If 2021 in the Caribbean was a year of recovery, 2022 has been a year of unmistakable, unprecedented rebirth. The Caribbean has never been hotter, with just about every destination nearing (or now exceeding) its pre-pandemic travel totals, and the region cementing its position as the world’s greatest warm weather destination.
The pandemic was a lesson for the Caribbean; it reminded the region that all of its strongest assets: the beauty of its natural environment, the dynamism of its people, the vibrance of its culture, were the things travelers were seeking out — as global stress reminded all of us — and travelers worldwide – about the things that really matter. It was also a reminder of the importance of protecting all of those assets.
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a decade since Caribbean Journal first launched the Caribbean Travel Awards, the region’s authoritative celebration of travel excellence. And while the region has changed immensely in that time, the people and places driving the Caribbean’s tourism product have only been emboldened. Caribbean travel has never been richer, stronger or more interesting, including a truly magnificent portfolio of hotels across the Caribbean Basin.
“The 2023 edition of the CTA celebrates honorees in 21 different categories, highlighting the hotspots, the difference makers and the reasons why we all love the Caribbean so very much, as selected by the CJ editorial staff,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal. “Congratulations to all of the winners: you have received the highest annual honors in all of Caribbean travel and your work is at the pinnacle of Caribbean excellence.”
Caribbean Destination of the Year: St Kitts
Experiences. Sustainability. Community. The Natural Environment. These are some of the biggest draws for the 21st century traveler, and they form the core of St Kitts’ new tourism identity. The island has been buliding a new brand centered around its essential, authentic qualities, and, well, it’s been succeeding, with unprecedented buzz and a new prime position on the global travel radar, buoyed by a new pipeline of hotels, new airlift and a travel identity powered by its people.