Port Authority of Jamaica nominated in three prestigious categories

Durrant Pate/Contributor

The Caribbean and the Americas Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards is bringing some of the region’s leading figures in travel and tourism to Jamaica this October.

Set for October 11 at the luxurious Princess Grand Jamaica at Green Island in the parish of Hanover, all eyes on the evening will be on the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) with an extraordinary hat-trick of nominations. 

The three categories in which the PAJ is nominated are:

(1) Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination

(2) Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port – Port of Ocho Rios, and 

(3) Caribbean’s Leading Home Port – Port of Montego Bay

PAJ standard setter in port operations

This reflects a formidable trio of nominations and one that neatly reflects the breadth of Jamaica’s cruise offering. The significance is heightened by the island’s remarkable record at the World Travel Awards, where Jamaica has won Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination every year from 2005 through 2025.

In addition, the Port of Montego Bay has held the Caribbean’s Leading Home Port title from 2019 through 2025, and Port of Ocho Rios claimed Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port in 2025. The PAJ is responsible for the development, operation and maintenance of the island’s cruise ports. 

These ports act as gateways into a destination where the experiences begin almost immediately. From the waterfalls and lush landscapes of Ocho Rios to Montego Bay’s sophisticated resorts, beaches, restaurants and lively atmosphere, cruise passengers are offered an enticing introduction to an island capable of turning a short visit into a lasting memory.

Jamaica’s tourism authorities describe the island’s principal cruise ports including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth and Port Royal as equipped to accommodate the largest cruise ships while offering a broad range of services and facilities.

Behind that visitor experience sits PAJ, whose work is rather less visible, but arguably every bit as important withs its cruise portfolio encompassing five facilities, including Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, alongside the historic Port of Falmouth and other destinations.

For the PAJ, these nominations represent more than the prospect of adding another collection of trophies to an already impressive cabinet. The World Travel Awards profile for the Authority records a remarkable history of recognition, including multiple Caribbean and World titles for cruise destination and cruise port excellence over the past decade. 

The organisation is again nominated across all three of the major Caribbean cruise categories in 2026.