The travel industry’s elite gathered in Dubai for the 30th World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2023, hosted at the iconic Burj Al Arab.
The event not only celebrated three decades of prestigious awards but also revealed the finest travel brands globally as voted by industry professionals and consumers.
The Maldives shone brightly, securing the coveted title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’. Complementing this victory, the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) was honored as the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’, reinforcing the islands’ status as a pinnacle of global tourism.
The Philippines also made waves, with its stunning beaches and dive spots earning accolades as the ‘World’s Leading Dive Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination’. Meanwhile, the lush, rugged landscapes of Madeira were celebrated as the ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’.
The allure of the Mediterranean was undeniable as Cannes, with its fusion of glamour and tradition, was named ‘World’s Leading Festival & Event Destination’. The Caribbean asserted its romantic appeal, with Saint Lucia nabbing the title of ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’. Jamaica further cemented its reputation by winning ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’.
Qatar’s burgeoning tourism sector received multiple awards, undoubtedly boosted by the spotlight from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Doha was recognized as the ‘World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination’ and the ‘World’s Leading Business Travel Destination’, while Qatar Tourism was praised for the ‘World’s Leading Marketing Campaign’.
In categories celebrating new developments, Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal was named ‘World’s Leading New Resort’, and Raffles Doha was voted ‘World’s Leading New Hotel’. Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the sector was recognized with Red Sea International Airport winning ‘World’s Leading New Airport’.
The ceremony venue itself, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, symbolized the event’s opulence and was commended for its role in Dubai’s rise as a luxury travel destination. Graham Cooke, Founder of the WTA, lauded the winners for setting new benchmarks in tourism excellence.
Arabian aviation triumphed as well, with Qatar Airways receiving ‘World’s Leading Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ awards. Etihad Airways was celebrated for offering the ‘World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience’, while Emirates secured the ‘World’s Leading Airline – First Class’.
Jumeirah Al Naseem in the UAE was recognized as the ‘World’s Leading Hotel’, and Italy’s Forte Village Resort took the ‘World’s Leading Resort’ accolade, rounding off a night that celebrated the best in global travel and hospitality.
From Türkiye, only Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul received an award; World’s Leading Heritage Hotel 2023.
