World Travel Awards has announced the winners of its World categories for 2021. Maldives, which won ‘World’s Leading Destination’ for the second time, cemented its reputation as the ultimate secluded sanctuary. Portugal fared well as well, with Madeira named ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’ and The Algarve named ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination.’ The Greek Ministry of Tourism/GNTO was named the “World’s Leading Tourist Board,” while Armenia was named the “World’s Leading Heritage Destination.”
Dubai, which is currently thriving in the spotlight as the host city for Expo 2020, was named the ‘World’s Leading Business Travel Destination,’ with the Dubai World Trade Centre named the ‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre.’ Mina Rashid was named the “World’s Leading Cruise Port,” and The Palm Jumeirah – Nakheel was named the “World’s Leading Tourism Development Project.”
Russia’s imperial splendour was recognized, with top honors going to both Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Moscow was named the “World’s Leading City Break Destination” and the “World’s Leading Heritage City Destination,” while Saint Petersburg was named the “World’s Leading Cultural City Destination,” the “World’s Leading Cultural City Destination,” and the “World’s Leading Marketing Campaign.”
The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu was named ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction,’ and Peru was named ‘World’s Leading Cultural Destination.’
In the hospitality industry, Armani Hotel Dubai beat out a tough field to be named ‘World’s Leading Hotel,’ while Sardinia’s Forte Village Resort was named ‘World’s Leading Resort.’ The blissfully remote Amanpulo in the Philippines was named ‘World’s Leading Dive Resort,’ while Amandari in Indonesia was named ‘World’s Leading Boutique All Suite Hotel.’ The Burj al Arab in Dubai was named the ‘World’s Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel,’ and the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach was named the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Resort.’
In the newcomer categories, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm was named ‘World’s Leading New Hotel,’ while Raffles The Palm Dubai was named ‘World’s Leading New Resort.’
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (‘World’s Leading Hotel Brand,’ Sandals (‘World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company,’ Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (‘World’s Leading Resort Brand,’ and The Ascott Limited Hospitality (‘World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’) are among the brand winners.
In the aviation industry, Emirates was named ‘World’s Leading Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – First Class,’ while Dubai International Airport was named ‘World’s Leading Airport.’ Singapore Airlines was named the ‘World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class,’ while Etihad Airways was named the ‘World’s Leading Airline – Business Class.’ Aeroflot – Russian Airlines was named the ‘World’s Leading Airline Brand,’ and Star Alliance was named the ‘World’s Leading Airline Alliance.’
The findings are the result of a year-long search for the world’s best travel, tourism, and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by both travel industry professionals and the general public, with the nominee who received the most votes in a category being named the winner.
“Our World winners represent the best in global travel and tourism and my congratulations to each of them. They are all playing starring roles in leading the global travel and tourism recovery.”
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards
Jamaica enjoyed a hat trick of destination awards (‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’, ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’).
The fast-growing aviation company Jetex took ‘World’s Leading FBO Brand’ and ‘World’s Leading Private Jet Travel Experience’, with Jetex Singapore named ‘World’s Leading FBO Terminal’.
Other winners include Madrid (‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’); Royal Caribbean International (‘World’s Leading Cruise Brand’); Atlantis, The Palm (‘World’s Leading Landmark Resort’); Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai (‘World’s Leading Water Park’); Royal Penthouse @ Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai (‘World’s Leading Hotel Penthouse’).