Etihad Airways, Royal Caribbean International and an ultra-luxurious hotel in Turkey, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, were among the big winners of an event known as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel world.
At the 21st annual World Travel Awards, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates held tight to its stronghold as the world’s leading airline for the sixth consecutive year, while the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, managed to break the Burj Al Arab’s nine-year winning streak to take the title of world’s leading hotel.
Here some of the major winners of the World Travel Awards, as decided by members of the travel industry and the voting public:
World’s leading airline: Etihad Airways
Leading business class: Hainan Airlines
Leading economy class: Oman Air
Leading first class: Etihad Airways
Leading in-flight entertainment: Virgin Atlantic Airways
Leading low-cost airline: AirAsia
Leading airport: Changi Airport, Singapore
Leading hotel: Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Turkey
Leading boutique hotel: Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa
Leading beach destination: Turks and Caicos Islands
Leading culinary destination: Peru
Leading luxury hotel: Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Most romantic resort: Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua
Leading classic hotel: Dukes Hotel, London, England
Leading cruise brand and cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Leading luxury train: Maharajas’ Express
Leading green destination: Ecuador
Leading green hotel: Finch Bay Eco Hotel, Ecuador
Leading honeymoon destination: Mauritius
Leading honeymoon resort: Amanyara, Turks & Caicos
For the full list, visit http://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2014-1.
Source: Relaxnews