The Bahamas Secures Six Major Honours at PATWA International Travel Awards During ITB Berlin 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Bahamas Secures Six Major Honors at PATWA International Travel Awards During ITB Berlin 2026 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism I. Chester Cooper and tourism stalwart Sir Baltron Bethel among top honourees as the destination earns global recognition for sustainability, leadership and lifetime achievement.

NASSAU, The Bahamas (4 March 2026) - The Bahamas has been honoured as a Partner Destination and Event Partner at the 26th edition of the PATWA World Tourism Leaders Summit and PATWA International Travel Awards, held during ITB Berlin in March 2026. The destination received six major accolades at the official ceremony, recognizing excellence in sustainability, destination management, and lifetime contribution to the tourism industry.

The awards were presented as part of the PATWA International Travel Awards programme, organized by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), which recognizes governments, organizations, and individuals who demonstrate leadership and impact across the global tourism sector.

The Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation represented the destination at the summit, positioning The Bahamas prominently within global tourism dialogue alongside ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, and international media.

The Bahamas was recognized across six distinguished categories:

• Tourism Minister of the Year, Sustainability: The Hon I. Chester Cooper

• Destination of the Year, Lifetime Experiences: The Bahamas

• PATWA Gold Award, Destination Management, Caribbean: Director General Latia Duncombe

• PATWA Gold Award, Lifetime Achievement in Tourism: Sir Baltron Bethel

• PATWA Destination Award, Vibrant Beaches: Nassau & Paradise Island

• PATWA Gold Award, Excellence in Destination Promotion, (Caribbean): Joy Jibrilu The awards are a powerful testament to the dedication, vision, and tireless work of the nation’s tourism family.

“To be recognized at ITB Berlin alongside leaders from across the global tourism industry is meaningful for The Bahamas,” she said. “These awards reflect the strength of our tourism sector and the collective efforts of many across our islands who contribute to the visitor experience. I also congratulate The Honourable I. Chester Cooper and Sir Baltron Bethel on their well-deserved recognition," noted Director General Latia Duncombe.

She noted that to be recognized on the world stage at ITB Berlin, in categories spanning sustainability, destination excellence, management leadership, and lifetime achievement, reflects the depth of The Bahamas’ commitment to delivering world-class experiences. Mrs. Duncombe added that the Ministry is incredibly proud of The Honourable. I. Chester Cooper and Sir Baltron Bethel, whose contributions continue to elevate The Bahamas as a leading global destination, emphasizing that the recognition belongs to every Bahamian who plays a role in welcoming the world to its shores.

The recognition underscores The Bahamas’ continued leadership in sustainable tourism development, strategic destination management, and the delivery of diverse, high-value visitor experiences across its 16 major islands.

About The Bahamas:

The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.

Media Contact (s):

Rissie Demeritte Director, Global Communications The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation rdemeritte@Bahamas.com

Joshua Robins Manager, Domestic Communications jrobins@bahamas.com