Source: Caribbean Tourism Organization

2024 Caribbean Media Awards winners (l-r): From left to right: Romardo Lyons (TVJ, Jamaica; Kaitlyn McNab (Teen Vogue), Melissa Noel (ESSENCE magazine); and Brent Pinheiro (CNC3 TV/Trinidad Guardian)

BARBADOS (April 18, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is celebrating the exceptional work of journalists and influencers who capture the essence of the Caribbean through storytelling at the 2025 Caribbean Media Awards. Taking place during Caribbean Week in New York, from June 1 to 6, 2025, the awards will honor outstanding media contributions from the U.S. and the Caribbean. Submissions are open to public relations agencies, CTO member countries, and the journalistic community. 

“The Caribbean is more than a destination. It’s a vibrant collection of cultures, histories and experiences that deserve to be shared with the world. These awards recognize the storytellers whose work ignites curiosity, inspires travel, and deepens the global appreciation for our region,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of CTO.

Entries are sought in the following award categories:

• Best Feature Article or Story: Recognizes excellence in long-form storytelling (print or online) that provides in-depth analysis, compelling narratives, and unique perspectives on Caribbean culture, history, etc.
• Best News Reporting: Honors exceptional reporting of breaking news, events or issues of significance to the Caribbean region that demonstrates accuracy and journalistic integrity.
• Best Podcast/Radio: Celebrates excellence in podcasting/radio reporting, whether itʼs storytelling, interviews or discussions offering engaging and informative Caribbean content.
• Best Photojournalism: Celebrates impactful visual storytelling through photography, capturing the essence of life in the Caribbean region, from daily life to cultural events, natural landscapes, or social issues.
• Best Video Production: Honors outstanding video production, including broadcast news segments, short films, or online video content that showcases the richness and diversity of Caribbean culture, people and landscapes.
• Best Social Media Campaign: Recognizes innovative and effective social media campaigns (by journalists or influencers) that engage audiences, raise awareness, or promote positive change on issues relevant to the Caribbean region.
• Best Personal Immersive Story: Highlights a feature story that demonstrated time in the destination, integration and deep exploration of off-the-beaten-path in a destination.
• Diaspora Journalist of the Year: Honors members of the Diaspora community who impact tourism in the Caribbean region through their storytelling.
• Emerging Journalist of the Year: Spotlights the achievements of up-and-coming journalists, reporters or content creators who have demonstrated exceptional talent, potential and commitment to excellence in Caribbean media.

Only entries submitted by CTO government members, their public relations agencies or qualified media shall be eligible. Minimum circulation for newspaper or magazine entries is 20,000 (1,000 for Caribbean media). All entries must have been published or broadcast in the 2024 calendar year. Only one entry per person per category will be accepted. Submissions should showcase creativity and thoughtful knowledge of the Caribbean and have a provocative story angle.

Criteria for the judging of entries shall be:

• Content – Relevance, accuracy, cohesiveness of material, adherence to journalistic standards
• Structure & Form – Relevance of topic, clarity, pace, structure (introduction, development and conclusion), presentation of information and ideas
• Title – Relevance of title, concision, clarity
• Quality of Language – Use of language, quality of syntax, quality of sentence structure
• Originality – Originality of ideas, ability to spark audienceʼs curiosity, boldness, creativity

Entries that do not meet the selection criteria will be disqualified. 

Depending on their assessment of the standard of entries, the judges may withhold awards in any category as they see fit. They may also ascribe “Special Mention” (without award) to an entry where warranted. Decisions of the judges shall be final.

Entrants are required to submit their contributions at https://bit.ly/caribbeanmediaawards2025 by the deadline of May 1, 2025.

For questions or further information, contact caribbeanweek@marketplaceexcellence.com.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories, including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking, as well as a range of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution, and research & information technology.

The CTO’s headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026.

Tel: +1 246 427-5242; Email: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com

For more information about the Caribbean Tourism Organization, visit www.OneCaribbean.org and follow the CTO on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

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