PAJ records sixth consecutive WTA Award

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) emerged champions at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Doha, as Jamaica registered its sixth consecutive win in the 2011 World's Leading Cruise Destination Award Category.

The Historic Port of Falmouth anchored another win in the World's Leading Tourism Development Project Category. The WTA, which is described by the Wall Street Journal as the 'Oscars' of the global travel and tourism industry, are decided by votes cast by travel professionals from 183,000 companies and tourism organisations in more than 160 countries. The event was held in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

Minister of Transport, Works and Housing Dr Omar Davies, who has portfolio responsibility for cruise shipping through the PAJ, commended the authority, stating, "I am extremely proud of this latest achievement. It is a validation that Brand Jamaica is indeed a potent force in the tourism marketplace. Congratulations to all who were responsible for this most recent accolade.

"Undoubtedly, our success at the WTA must be attributed to the increasing diversity of experiences that we have to offer cruise visitors. We have everything from shopping and historical tours, to high-impact adventures that allow Jamaica to connect with almost every passenger on a cruise ship in ways no other destination can," said William Tatham, vice-president, cruise shipping and marina operations, PAJ.

Organisers indicate that research has shown that winning a World Travel Award increases international brand recognition and builds consumer loyalty. Graham E. Cooke, president and founder World Travel Awards, said that, "Our nominees represent those organisations, destinations and hotels that have made the most valuable contributions to the performance of the world's tourism and travel industry." He further noted that "the PAJ is one such entity that has re-engineered processes during a difficult period, by utilising its creativity and ingenuity to develop a superb world-class port in Falmouth."

According to senior vice-president, international marketing and client services, Rosalie Donaldson, "These wins are a reflection of the intensified marketing and promotional efforts of the PAJ, which were achieved through the implementation of strategies aimed at direct selling to targeted cruise lines through familiarisation trips and extensive representation of the Cruise Jamaica brand at international trade shows."

The Historic Port of Falmouth's competitive advantage is its unique offerings and state-of-the-art facilities which have not gone unnoticed as it was recognised as Port of the Year at the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards in 2011 and received the WTA Caribbean's Leading Tourism Development, also last year. The Falmouth Port, which is the only themed port in the region, is a highly technological pier with the ability to facilitate the largest cruise ship in the world, the Oasis of the Seas. The development of the port was undertaken by the Port Authority of Jamaica and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a joint initiative, which began operations in February last year.

Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill added that, "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". He stated further that, "I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the Port Authority of Jamaica and all the other stakeholders who have contributed to this accomplishment. These awards reaffirm that Jamaica remains a very attractive destination and at the forefront of global tourism."

In recognising the achievements, Noel Hylton, president and CEO of the PAJ, has congratulated his team on its unwavering commitment to excellence. He further stated that "the marketing efforts of the PAJ under its Cruise Jamaica brand has continuously delivered exceptional results and has enhanced Jamaica's extraordinary profile in the international cruise industry while leading the charge in moulding Jamaica's image as a cruise destination."

The WTA was established 17 years ago and is committed to raising the standards of the customer experience and business performance and operations throughout the international industry.