THE TURKS and Caicos Islands featured heavily in this year’s World Travel Awards’ Caribbean and North America gala.

The territory won the award for Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination 2018 and numerous resorts also scooped top accolades.

This year’s ceremony was held on September 22 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, a press release from the TCI Tourist Board said.

The award for Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination was accepted by Deputy Director of Tourism Mary Lightbourne and Director of Tourism Ramon Andrews.

Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary Cheryl Ann Jones and Chairman of the Tourist Board Norman Hamilton.

Andrews said: “We are elated that Turks and Caicos Islands was named the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination.

“This award is evidence of our destination’s distinction among our Caribbean counterparts. Tourism is not only our main industry; it is our way of life.

“We are fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful beaches however this award would be meaningless without the diligent hospitality workers who go above and beyond to ensure that our visitors have memorable experiences.”

At the ceremony, Turks and Caicos Islands resorts and tourism related agencies captured a number of Caribbean awards.

Caribbean’s Leading All Suite Hotel 2018 went to The Palms Turks and Caicos.

Caribbean’s Leading Beach Resort 2018 was snapped up by Amanyara Villas, Turks and Caicos.

And Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa won the award for Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2018 for the 11th year.

Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts International, said the company was “thrilled” to be honoured at the ceremony.

“We continue to innovate at every touch point of the all-inclusive experience to provide the most luxurious experiences for our customers and exceed their expectations,” he said.

In addition to the above awards, the destination categories saw the following winners emerge:

-Turks and Caicos’ Leading Boutique Hotel 2018 – Point Grace

-Turks and Caicos’ Leading Car Rental Company 2018 – Hertz

-Turks and Caicos’ Leading Destination Management Company 2018 – Olympia Destination Management Company

-Turks and Caicos’ Leading Hotel 2018 – Grace Bay Club

-Turks and Caicos’ Leading Hotel Suite 2018 – Ocean Front Penthouse at The Palms Turks and Caicos

-Turks and Caicos’ Leading Resort 2018 – Seven Stars Resort

 The grand final gala ceremony of the World Travel Awards is scheduled for December 1 in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has received the following nominations: World’s Leading Beach Destination 2018, World’s Leading Island Destination 2018, World’s Leading All Suite Hotel 2018 – Grace Bay Club and The Palms, and World’s Leading Beach Resort 2018 – Amanyara Villas.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 for the express purpose of acknowledging and celebrating achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry.

Each year the awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective successes within each key geographical region.