The Bahamas Secures Six Major Honours at PATWA International Travel Awards During ITB Berlin 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Bahamas Secures Six Major Honours 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 (4th 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 four major accolades at the official ceremony, recognising 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, organised by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), which recognises governments, organisations, 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 recognised across four distinguished categories:
- Tourism Minister of the Year, Sustainability: 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: The Bahamas
- PATWA Gold Award, Excellence in Destination Promotion, (Caribbean): Joy Jibrilu
Reflecting on the milestone, Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said these awards are a powerful testament to the dedication, vision, and tireless work of the nation’s tourism family.
“To be recognised 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.”
She noted that to be recognised 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.
Ms. 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, emphasising 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
Joshua Robins
Manager, Domestic Communications
jrobins@bahamas.com