Marc Melville (left), co-managing director of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (right), had a lot celebrate with Jamaica taking major awards at the World Travel Awards at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort last Wednesday night. Sharing in the occasion is Chukka' partner in Belize, Ivette Wilson.

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Against the backdrop of the 'World's Leading Beach 2006', it was a star-studded affair of lights ... camera ... action, at the 14th annual World Travel Awards (WTA) gala at Beaches Turks and Caicos, last Wednesday night.

Packaged to reward tourism's best, again this year, WTA founder and president, Graham Cooke, and his team showcased some of the most talented and funniest in the entertainment industry.

The glitzy affair, which attracted more than 300 persons worldwide, saw Jamaica taking home a total of 22 trophies ranging from Leading Caribbean Destination, World Cruise Destination, Leading Nature Adventure Excursion to Leading Hotel Brand.

It is the second year that the Turks & Caicos Islands have played host to the event. "The Turks & Caicos Islands are a shining beacon for the global tourism industry," said Cooke. "They have grown into one of the most sought after luxury travel destinations worldwide."

Celebrities in attendance

Radio and television host Todd Newton of E! Entertainment Television fame, hosted the event, attended by celebrities such as Canadian actress, Jennifer Finnigan (The Bold and the Beautiful); her husband, actor Jonathan Silverman; and Eva LaRue (CSI: Miami). Comedian Rodney Laney had the audience in stitches, while musical duo, Ashford & Simpson, wowed the gathering with catchy tunes.

The Jamaican delegation headed by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett included Adam Stewart, John Lynch, Dominique Peterkin, John and Paola Byles, Marc Melville, Hannah Wright, Peter Fraser, Josef Forstmayr, Paul Pennicook, Merrick Fray, Sandra Collings, Sandra Henry, Peter Monteith and Conrad Graham.