Receiving a single award at the annual World Travel Awards is quite an accomplishment for any nation, but winning two is even better. The Caribbean nation of Jamaica did just that during the recent Grand Final Gala Ceremony on January 11, 2012. Qatar, the Persian Gulf nation neighbouring Saudi Arabia, hosted the gala event which honours various tourist destinations and industry-related businesses with annual awards.

This year Jamaica took home the honours for World's Leading Honeymoon Destination; one of the most prestigious awards given every year. The country that receives it normally sees a significant boost in wedding and honeymoon travel as a result. For Jamaica, the award is made that much better by the fact that they were also designated World's Leading Cruise Destination for the sixth consecutive year.

The combination of the two honours could significantly boost Jamaican arrivals as honeymoon couples travel to the island via cruise ships coming from the U.S. It's also expected the added exposure will increase the availability of Jamaica all inclusive holidays among the world's tour operators.

In addition to the two national awards, several resorts and industry-related organizations were also honoured including Sandals, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Beaches Resorts, and the Port Authority of Jamaica. It's clear to see that the number of awards demonstrates Jamaica's up-and-coming tourism industry which is beginning to rival some of the world’s best tropical destinations.

"These awards serve as an endorsement of our combined and vigorous efforts to promote the destination worldwide," remarked Jamaica's Director of Tourism John Lynch. "They reflect our commitment to providing top-notch offerings for visitors from around the world."

Furthermore, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Wykeham McNeill said, “I am extremely pleased that despite intense competition Jamaica has won these prestigious and much sought after awards. Scoring these victories at the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards is a monumental achievement, and is proof that despite our size Jamaica remains a ‘world-beater’ in the global travel industry.

The significance of the awards cannot be underestimated in light of Jamaica's celebration of 50 years of independence in 2012. The first significant event of the year-long celebration is the Jazz and Blues Festival - The Art of Music set to be held January 26-28. Although the jazz festival is an annual event, this year's event has been expanded to include many bigger name acts, in honour of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Tourists inclined to visit the Caribbean this year have plenty of reasons to go Jamaica. In the UK, where the number of Jamaican ex-pats is significantly high, tourist officials have been making the rounds to encourage such individuals to visit their homeland in 2012. All over the island preparations are being made for special celebrations set to take place during the year. For all intents and purposes it will be a rolling party from one community to the next that both tourists and residents are welcome to join.

Airworld Tours , the UK-based luxury holiday company, is your one-stop source for Jamaica all inclusive holidays and other Caribbean travel packages.