Every year, tens of thousands of travel professionals gather at ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus Börse Berlin), the world’s largest and most influential travel trade show. Among them are the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) which has been handing out its prestigious International Travel Awards at the conference every year since 1999. For 2025, ten extraordinary locations have captured these coveted accolades, each offering travellers unique and unforgettable experiences.

Destination of the Year – Romance: Jamaica

Crowned as the destination of the year for romance, Jamaica seduces couples with more than just its powdery white beaches and turquoise waters. Imagine watching the sunset from Rick’s Café in Negril, exploring the mystical Blue Mountains, or enjoying a private candlelit dinner on the beach with reggae rhythms softly playing in the background. Jamaica’s all-inclusive couples’ resorts like Sandals and Couples offer romance packages that include everything from couples’ massages to private excursions through lush tropical gardens and hidden waterfalls.

Destination of the Year – Natural Attractions: Guyana

Honoured for its spectacular natural attractions, Guyana offers an authentic wilderness experience unlike anywhere else. In this English-speaking South American nation, visitors can witness the thundering Kaieteur Falls—five times higher than Niagara—and spot elusive jaguars prowling through pristine rainforests. The country’s commitment to community-led tourism initiatives ensures travellers experience genuine interactions with indigenous populations while contributing to conservation efforts. Don’t miss the chance to explore the iconic Iwokrama Forest Reserve, where canopy walkways offer bird’s-eye views of this ecological paradise.

Destination of the Year – Scenic Beauty and Historic Sites: Italy

Italy’s award for scenic beauty and historic sites remains well-deserved as the country continues to enchant visitors with its timeless landscapes and cultural treasures. Beyond the iconic destinations of Rome, Florence and Venice, discover the lesser-known Puglia region with its distinctive trulli houses, or explore Sicily’s Valley of the Temples at sunset. Italy’s farm-to-table agriturismo experiences offer intimate glimpses into rural life, while new sustainable tourism initiatives along the Cinque Terre coastline help preserve these delicate environments for future generations.

Destination of the Year – Maritime Tourism: Nassau and Paradise Island

The Bahamas’ crown jewels have earned their award for marine tourism through exceptional underwater experiences and conservation efforts. The recently expanded marine protected areas surrounding Nassau and Paradise Island safeguard vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life. Adventurous travellers can explore the world’s largest underwater sculpture garden at BREEF’s Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, while families enjoy swimming with docile nurse sharks at Compass Cay. The islands’ new coral restoration projects even allow visitors to participate in reef-building activities, creating memories while contributing to ocean health.

Destination of the Year – Experiences: Brazil

Recognized for its impressively diverse experiences, Brazil delivers natural and cultural wonders on an epic scale. From the newly accessible routes through the Pantanal wetlands—offering unprecedented jaguar-watching opportunities—to the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture of Salvador da Bahia with its capoeira performances and aromatic cuisine. Sustainability-minded travellers can now explore the Amazon through indigenous-led expeditions that provide authentic insights while supporting local communities. Brazil’s recent investments in ecotourism infrastructure have opened up previously inaccessible regions, revealing new adventures for the intrepid explorer.

Destination of the Year – Eco Adventures: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Honoured for pioneering eco-adventures, this Caribbean island chain offers sustainable thrills for the environmentally conscious traveller. The recently established “Green Corridor” connects the mainland’s La Soufrière volcano—whose 2021 eruption has created fascinating new geological features—with pristine outer islands accessible only by solar-powered boats. Visitors can participate in sea turtle conservation on Bequia, explore the protected coral gardens of the Tobago Cays Marine Park or hike through ancient rainforests with knowledgeable local guides who share traditional botanical knowledge.

Destination of the Year – Hidden Treasures: St. Kitts and Nevis

Celebrated for its hidden treasures, these sister islands offer an authentic experience that is becoming increasingly rare in the Caribbean. The recently completed Nevis Heritage Trail connects historical plantation sites with pristine beaches and lush mountain paths. On St. Kitts, the restored Brimstone Hill Fortress—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—provides panoramic views across to neighbouring islands. The islands’ commitment to small-scale, community-based tourism means visitors can enjoy genuine connections with locals through homestay programs and artisan workshops, all while supporting sustainable development initiatives.

Destination of the Year – Royal Experiences: Rajasthan

Awarded for its incomparable royal experiences, the Indian state of Rajasthan elevates luxury travel to an art form. The state’s palace-hotels—like Udaipur’s Lake Palace and Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan—have pioneered new immersive historical experiences, including private audiences with royal families and exclusive access to centuries-old ceremonies. Beyond the opulence, Rajasthan’s rural tourism initiatives now connect travelers with artisan villages where traditional crafts like block printing and blue pottery continue to thrive. Time your visit to coincide with the spectacular Pushkar Camel Fair or the explosively colourful Holi celebrations for an unforgettable cultural immersion.

Destination of the Year – Adventure Tourism: Armenia

Recognized for its rapidly developing adventure tourism offerings, Armenia combines dramatic landscapes with one of the world’s oldest cultural heritages. The newly completed Transcaucasian Trail offers multi-day trekking opportunities through remote mountain villages and ancient monasteries perched on impossible cliffs. Thrill-seekers can try paragliding over the dramatic Vorotan Canyon or explore the world’s longest zip-line at Wings of Tatev. Armenia’s wine renaissance provides the perfect post-adventure reward, with vineyards producing varieties from indigenous grapes grown in the same valleys for over 6,000 years.

Destination of the Year: Goa, India

Celebrated as India’s premier destination, Goa continues to evolve beyond its famous beaches and parties. The state’s heritage conservation projects have breathed new life into Portuguese-era mansions in Old Goa and Fontainhas, now housing boutique hotels and cultural centers. Culinary travellers can explore spice plantations in the Eastern Ghats or join cooking classes specializing in the unique Indo-Portuguese fusion cuisine. Goa’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in new eco-resorts utilizing traditional building techniques and innovative waste management systems, proving that responsible tourism can coexist with luxury and comfort.