Caribbean ranks high in Traveler's Choice Awards

NEW YORK, February 12, 2009 – TripAdvisor has announced its annual "Traveler's Choice" Awards for 2009 and select properties in the Caribbean have ranked among the world's best for value, romance, family, all-inclusive and luxury vacations. The annual honors are a representation of the unbiased opinions of real travelers, awarded by the world's largest online travel community. The awards are given based on the consumer feedback of TripAdvisor's more than 10 million members. Inclusion is reflective of the quantity and quality of reviews a hotel or resort receives. A wealth of Caribbean destinations were represented in 2009 including Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Martin and Turks and Caicos.

"TripAdvisor's 'Traveler's Choice' Awards are of particular importance to the Caribbean as they reflect the unfettered opinion of our guests without provocation or persuasion," said Hugh Riley, interim secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. "We want to impress our guests with an authentic Caribbean experience that can't be duplicated elsewhere in the world, whether they are looking for the perfect family, romantic or luxury getaway. This recognition proves that we are doing that and we thank our loyal guests for making their voices heard on our behalf."

The Caribbean's 2009 TripAdvisor "Traveler's Choice" Award winners are:

Top 100 Best Bargains in the World:

27) Deep Blue View Intimate Resort (Safir, Bonaire)

33) Peach and Quiet (Christ Church, Barbados)

47) The Inn on the Bay (Marigot Bay, St. Lucia)

52) Catcha Falling Star (Negril, Jamaica)

Top 10 Best All-Inclusives in the World:

1) The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)

2) Mopan River Resort (Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize_

6) Royal Plantation (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)

8) Sunset at the Palms (Negril, Jamaica)

10) East Winds Inn (Gros Islet, St. Lucia)

Top 10 Best for Families in the World:

9) FDR Pebbles (Falmouth, Jamaica)

Top 10 Best for Romance in the World:

3) The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)

8) Golden Tulip Bucuti Beach Resort & Tara Beach Suites (Oranjestad, Aruba)

Top 100 Best Luxury in the World:

5) The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)

9) Seven Stars Resort (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos)

18) Little Arches Hotel (Christ Church, Barbados)

32) Chabil Mar Villas (Placencia, Belize)

37) The Tuscany (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos)

44) Jamaica Inn (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)

48) Rock House (Harbour Island, Bahamas)

57) East Winds Inn (Gros Islet, St. Lucia)

69) Villa Renaissance (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos)