The Maldives cemented its reputation as the definitive secluded sanctuary to win World’s Leading Destination for the first time, while Portugal also performed strongly, with Madeira voted World’s Leading Island Destination; Lisbon was named World’s Leading City Break Destination, while The Algarve picked up World’s Leading Beach Destination.
World's Leading Cultural Destination was awarded to Russia’s, with its cities emerging with top honours: Moscow was voted World’s Leading City Destination and Saint Petersburg collected World’s Leading Cultural City Destination.
The Greek Ministry of Tourism/GNTO was voted World’s Leading Tourist Board.
In the hospitality sector, Armani Hotel Dubai emerged as World’s Leading Hotel whilst Sardinia’s Forte Village Resort claimed
The remote Amanpulo, Philippines was named World’s Leading Dive Resort, and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort took World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort.
Vietnam’s InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort gained recognition for its eco-credentials with World’s Leading Green Resort. Royal Penthouse, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai won World’s Leading Hotel Penthouse.
In the newcomer categories, Address Sky View, with its mesmerising panorama of Dubai’s skyline, secured World’s Leading New Hotel, while the barefoot chic paradise Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa picked up World’s Leading New Resort.
Brand winners include Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand, Sandals as World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company and Frasers Hospitality as World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand.
In the aviation sector, Etihad Airways lifted ‘World’s Leading Airline’, whilst ‘World’s Leading Airport’ went to Dubai International Airport. Aeroflot - Russian Airlines was voted World’s Leading Airline - Business Class, Emirates as World’s Leading Airline - Economy Class, with World’s Leading Airline - First Class scooped by Oman Air.
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.
Graham Cooke, founder, World Travel Awards, says: "Our World winners represent the best in global travel and tourism and my congratulations to each of them. They have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges."
He adds: "The World Travel Awards 2020 programme received a record number of votes cast by the public. This shows that the appetite for travel has never been stronger. With hope and the tourism bounce on the horizon, our industry can look forward to a resurgent and bright future."
Other winners include Madrid as World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination; Royal Caribbean International as World’s Leading Cruise Brand; Jamaica as World’s Leading Cruise Destination; Beaches as World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand; and Hertz as World’s Leading Car Rental Company.
