The 2013 World Travel Awards Grand Final was hosted at a glittering ceremony at La Cigale Hotel in Doha, Qatar on 30th November 2013.
The industry’s elite – including CEOs of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourism board chiefs – travelled from around the globe to join guests of honour HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority and Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz al-Thani to celebrate the very best travel and tourism brands. Guests of the gala event, hosted by Turkish broadcaster Ece Vahapoglu, were treated to exclusive live performances from Lebanese artiste Maya Diab, dance group Enana and electric violinist Micah.
World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those companies, organisations and brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.
Winners on the night included Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts who were voted “World’s Leading Hotel Brand” whilst JW Marriott Marquis Dubai was named “World’s Leading New Hotel” and “World’s Leading Hotel” went to Burj Al Arab. “World’s Leading Spa Resort” was awarded to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai.
In the destination categories, Kenya triumphed with “World’s Leading Safari Destination”, “World’s Leading Culinary Destination” was captured by Peru with “World’s Leading Golf Destination” was awarded to Portugal. Dubai won the coveted “World’s Leading Destination” trophy in a week which saw the destination chosen as the first Middle Eastern city to host of the 2020 World Expo trade convention.
Voters from around the world selected Etihad Airways as “World’s Leading Airline” whilst AirAsia was voted “World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline”.
From the Travel Technology sector, highlights included Expedia who were voted “World’s Leading Online Travel Agency Website” and Marriott Hotels & Resorts who were awarded “World’s Leading Hotel Brand Website”.
It was also an evening of celebration for Qatar with Doha being named “World’s Leading Business Travel Destination” for the third year running. The St. Regis Doha was named “World’s Leading Business Hotel” while “World’s Leading Hotel Residences” was awarded to W Doha Hotel & Residences. “World’s Leading Travel Agency” went to Regency Travel & Tours, “World’s Excellence in Service Award” to La Cigale Hotel and “World’s Leading Villa” to the Royal Villa at Sharq Village & Spa.
Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards said: “We are proud to have held these Awards in Doha, showing our continued support for innovative development of tourism in this region. The Grand Final is a very competitive evening for our World Travel Awards nominees from all over the world, and these particular winners continue to serve as an example of the most luxurious and innovative brands with unique hospitality products and services. Tonight’s recipients strive to set the highest possible bar to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism and they carry these accolades into 2014 with pride and passion”.
