world travel award 2021

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World Travel Awards announces 2021 World winners

The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu was hailed ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’, with Peru also collecting ‘World’s Leading Cultural Destination’.

World Travel Awards has unveiled the 2021 winners of its World categories. Winners include Maldives, which cemented its reputation as the definitive secluded sanctuary to win ‘World’s Leading Destination’ for the second time. Portugal also performed strongly, with Madeira voted ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’ and The Algarve picking up ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination’. Greek Ministry of Tourism/GNTO was voted ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’, whilst Armenia was named ‘World’s Leading Heritage Destination’.

Dubai, currently flourishing in the spotlight as host of Expo 2020, was voted ‘World’s Leading Business Travel Destination’ with Dubai World Trade Centre claiming ‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’. Mina Rashid was acknowledged as ‘World’s Leading Cruise Port’, and The Palm Jumeirah – Nakheel took ‘World’s Leading Tourism Development Project’.

Russia’s imperial splendour was recognised with both Moscow and Saint Petersburg winning top honours. Moscow was voted ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Heritage City Destination’, whilst Saint Petersburg collected ‘World’s Leading Cultural City Destination’, ‘World’s Leading Cultural City Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Marketing Campaign’.

The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu was hailed ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’, with Peru also collecting ‘World’s Leading Cultural Destination’.

In the hospitality sector, Armani Hotel Dubai fended off a tough field to emerge as ‘World’s Leading Hotel’, whilst Sardinia’s Forte Village Resort took ‘World’s Leading Resort’. The blissfully remote Amanpulo , Philippines was named ‘World’s Leading Dive Resort’, whilst its Aman Resorts stablemate Amandari , Indonesia picked up ‘World’s Leading Boutique All Suite Hotel’. Dubai’s Burj al Arab was voted ‘World’s Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel’ and Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach voted ‘World’s Leading Luxury Resort’.

In the newcomer categories, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm secured ‘World’s Leading New Hotel’, whilst the barefoot chic paradise Raffles The Palm Dubai picked up ‘World’s Leading New Resort’.

Brand winners include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (‘World’s Leading Hotel Brand’), Sandals (‘World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company’), Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (‘World’s Leading Resort Brand’), and The Ascott Limited Hospitality (‘World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’).

In the aviation sector, Emirates lifted ‘World’s Leading Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – First Class’, whilst ‘World’s Leading Airport’ went to Dubai International Airport . Etihad Airways was voted ‘World’s Leading Airline – Business Class’, with Singapore Airlines named ‘World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’. Aeroflot – Russian Airlines was voted ‘World’s Leading Airline Brand’, whilst Star Alliance took ‘World’s Leading Airline Alliance’.

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 are all playing starring roles in leading the global travel and tourism recovery.”

Jamaica enjoyed a hat trick of destination awards (‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’, ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’).

The fast-growing aviation company Jetex took ‘World’s Leading FBO Brand’ and ‘World’s Leading Private Jet Travel Experience’, with Jetex Singapore named ‘World’s Leading FBO Terminal’.

Other winners include Madrid (‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’); Royal Caribbean International (‘World’s Leading Cruise Brand’); Atlantis, The Palm (‘World’s Leading Landmark Resort’); Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai (‘World’s Leading Water Park’); Royal Penthouse @ Mandarin Oriental Jumeira , Dubai (‘World’s Leading Hotel Penthouse’).

Vicky Karantzavelou

Vicky  is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the  Editor-in Chief . She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

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News Releases Category | December 28, 2021

Hilton’s Luxury Brands Receive Impressive List of 2021 World Travel Awards

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MCLEAN, Va. - Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts , Conrad Hotels & Resorts  and LXR Hotels & Resorts , Hilton 's (NYSE: HLT) best-in-class luxury brands, will close out the year with a total of 65 wins across the 2021 World Travel Awards in both the top-ranking World and Regional categories spanning every corner of the globe from Asia to the Indian Ocean and North America, showcasing both the depth and strength of Hilton’s luxury portfolio.

The 28 th edition of the World Travel Awards ranked hotels from the iconic Waldorf Astoria and Conrad brands collectively in their prestigious World categories with seven total awards granted to exceptional properties within these brands. Most notably, Conrad Hotels & Resorts was crowned World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand for 2021. This prestigious title comes after a successful year of new signings for the contemporary hotel brand, only to be followed by an unprecedented year of growth in 2022 with six hotels scheduled to open in key global markets. Nominees of the World category feature winners of WTA’s regional awards (Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle East, South America, Central America, North America, Africa, Indian Ocean and Caribbean) competing for the highest accolade in this notable awards program.

