Mubarak Al Nuaimi from Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority receives his award World Travel Awards 2013 Middle East Ceremony was hosted by Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa Dubai this week. Industry elite including leading travel company CEOs, government ministers and tourist board chiefs attended the gala.
The twentieth edition of the awards ceremony, known as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” celebrated companies pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in products and service.
Etihad, Burj al Arab, Emirates, Avis, Europcar, Qatar and Rotana were among the big names to triumph.
Etihad Airways won multiple awards, including Best Airline, Best First Class Airline, and Best Cabin Crew. Not to be outshone, Emirates was awarded Best Business Class Airline, Best Airline Awards Programme and Best Airline Website.
The award for Best Middle East Business Travel Destination went to Doha, Qatar. JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, was designated Best New Hotel. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai won a bevy of awards including Leading Dubai Resort, Leading Dubai Hotel Suite and Leading Middle East Resort.
Abu Dhabi’s rise to tourism stardom was confirmed by a host of honours including Best Middle East Exhibition & Convention Centre, Best Middle East Tourist Board, Best Middle East Beach Destination for Saadiyat beach.
The Falcon Hospital, Abu Dhabi won the Responsible Tourism Award.
World Travel Awards President and Founder Graham E Cooke said: “The Middle East was the perfect region to begin the World Travel Awards 2013 Grand Tour, setting the highest possible bar for excellence in travel and tourism.”