The Bahamas has been honoured as a PartnerDestination and Event Partner at the 26th edition of the PATWA World Tourism LeadersSummit and PATWA International Travel Awards, held during ITB Berlin in March 2026. Thedestination received four major accolades at the official ceremony, recognising excellence insustainability, 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 recognisesgovernments, organisations, and individuals who demonstrate leadership and impact acrossthe global tourism sector.

The Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviationrepresented the destination at the summit, positioning The Bahamas prominently withinglobal tourism dialogue alongside ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, and internationalmedia.

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 ofTourism, Investments & Aviation, said these awards are a powerful testament to thededication, vision, and tireless work of the nation’s tourism family.
“To be recognised at ITB Berlin alongside leaders from across the global tourism industry ismeaningful for The Bahamas,” she said. “These awards reflect the strength of our tourismsector 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 ontheir well-deserved recognition.”

She noted that to be recognised on the world stage at ITB Berlin, in categories spanningsustainability, 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. ChesterCooper and Sir Baltron Bethel, whose contributions continue to elevate The Bahamas as aleading global destination, emphasising that the recognition belongs to every Bahamian whoplays a role in welcoming the world to its shores.

The recognition underscores The Bahamas’ continued leadership in sustainable tourismdevelopment, strategic destination management, and the delivery of diverse, high-valuevisitor 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 toescape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating andthousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples andadventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com oron Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.