In addition to being named the World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand for 2021, three Conrad hotels also ranked individually within the World category. These hotels include Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus which was named World’s Leading City Hotel; Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers as World’s Leading Luxury City Hotel 2021; and Conrad Algarve as World’s Luxury Leisure Resort 2021. 

Waldorf Astoria hotels in the UAE and Europe also received distinguished World category accolades, with hotels in Rome and Dubai topping the list as leading luxury hotels in their respective markets. Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre was awarded as the World’s Leading Design Hotel 2021, while Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel brought in two awards – World’s Leading Green City Resort 2021 and World’s Leading Luxury City Resort 2021.

In addition to the prestigious World category awards given to both Hilton’s luxury brands and individual properties, 58 total Regional category awards were granted to hotels.  Conrad Hotels & Resorts also led as a brand in the Asia region being crowned Asia’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel Brand 2021.

“We are honored to have a number of our exemplary properties, alongside our Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand, celebrated in this year’s World Travel Awards,” said Dino Michael, senior vice president and global category head, Hilton Luxury Brands. “These accolades speak volumes to the tremendous work our teams are doing across each hotel, in every corner of the globe, to deliver thoughtful, elegant service and meaningful experiences to our guests.”

World Travel Awards

Established in 1993, the annual World Travel Awards is judged and determined by accomplished professionals in the travel and tourism industry and everyday travelers. Recognized globally as the pinnacle of industry excellence, the World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. 

The full list of top honors received by Hilton’s luxury portfolio in the World Travel Awards includes:

World Categories

• World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand 2021: Conrad Hotels & Resorts
• World’s Leading City Hotel 2021: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Turkey
• World’s Leading Luxury City Hotel 2021: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, UAE
• World’s Leading Luxury Leisure Resort: Conrad Algarve, Portugal
• World’s Leading Design Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, UAE
• World’s Leading Green City Resort 2021: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Italy
• World’s Leading Luxury City Resort 2021: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Italy

Regional Categories

• Asia’s Leading Honeymoon Resort: Conrad Koh Samui, Thailand 
• Asia’s Leading Business Hotel: Conrad Bangkok
• Asia’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel Brand: Conrad Hotels & Resorts 
• Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, China 
• China’s Leading Conference Hotel: Conrad Macao
• China’s Leading Hotel: Conrad Hangzhou
• China’s Leading Hotel Residences: Conrad Tianjin
• China’s Leading Hotel Suite: Presidential Suite at Conrad Beijing 
• China’s Leading Luxury Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Chengdu 
• China’s Leading Resort: Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay 
• China’s Leading Wedding Venue: Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay 
• Beijing’s Leading Business Hotel: Conrad Beijing
• Beijing’s Leading Hotel: Conrad Beijing
• Beijing’s Leading Luxury Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Beijing 
• Guangdong’s Leading Business Hotel: Conrad Guangzhou
• Guangdong’s Leading Hotel: Conrad Guangzhou
• Liaoning's Leading Business Hotel: Conrad Dalian
• Liaoning’s Leading Hotel Suite: Presidential Suite at Conrad Dalian
• Sichuan’s Leading Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Chengdu 
• Tianjin’s Leading Hotel: Conrad Tianjin
• Maharashtra’s Leading Business Hotel: Conrad Pune 
• Japan’s Leading City Hotel: Conrad Osaka
• Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel: Conrad Manila 
• South Korea’s Leading Hotel: Conrad Seoul 
• South Korea’s Leading Hotel Suite: Penthouse Suite at Conrad Seoul
• Europe’s Leading City Hotel: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Turkey 
• Europe’s Leading Luxury City Resort: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel 
• Germany’s Leading City Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Berlin 
• Germany’s Leading Hotel Suite: Presidential Suite at Waldorf Astoria Berlin 
• Ireland’s Leading Hotel Suite: Presidential Suite at Conrad Dublin
• Ireland’s Leading Luxury Hotel: Conrad Dublin 
• Italy’s Leading Luxury City Resort: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel 
• Scotland’s Leading Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian 
• Turkey’s Leading Business Hotel: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Turkey 
• Turkey’s Leading Conference Hotel: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Turkey

Indian Ocean

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island 
• Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi 
• Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Middle East

• Middle East’s Leading Design Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, UAE
• Middle East’s Leading Luxury City Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, UAE
• Middle East’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort: Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
• Abu Dhabi’s Leading Business Hotel: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
• Abu Dhabi’s Leading Conference Hotel: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
• Abu Dhabi’s Leading Hotel: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
• Dubai’s Leading Luxury Hotel: Habtoor Palace Dubai, Al Habtoor City, LXR
• Ras Al Khaimah’s Leading Business Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
• Ras Al Khaimah’s Leading Resort: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

