Caribbean tourism officials and industry leaders were among the big winners at the PATWA International Travel Awards, securing several top honours across tourism, hospitality and aviation categories.

Among those recognised for individual excellence in tourism was Joy Jibrilu, who received the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in Destination Promotions for the Caribbean.

Grenada Tourism CEO Stacey Liburd was honoured with the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in Destination Development for the Caribbean, while Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Latia Duncombe received the award for Excellence in Destination Management in the Caribbean.

Tourism veteran Alain St Ange was presented with the Tourism Legacy Award in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the global tourism industry.

Another notable Caribbean awardee was Sir Baltron Bethel of The Bahamas, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Tourism.

In the hospitality category, Mureen James secured the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in MICE Hospitality in the Caribbean, while Jamaican hotelier Christopher Issa received the award for Excellence in Hospitality Innovation in Jamaica.

Janelle M Hopkin was also recognised, receiving the Woman of the Year – Hospitality award for the Caribbean.

Caribbean aviation leaders were also recognised at the awards.

Trevor Sadler received the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in Airline Operations in the Caribbean, while Philippe Bayard was honoured with the award for Excellence in Airline Leadership in the Caribbean.

In the travel services category, Joseph B. Boschulte received the PATWA Gold Award for Best New CEO – Ports (Worldwide).

Caribbean tourism ministers were also among those honoured in the governance category.

Adrian A. Thomas of Grenada received the Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainable Development award, while Chester Cooper of The Bahamas was recognised as Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainability.

Meanwhile, Edmund Bartlett of Jamaica received the top honour of Tourism Minister of the Year (Worldwide).

The PATWA International Travel Awards recognise governments, organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion and development of tourism and travel globally.