Jamaica is set to welcome a diverse assembly of travel and tourism leaders from across the region as it prepares to host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2026.
The prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the Princess Grand Jamaica on 11 October 2026, serving as the flagship evening of World Travel Week Jamaica. The ceremony aims to unite prominent travel, tourism, and hospitality brands spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America.
Attendees will gather to recognise and celebrate excellence across a broad spectrum of categories. These include accolades for hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators, destinations, and tourism attractions, acknowledging the highest standards within the industry.
The Princess Grand Jamaica, situated on the coastline between Montego Bay and Negril, will provide the backdrop for this gathering of travel elite, fostering an evening dedicated to recognition and networking among industry professionals.
Jamaica, as the host destination, is globally renowned for its natural attributes and cultural richness. Its beaches, mountainous landscapes, distinctive music, local cuisine, and vibrant culture are frequently highlighted. The island's spirit of hospitality has contributed significantly to its status as one of the Caribbean’s most recognised tourism destinations.
Graham Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards, expressed his enthusiasm for the choice of location. "We are delighted to host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony in Jamaica," Mr Cooke stated. "Few destinations combine natural beauty, culture and hospitality with such a powerful global identity."
He added that convening leaders from across the Americas at Princess Grand Jamaica is expected to make the event one of the standout evenings of the Grand Tour 2026, providing a significant opportunity to present Jamaica's best to the global travel community.
Donovan White, Director of Tourism for Jamaica, also commented on the upcoming event. "Jamaica has earned its place as one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations and hosting World Travel Week will showcase our exemplary hospitality and world-class experiences," Mr White said.
The ceremony is an integral part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, an international initiative dedicated to identifying and honouring the finest travel and tourism organisations globally. The Grand Tour includes regional ceremonies held in various locations, with previous events in Zanzibar, Dubai, and the Maldives. Following the Jamaica ceremony, the tour will continue with an event in Montenegro before concluding with the Grand Final in Tanzania.
World Travel Week Jamaica encompasses a series of additional international events, extending beyond the main gala. On 12 October, the World MICE Awards, World Travel Tech Awards, and World Cruise Awards are scheduled to take place. The World Social Media Awards and ‘10 Best’ awards will be staged on 13 October, with the World Culinary Awards set to conclude the awards programme on 14 October.
World Travel Awards™ gala ceremonies are recognised as key events within the travel industry calendar. These gatherings are typically attended by a range of industry figures, including key decision-makers, figureheads, influencers, and media representatives.
