The 2024 edition of the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) concluded with a spectacular gala in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, where over 300 travel industry leaders gathered to honor the finest names in global tourism, hospitality, and aviation.
Since its establishment in 1993, the World Travel Awards has been widely regarded as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” and this year’s ceremony reaffirmed its status as the most comprehensive and respected awards event in the sector.
The night in Madeira was filled with excitement as the best of the travel world were celebrated for their exceptional achievements over the past year. From major awards such as the World’s Leading Destination to unique categories like the World’s Leading Cable Car Ride (a win for Armenia’s Wings of Tatev), the evening was a testament to the diversity and excellence of the global tourism industry.
Major Destination Awards:
The Maldives took home the coveted World’s Leading Destination award, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier travel hotspot. Known for its idyllic white-sand beaches and luxury resorts, the Maldives also clinched the title of World’s Leading Green Destination, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
Other notable destination winners included:
Jamaica, named World’s Leading Cruise Destination, also earned the title of World’s Leading Family Destination for its appeal to families with diverse activities and attractions.
Portugal’s Algarve, acclaimed as World’s Leading Beach Destination, known for its stunning coastlines, picturesque towns, and world-class resorts.
Madeira Islands, which picked up the award for World’s Leading Island Destination, recognized for its unique landscapes and tourism offerings.
Hong Kong, awarded World’s Leading Business Travel Destination, continues to thrive as a hub for business travelers from around the globe.
Manila, receiving the World’s Leading City Destination honor, for its vibrant culture, history, and urban development.
Accommodation and Hotel Awards:
The World Travel Awards also celebrated excellence in accommodation, with several standout hotels and resorts recognized for their outstanding service and luxury offerings. Some of the major winners in the accommodation categories included:
Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai, which was named World’s Leading Hotel, renowned for its luxury and unparalleled guest experiences.
Forte Village in Sardinia, honored as World’s Leading Resort, recognized for its top-notch facilities and beautiful Mediterranean location.
Hilton London Heathrow Airport, which won World’s Leading Airport Hotel for its excellent service and strategic location near one of the world’s busiest airports.
Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in South Africa, awarded World’s Leading Boutique Hotel, a hidden gem known for its intimate setting and personalized service.
Holiday Inn, named World’s Leading Budget Hotel Brand, acknowledged for offering affordable yet high-quality accommodations across the globe.
Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona, which took home the title of World’s Leading Business Hotel for its amenities and business-friendly facilities.
Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, recognized as World’s Leading New Hotel for its modern design and exceptional service.
Aviation Awards:
Aviation was another key focus at the 2024 World Travel Awards, with Gulf carriers dominating the honors. Qatar Airways was awarded two major titles, including World’s Leading Airline and World’s Leading Airline – Business Class.
Etihad Airways was a major winner, collecting three awards: World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class, World’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience, and World’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class.
Emirates also earned two awards, including World’s Leading Airline – First Class and World’s Leading Airline Brand.
In the low-cost carrier sector, AirAsia claimed two accolades, winning World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline and World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew, for its efficient and customer-friendly services.
Other Key Winners:
Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel in Peru, was named World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, continuing its status as one of the most visited and admired cultural landmarks in the world.
The Philippines Department of Tourism received the prestigious title of World’s Leading Tourist Board 2024, in recognition of its outstanding efforts in promoting the Philippines as a top global destination.
Remarks from World Travel Awards Founder
“It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from every corner of the globe to celebrate in enchanting Madeira,” said Graham Cooke, the Founder of the World Travel Awards. “Our winners represent the pinnacle of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each of them for raising the benchmark of the global tourism economy.”
The World Travel Awards 2024 gala was not just a celebration of winners but also a reflection of the travel industry’s resilience and innovation. As travel destinations, airlines, and hospitality brands continue to push the boundaries of excellence, the World Travel Awards continues to be a leading voice in recognizing and promoting the best in the global tourism sector.
Looking Ahead
With the 2024 edition now concluded, the World Travel Awards will continue its Grand Tour across regional ceremonies, culminating in next year’s celebrations. As the travel landscape evolves, the recognition and rewards bestowed upon the industry’s top performers will serve as a benchmark for excellence, inspiring new standards of service and innovation in the years to come.
Source – Travel and Tour World