Island clinches top wedding destination award for second year

Barbados has been named the Caribbean’s leading wedding destination for the second consecutive year, cementing its position as the region’s premier spot to tie the knot.

The accolade was confirmed at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & North American Gala Ceremony held on October 4 at Sandals Grande in Saint Lucia. The annual event celebrated excellence across the travel and tourism sectors, drawing leading industry figures and contenders from across the region.

In a release from the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the tourism promotion agency hailed the win as a reflection of the island’s ongoing dedication to fostering a world-class wedding industry.

Chief Operations Officer at BTMI, Cheryl Carter said in the statement: “Barbados is deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition as the Caribbean’s Leading Wedding Destination. This award is a testament to the pride our nation feels when welcoming couples to begin their lives together.

“The dedication, flair, creativity, and expertise of our many wedding planners ensure that every wedding, regardless of the size or style, is truly a memorable occasion. Over the years, Barbados has staged weddings of every description from intimate to extravagant, drawing on our rich culture, stunning venues, and world-class hospitality. With this accolade, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence in delivering exceptional destination weddings.”

Sandals Grande played host to the third leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2025, highlighting the region’s finest travel and tourism organisations in a red-carpet affair.

Director of BTMI’s Caribbean department, Graham Clarke welcomed the continued recognition of Barbados in the face of tough competition from neighbouring destinations.

“I am happy that the title remains in Barbados this year, as we were able to eclipse some of our neighbours who were also competing for the honour,” Clarke said in the release. He further credited local industry stakeholders for their role in securing the award.

“This honour reflects not only our island’s unique appeal but also the dedication of our exceptional tourism stakeholders, whose hard work makes every celebration extraordinary,” he added.

WTA founder Graham Cooke described the ceremony as an opportunity to recognise the region’s highest achievers.

“Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across the region,” Cooke said.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are regarded as the benchmark for industry excellence, celebrating outstanding achievements in travel, tourism, and hospitality worldwide.

(PR)