Pictured: The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) winning team. (L-R) Racquel Queensborough – Business Development Manager, Angella Bennett – Regional Director for Canada, Dan Hamilton – District Sales Manager, and Judy Nash – Office Manager. Sharing in the moment is Kurt Davis – Consul General of Jamaica to Toronto (1^st L).

TORONTO, ON – May 20, 2026 – The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is celebrating a significant victory after being honoured with two top awards at the 2026 TravelPulse Canada Readers’ Choice Awards. Jamaica was named Best Destination – Caribbean, and the JTB also received the award for Best Tourism Board – Caribbean. The winners were announced at a gala event held on Thursday, May 14, at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, attended by the leaders and luminaries of the Canadian travel industry.

“Jamaica’s success in these prestigious awards is a powerful validation of our product, our people, and our partners,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism. “To be voted Best Destination and Best Tourism Board by our esteemed travel partners in Canada is an honour that we accept with immense pride. This recognition energizes our commitment to delivering unparalleled travel experiences and reinforces the deep-seated connection between Jamaica and our Canadian visitors.”

This recognition solidifies Jamaica’s position as the definitive choice for Canadian travellers in the Caribbean, representing a powerful endorsement from the nation’s most trusted travel experts. The win is a direct reflection of the island’s outstanding hospitality, world-class tourism, and the JTB’s strong partnership with the Canadian travel trade.

“Jamaica continues to cement its place as the premier Caribbean destination through the warmth and hospitality excellence. We are grateful for the recognition as we commit to maintaining our high service standards,” said Dononvan White, Director of Tourism.

This recognition solidifies Jamaica’s position as the definitive choice for Canadian travellers in the Caribbean, representing a powerful endorsement from the nation’s most trusted travel experts. The win is a direct reflection of the island’s outstanding hospitality, world-class tourism, and the JTB’s strong partnership with the Canadian travel trade.

“This award is a testament to the enduring love affair between Canadian travellers and Jamaica, a relationship nurtured and guided by the country’s brilliant travel professionals,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, JTB. “We are thrilled to be recognized and inspired to continue delivering the world-class experiences our partners and their clients expect.”

Further demonstrating its commitment to the Canadian travel community, the JTB was also the official music sponsor for the evening’s festivities. This sponsorship underscores the JTB’s dedication to celebrating and supporting the industry partners who are pivotal to its success.

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About the Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).

Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

Media Contact:

Marley Burnes

mbrunes@webershandwick.com

416-788-5995