The Cayman Islands took home the award for the Caribbean’s Leading Dive Destination 2013 at the 20th annual World Travel Awards 2013, which was held on 14 September in Antigua. The Cayman Islands also took this award in 2012 and 2007.

Other nominations for Cayman included the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2013, Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2013 and the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2013. The Cayman Turtle Farm was nominated for the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2013 and Grand Cayman nominated for the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2013.

Hotels and resorts of the Cayman Islands received two nominations. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman was nominated for the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Residences 2013 and the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Suite 2013.

Nominated for the Cayman Islands’ Leading Resort 2013 were: Caribbean Club, Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman and the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa with Grand Cayman Beach Suites taking home the award for the third year.

Nominated for the Cayman Islands’ Leading Spa Resort 2013 were: Grand Cayman Beach Suites, Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa with the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman being victorious.

“I am absolutely delighted that the Cayman Islands has once again triumphed over strong competition in this year’s World Travel Awards, which is widely regarded as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry,’” stated Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Hon Moses Kirkconnell.

“Receiving these awards demonstrates that our partners in the tourism industry are stepping up to the plate and delivering exceptional, innovative and authentic guest experiences, which are resonating with our visitors and leaving them with the very best impression of the Cayman Islands.”

“I congratulate the Grand Cayman Beach Suites and the Ritz-Carlton for attaining top honours. From a destination perspective, for our islands to be recognised as the Caribbean’s Leading Dive Destination is an outstanding accomplishment, which not only recognises the collective contribution of our local dive community and the fabulous work that they do, but also the magnificent underwater environment which we have been blessed with. I thank all of the business and leisure travelers, as well as the tourism and hospitality industry professionals who took the time to vote for us and hope that these awards will encourage many more to experience all that the Cayman Islands has to offer,” Mr Kirkconnell added.