In a dazzling gala ceremony at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, the crème de la crème of the Middle East’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors were honored at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023.
The event, marking the 30th anniversary of the WTA, saw industry leaders and tourism royalty gather to celebrate the region’s top achievers.
Dubai, the gleaming jewel of the Middle East, clinched the titles for ‘Middle East’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board’. Not to be outdone, Doha celebrated a triumphant evening, securing the awards for ‘Middle East’s Leading City Destination’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination’. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi was recognized as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Business Travel Destination’.
Graham Cooke, the visionary Founder of WTA, expressed his delight, stating, “Hosting our 30th-anniversary celebrations at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai has been an absolute privilege. Tonight’s winners epitomize the pinnacle of tourism excellence. Their dedication and hard work have elevated the industry’s standards, and I extend my heartiest congratulations to all.”
The aviation sector also witnessed fierce competition. Qatar Airways soared high, being named ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline’. Etihad Airways wasn’t far behind, bagging the awards for ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class’. Emirates, a global aviation giant, secured the titles for ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Brand’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – First Class’. Oman Air, in a commendable feat, was crowned ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’.
In the realm of hospitality, Jumeirah emerged as the undisputed leader. The brand was honored as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand’, with its luxurious beachside haven, Jumeirah Al Naseem, being named ‘Middle East’s Leading Hotel’. New entrants also made their mark. Raffles Doha was recognized as the ‘Middle East’s Leading New Hotel’, while Atlantis The Royal was awarded ‘Middle East’s Leading New Resort’. Its sister property, Atlantis, The Palm, continued its winning streak as ‘Middle East’s Leading Resort’. The Ascott Limited stood out in the serviced apartment category, earning the title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’.
The travel service sector also had its moment in the spotlight. Nirvana Travel and Tourism clinched awards for ‘Middle East’s Leading Tour Operator’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Destination Management Company’. Regency Travel & Tours was named ‘Middle East’s Leading Travel Agency’, while Almosafer secured the title for ‘Middle East’s Leading Online Travel Agency’. Big Bus Tours drove home with the award for ‘Middle East’s Leading Sightseeing Bus Tour Operator’.
The full list of winners is here.
