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 later this year.

The awards programme, 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 five per cent rise, and comes despite the ongoing austerity challenges of key source markets in Europe and North America.

The ceremony, which takes place at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island in Montego Bay on October 7, 2011, is set to attract the top decision-makers and thought leaders from across the Americas and Caribbean as they compete for the most influential accolades in travel.

After months of intense voting featuring more than 2,000 organisations, 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 and Caicos, among those competing for top honours.

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

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

Graham Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards, underlined Jamaica’s ability to come good in adversity.

“Jamaica has proven to be one of the tourism stars of the global downturn because of its boundless appetite for reinvention – a spirit exemplified by our event host, Sandals Resorts. We are honoured that our ceremony forms part of this iconic brand’s 30th anniversary celebrations,” he said.

“The Caribbean is also capitalising on the tremendous opportunities afforded by BRIC [Brazil, Russia, India, and China] nations, especially with traditional source markets stuttering. However, to unlock this potential, accompanying governmental support remains vital, including the easing of restrictions that currently limit intra-Caribbean travel.”

Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board John Lynch said that in the midst of the global economic challenges, Jamaica’s growth in 2010 was remarkable.

“We are fortunate to have an unrivalled tourism product offering diverse vacation experiences to the most discerning traveller, 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,” he said.