Jamaica has been recognized at the 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards, earning the Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award for efforts that support tourism dependent communities across the island.
The award was presented to the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) for its Rural Economic Development Initiative II (REDI II) Programme during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference held in San Pedro, Belize.
The recognition places Jamaica among four Caribbean destinations and organizations honored for contributions to sustainable tourism development, community support, environmental protection and long term resilience.
Recognition for Tourism Resilience
According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award recognizes exceptional contributions to tourism resilience and disaster risk management.
The organization highlighted the REDI II Programme’s role in strengthening tourism dependent communities and improving their ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from various challenges.
Larisa McBean, Tourism Specialist at JSIF, accepted the award on behalf of the programme during the awards ceremony in Belize.
The annual Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards recognize organizations, individuals and destinations that are advancing sustainable tourism practices throughout the region. Established in 2000, the awards focus on areas including environmental management, community development, cultural preservation and resilience.
What is the REDI II Programme?
The REDI II Programme is managed by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, a government agency that supports community development projects across Jamaica.
JSIF was established in 1996 as part of the Government of Jamaica’s national poverty reduction strategy. The organization was created to channel resources into community based projects designed to improve livelihoods and strengthen local economies.
Over the years, JSIF has expanded its work across several sectors, including tourism, agriculture, infrastructure development, education and disaster preparedness.
The REDI II Programme forms part of those efforts by supporting economic opportunities in rural communities while helping tourism related businesses and stakeholders build greater resilience.
JSIF’s Long Standing Community Development Role
For nearly three decades, JSIF has worked with communities throughout Jamaica on projects aimed at improving living conditions and creating opportunities for economic growth.
The agency operates under a framework that emphasizes transparency, accountability and community participation. Its projects are often implemented in partnership with government agencies, international development organizations and local community groups.
JSIF’s work has included investments in community infrastructure, disaster recovery initiatives, climate resilience projects, social services and tourism development.
The organization currently has agreements that will allow it to continue operations through at least 2029.
Caribbean Tourism Awards Highlight Regional Progress
The Caribbean Tourism Organization announced four winners during the 2026 awards programme.
Belize’s Turneffe Flats received the Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award, which recognizes comprehensive sustainable tourism practices.
Guyana Inni Lodge at Toka Village earned the Community Based Tourism Award for its community led tourism model.
Jamaica’s JSIF REDI II Programme received the Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award.
The Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust was presented with the Regenerative Tourism Award for work focused on ecosystem restoration, cultural preservation and community engagement.
The winners were recognized during the Sustainable Tourism Conference, which brought together tourism leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the Caribbean.
In addition to receiving the awards, the winning projects and organizations will be included in the CTO’s Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Good Practices database.
Importance for Jamaica’s Tourism Sector
The award provides regional recognition for Jamaica’s efforts to support tourism communities while promoting long term resilience.
Tourism remains one of Jamaica’s most important economic sectors, supporting jobs, businesses and communities across the island. Programmes that strengthen local capacity and improve preparedness can help communities better manage challenges while continuing to benefit from tourism activity.
The recognition also highlights the role community development organizations can play in supporting sustainable tourism goals and helping local communities share in the benefits of the industry.
For Jamaica, the award adds another regional acknowledgment of efforts to build stronger and more resilient tourism communities through targeted development programmes and local partnerships.