Anguilla wins two top Caribbean travel awards

Anguilla took home Caribbean’s Leading Culinary Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination honors at the 2026 World Travel Awards in Jamaica on Oct. 11. The wins spotlight the island’s dining scene, luxury hospitality and the tourism workforce behind both.

Why it matters: - Anguilla’s double win strengthens the island’s profile with travelers looking for high-end Caribbean getaways. - The awards reinforce the island’s reputation for dining and luxury hospitality, two core parts of its tourism economy. - The recognition also puts a spotlight on the local businesses and workers that shape the visitor experience.

What happened: - Anguilla won Caribbean’s Leading Culinary Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards. - The awards were presented at the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony at Princess Grand Jamaica on Sunday, Oct. 11. - Jameel Rochester, director of tourism at the Anguilla Tourist Board, represented the island at the ceremony. - Andy and Omar Connor of Andy’s Auto Rentals also represented Anguilla and accepted the award for Anguilla’s Leading Car Rental Company 2026 on behalf of the company.

The details: - The culinary award recognized Anguilla’s dining scene as authentic, diverse and refined. - Anguilla’s restaurants range from beachside spots and local favorites to fine dining venues. - The island’s food identity centers on fresh seafood, island flavors and international influences. - The luxury award highlighted pristine beaches, standout resorts and villas, and personalized hospitality. - The Anguilla Tourist Board framed the wins as a reflection of tourism professionals, chefs, restaurateurs, resort teams, villa operators and small businesses across the island. - Rochester said the awards belong to the people who give Anguilla its character and make every visit memorable. - Rochester also said Anguilla’s luxury comes from the island’s warmth, distinctive character and personal attention to visitors. - The Anguilla Tourist Board thanked travelers, industry partners and supporters who voted for the destination.

Between the lines: - The awards signal that Anguilla is trying to compete on experience, not just scenery. - The culinary and luxury categories fit a destination strategy built around understated, personalized travel rather than mass tourism. - The recognition also suggests that Anguilla’s tourism brand is tied closely to local culture and service quality.

What's next: - The Anguilla Tourist Board said it will keep promoting the island’s culinary and luxury offerings through destination marketing. - The board also plans continued collaboration with tourism partners to keep local people and businesses central to Anguilla’s growth. - The awards may help Anguilla attract more discerning travelers seeking premium Caribbean experiences.

The bottom line: - Anguilla left the 2026 World Travel Awards with a clear message: the island wants to be known for exceptional food, refined luxury and the people who deliver both.

More information: official Anguilla Tourist Board website