. The ceremony, a key event in the WTA Grand Tour, recognised outstanding achievements in travel and tourism across the Caribbean and North America. Saint Lucia, which hosted the event, also saw major victories in the awards, reinforcing its global tourism stature.

Saint Lucia Triumphs with Two Major World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025 Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony, held on October 4, was an unforgettable event. Hosted at the beautiful Sandals Grande Saint Lucian, Saint Lucia took centre stage as a proud winner in two key categories. The island was named ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Destination’. These victories underscore Saint Lucia’s diverse appeal to both romantic travellers and adventure enthusiasts. With its tropical beauty and thrilling experiences, the island has solidified its position as one of the premier tourism destinations in the region.

Other Caribbean Winners Celebrate Excellence in Tourism

The evening saw other Caribbean destinations shining as well. Turks & Caicos earned the prestigious title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination’. This award celebrates the pristine beaches that make this destination a top choice for sun-seekers. Meanwhile, The Bahamas was recognised as the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination’, reflecting its commitment to providing a world-class luxury experience. Jamaica emerged victorious, earning multiple accolades: ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination,’ ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’. These awards reflect Jamaica’s thriving tourism sector and its ability to offer a unique mix of culture, adventure, and hospitality.

Seattle and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Shine in North America Awards

Seattle, known for its iconic skyline and thriving cultural scene, won the title of ‘North America’s Leading City Destination’. This recognition highlights the city’s growing influence as a top travel destination in North America. Also, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a striking addition to New York’s skyline, was awarded ‘North America’s Leading Tourist Attraction’. These accolades further strengthen the appeal of North American cities as global tourism hotspots.

Top Caribbean Resorts Awarded for Excellence

Several Caribbean resorts were celebrated for their excellence in hospitality. Curtain Bluff, located in Antigua & Barbuda, was recognised as the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Green Resort’, acknowledging its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Saint Lucia’s Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel took home the award for ‘Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel,’ a testament to the island’s growing reputation for offering exclusive, intimate experiences. Jade Mountain Resort, also in Saint Lucia, earned the title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort’, highlighting its appeal to couples seeking a romantic, luxury getaway.

Jamaica’s Resorts Continue to Lead the Way

Jamaica continues to lead the Caribbean’s resort sector with multiple wins. Anse Chastanet Resort was named ‘Saint Lucia’s Leading Wedding Resort’, cementing its reputation as one of the top destinations for weddings and romantic getaways. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, was recognised as the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Resort’. These wins show how Jamaica and its neighbouring islands continue to excel in offering world-class resorts that attract visitors from around the globe.

North America’s Luxury and Boutique Resorts Gain Recognition

North American resorts also garnered attention for their excellence. The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in New York was named ‘North America’s Leading Luxury Hotel’, while Four Seasons Resort Lanai claimed the title of ‘North America’s Leading Luxury Resort’. Edgewood Tahoe Resort received the accolade of ‘North America’s Leading Boutique Resort’, highlighting the increasing demand for exclusive, boutique-style accommodations in the region.

Airlines and Airports Shine with Prestigious Titles

The aviation sector also had its moment of recognition during the ceremony. Bahamasair was awarded ‘Caribbean’s Leading Airline’, recognising the airline’s service excellence in the region. Sangster International Airport in Jamaica took the title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Airport’, reinforcing its status as a key hub in the Caribbean. InterCaribbean Airways was named ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cabin Crew’, thanks to its commitment to customer service excellence.

Delta Air Lines, a leader in the North American aviation sector, earned the title of ‘North America’s Leading Airline’. In the airport lounge sector, Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was crowned ‘North America’s Leading Airport Lounge’. These awards celebrate the ongoing effort to enhance the travel experience for passengers throughout the Caribbean and North America.

The Importance of World Travel Awards for Regional Tourism

The World Travel Awards 2025 ceremony was not just an event to celebrate the winners; it was also a testament to the growth and resilience of the Caribbean and North American tourism industries. Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, highlighted the importance of hosting such a prestigious event, noting that it provided a major boost to the island’s tourism sector. The awards serve as a powerful platform for recognising the individuals and organisations driving excellence in the region’s tourism industry.

World Travel Awards Set New Standards for Excellence

The ceremony set new standards for excellence within the tourism industry, with the winners representing the best of the best in their respective categories. As the tourism sector continues to recover globally, the WTA’s recognition of these outstanding destinations, resorts, and airlines sets the bar high for others in the industry. The World Travel Awards 2025 in Saint Lucia demonstrated the ongoing commitment of the Caribbean and North American regions to deliver exceptional travel experiences to their visitors, further solidifying their positions as top global destinations.