World Travel Awards 2010: And The Winner Is . . .

Jamaica bagged several prestigious awards in the 2010 World Travel Market event held in East London between 7 to 10 November at Grosvenor House hotel. The recognition could not have come at a better time for Jamaica as the High Season on the island will soon begin and the awards are sure to add to the interest in the region. Jamaica accommodation rentals are hopeful that they would see greater bookings of private Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments during this season.

The importance of the event can be gauged from the fact that the Wall Street Journal has labelled the awards as 'The Oscars of the Travel Industry.'

Jamaica was voted the leading destination in the Caribbean. It was also recognized as the world's leading cruise destination. Montego Bay was voted the world's leading beach destination. The Round Hill Hotel and Villas was awarded the distinction of being the world's leading villa.

Jamaica's sprint star Usain Bolt also won the coveted Face of Travel Award for his involvement in the destination's 'Once You Go You Know' ad campaign and its role in boosting Jamaica's tourism profile. He beat several other heavyweights like Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Beckham, Kevin Spacey, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Costner and Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickenson to win this award.

Here is the video, 'Once You Go You Know':

Celebrating Jamaica's success, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said, "I am a proud man, for Jamaica has not only captured the imagination of the world as a premier destination, but the world has seen that our performance merits its reward. These seven awards that have been attained by the destination and stakeholders will inspire us to offer even greater services to our clients."

His views were endorsed by John Lynch, director of tourism who said "Being voted the Caribbean's leading destination is a major endorsement for Jamaica but to be voted as a world leader in these categories, speaks volumes for the quality of the product and service we offer."

The World Travel Awards is considered to be the highest achievement that a travel product could ever hope to receive. Approximately 183,000 travel professionals cast their votes and these include travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organisations in more than 162 countries across the globe.

While Montego Bay has been voted as the leading beach destination in the world, most guests of Mysilversands will say that the private beach at Silver Sands is even better than the beaches in Montego Bay.