Saint Lucia Awarded ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ 2012

Honored for the 10th time in the past decade, Saint Lucia accepted the award for “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” at the 2012 World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony held on September 14. Hosted at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spas, the event, now in its 19^th year, was established for the purpose of recognizing and celebrating achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry.

“Being acknowledged as a leading romance destination, not only within the Caribbean but worldwide, is something  we look forward to maintaining and are thrilled with this recognition from the World Travel Awards, especially since we are selected by consumers and the trade,” said Louis Lewis, Director of Tourism for Saint Lucia. “We plan to retain the leadership position, by continuing to create new and exciting ways to entice travelers. Saint Lucia is naturally made for romance and we have embraced it and want to share the love with visitors to the island. As we move into 2013, Saint Lucia is poised for additional growth, product improvement and increased airlift which will make getting to the island much easier.”

A number of Saint Lucian companies and properties also received recognition at the recent ceremony including Barefoot Holidays DMC Saint Lucia, which was named the Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator.  The Jalousie Plantation was awarded Saint Lucia’s Leading Hotel.  The Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort was awarded Saint Lucia’s Leading Resort and Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa was awarded Saint Lucia’s Leading Spa Resort.

Among the numerous awards and accolades the island has received recognizing it as a top romantic destination, both U.S. and U.K. versions of the hit reality series, The Bachelor, filmed on island. ABC’s The Bachelor brought cast and crew to shoot several episodes in 2010, including the Season 14 final rose ceremony which was held at Jade Mountain (voted #1 Honeymoon Resort by BRIDE’s Magazine in April 2012). And, in 2011, Saint Lucia was the final rose ceremony destination for the first series of the U.K. version of the widely popular series, reaching tens of millions of fans across both countries.

Additionally, Saint Lucia was recently named one of the world’s top 20 Honeymoon destinations by BRIDE’s magazine (2012) and listed as one of the top “Best Caribbean Honeymoon” locations by US News & World Report.

For more information about the island of Saint Lucia call 1-800-456-3984, or visit www.saintlucianow.com