Recognized at the 12th Annual Unique Caribbean American Heritage Month & Culture Awards for his decades of leadership and contributions to Jamaica tourism

Photo caption: Elizabeth Burns (left), Founder and President of Unique Creations By Liz, presents Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism,  Americas at the Jamaica Tourist Board, with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Annual Unique Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM) & Culture Awards, held June 28, 2026, at the Colony West Golf Club in Tamarac, Florida.

TAMARAC, FL – July 10, 2026 – Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism, Americas at the Jamaica Tourist Board, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Annual Unique Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM) & Culture Awards, held June 28, 2026, at the Colony West Golf Club in Tamarac, Florida.

For more than two decades, Rose has been a driving force behind the growth and international success of Jamaica’s tourism industry. He has led strategic initiatives across Canada, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, contributing to record-breaking visitor arrivals, expanded airlift, and stronger international partnerships, further strengthening Jamaica’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

“Philip has contributed significantly to the growth and modernization of Jamaica’s tourism industry,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “His visionary leadership helped pioneer Jamaica’s engagement with its diaspora and expand our reach in key international markets. While his contributions are deeply reflected in Jamaica’s ongoing growth and success, his influence can also be seen in the many tourism professionals he has mentored and inspired along the way.”

Established 12 years ago by the event production, marketing, and community engagement company, Unique Creations By Liz, the Unique CAHM & Culture Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on their communities while raising awareness of National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

“Philip Rose’s contributions extend far beyond tourism marketing and sales,” said Elizabeth “Liz” Burns, Founder and President of Unique Creations By Liz. “His leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence have created a lasting impact not only for Jamaica but for the wider Caribbean tourism industry. He exemplifies the qualities that the Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize.”

A longtime leader in destination sales and marketing, Rose helped transform how Jamaica engages with travelers by introducing innovative digital and social media strategies, and championing diaspora tourism initiatives that strengthened connections with Jamaicans living abroad as visitors, advocates, and ambassadors for the destination. Beyond his marketing achievements, Rose has remained committed to mentoring future tourism professionals through guest lectures, speaking engagements, and collaboration with industry stakeholders across the Americas.

Rose joins a distinguished group of Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, including former Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, Broward College President Torey Alston, Jamaica Tourist Board Chairman John Lynch and former Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis.

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, Madrid, Milan, 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/.            

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Media contact: jamaica@louhammond.com