MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — The Sangster International Airport (SIA) has once again been named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport for 2025 by the World Travel Awards (WTA) — marking an impressive 17 consecutive years of earning the prestigious title.
The announcement was made on Saturday, October 4, during the WTA Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2025, held at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort in St. Lucia. The event forms part of the WTA’s annual Grand Tour, which celebrates excellence across global travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
- Advertisement -
For Shane Munroe, Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), the operator of SIA, the recognition is both humbling and inspiring.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for the 17th consecutive year,” said Munroe. “This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our over 7,500 exceptional team members and partners who work tirelessly every day to create memorable experiences for every traveler who passes through our gates. We remain committed to serving with passion and humility, continuously innovating, and raising the bar for airport operations in the Caribbean and beyond.”
Sangster International Airport serves as Jamaica’s primary tourism gateway, handling more than 70 percent of the island’s air passenger traffic.
The latest WTA honor comes as MBJ continues to make significant investments in infrastructure, passenger experience, sustainability, and technology. Over the past year, several major projects were completed to enhance operational efficiency and accommodate increasing travel demand.
Among the ongoing upgrades is the full integration of biometric systems across both arrivals and departures, as well as the upcoming pilot launch of self-bag drop technology, which will allow passengers to check in and drop their luggage independently.
Looking ahead, Munroe emphasized that MBJ’s strategy focuses on balancing capacity growth with exceptional customer service.
“The airport is an integral part of the visitor experience,” he said. “We are both the first and last impression visitors have of Jamaica—welcoming them upon arrival and providing their final taste of our renowned hospitality at departure. This recognition, for the 17th consecutive year, inspires us to continue elevating our standards as we advance our journey of transformation and service excellence.”
Munroe also noted several high-priority expansion projects, including the check-in area, parking facilities, the Immigration Hall, and the East Concourse, all designed to ensure smoother operations and an enhanced traveler experience.
Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager of Commercial Business Development and Marketing at MBJ, echoed his sentiments, underscoring the collective effort behind the airport’s sustained success.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the incredible partnership we share with our stakeholders, airline partners, and the wider airport community,” she said. “Every award we receive is shared with those who believe in our vision and work alongside us to deliver the exceptional Jamaican hospitality that our visitors have come to expect.”
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are internationally recognized as the benchmark of excellence in global travel and tourism. Its gala ceremonies are regarded as milestone industry events, attended by leading executives and key decision-makers.
Winners from the Caribbean and North America regional ceremony will advance to the World Travel Awards Grand Final, scheduled for later this year.
