Jamaica has been announced as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination for the fourth consecutive year at the prestigious World Travel Awards. Jamaica also recorded its fifth victory as Leading Cruise Destination in the Caribbean while Ocho Rios won the award for leading Caribbean port.

Dubbed the travel and tourism Oscars, the World Travel Awards are decided by travel professionals from over 160 countries and 183,000 companies across the globe. Organisers claim winning an award brings more exposure, recognition and ultimately passengers to the victor.

A spokesperson for the Jamaican port authority attributed the continued success at the awards to the diversity of offerings that the island has, including history, shopping, adventure and relaxation. Jamaica is a unique destination that showcases a wide range of activities that few others can match.

World Travel Awards President and co-founder Graham Cooke paid tribute to the winners who have managed to prove themselves in the face of economic adversity and factors such as swine flu. Travel and tourism have been particularly affected by the recession but award winners have risen above the pack to gain recognition from passengers and fellow professionals alike.

Ocho Rios hosts the world’s largest cruise vessels with Port Antonio accommodating more boutique operators, with Historic Falmouth to join the harbour list next year. Falmouth was one of the region’s most prominent towns in the 18th Century and will showcase some of the Caribbean’s best examples of Georgian architecture in what promises to be a truly historic experience.