North America

• North America’s Leading Hotel: Conrad New York Downtown
• United States’ Leading Resort: Boca Beach Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
• Arizona’s Leading Resort: Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
• California’s Leading Luxury Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
• Florida’s Leading Hotel Suite: Presidential Suite at Waldorf Astoria Orlando
• Indiana’s Leading Hotel Suite: Presidential Suite at Conrad Indianapolis
• Louisiana’s Leading Hotel Suite: Presidential Suite at The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel
• Nevada’s Leading Business Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
• Utah’s Leading Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Park City
• Oceania’s Leading Resort: Conrad Bora Bora Nui
• French Polynesia’s Leading Resort: Conrad Bora Bora Nui

For more information on the awarding body and list of award winners, please visit the website here –  World Travel Awards .

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Exterior

Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Pool

Conrad Algarve Infinity Pool

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel Exterior

Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre Lobby

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,000 properties and more than 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 195 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free  Hilton Honors app , guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com  for more information, and connect with Hilton on  Facebook , X , LinkedIn , Instagram and YouTube .

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Spanning five continents with a benchmark of nearly 50 properties, Conrad Hotels & Resorts creates a seamless connection between bold design, impactful experiences and curated contemporary art to inspire the conscientious traveler. Conrad is a place where guests are empowered to explore through intuitive service and experiences that authentically connect them with local culture. In addition to its award-winning hotel offerings, the brand also features an expanding residential portfolio combining sophisticated design, best-in-class amenities and purposeful service in sought-after destinations. Experience Conrad Hotels & Resorts by booking at conradhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app . Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/conradhotels, and follow the brand on Instagram and Twitter .

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 35 iconic properties that create a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, the famous Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at  waldorfastoria.com  or through the industry-leading  Hilton Honors app .  Hilton Honors  members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria , and follow the brand on X and  Instagram .

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PROMPERÚ: Peru earns six nominations in the World Travel Awards 2021

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Fuente: Promperú

Peru has already won the award for the best culinary destination in the world for eight consecutive years. Voting to choose the best destinations in the world ends on October 24.

The Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ) is pleased to announce that our country has been nominated in six categories for this year's global edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA).

The following categories makes us proud as they reaffirm our position in the world as a destination with wide-ranging cultural and natural wealth.

To support Peru in the global edition of the WTA vote until October 24 on the following links: ?  

World's Leading Culinary Destination 2021: Peru link

World's Leading Cultural Destination 2021: Peru link

World's Leading Green Destination 2021: Peru link

World's Leading Tourist Attraction 2021: Machu Picchu, Peru link

World's Leading Cruise Destination 2021: Peru link

World's Leading Tourist Board 2021: PROMPERÚ link

The winners of the global edition will be announced at the World Travel Awards 2021 Final Grand Gala Ceremony, which will take place in Moscow, Russia, on November 26, 2021.

The World Travel Awards recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Peru has had an exceptional performance in past years, being the winner of the category of best culinary destination in the world for eight consecutive years until 2019.

In addition, in 2019 we also obtained the award for the best cultural destination in the world and Machupicchu was recognized as the best tourist attraction in the world the same year.

World Travel Awards LATAM

The global version of the award will be preceded by the regional World Travel Awards South America that this year announce its winners on October 20, 2021 in Dubai, where Peru also has several important nominations. Among them, the leading tourist attraction in South America stands out for Machupicchu, Peru as a leading adventure tourism destination in South America and as a leading culinary destination in South America, among others.

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• Peru wins three awards in the World Travel Awards 2021

Tourist in Machu Picchu Credit: Shutterstock

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• Peru won the awards of the following categories: World’s Leading Culinary Destination, World’s Leading Cultural Destination and World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.

The experiences, adventures, attractions, and locations that Peru offers to anyone who decides to venture out in its lands are as amazing as endless. The excellence of them makes Peru be constantly awarded, as occurred in the World Travel Awards 2021: Peru won three world awards during the expecting award held in Moscow, Russia.

The South American country was nominated for six different categories in total and won three of them. Peru was awarded in the following categories:

- World's Leading Culinary Destination 2021: Peru - World's Leading Cultural Destination 2021: Peru - World's Leading Tourist Attraction 2021: Machu Picchu

Sikuri musicians in Taquile Island, Puno. Credit: Gihan Tubbeh / PromPerú.

This acknowledgment continues establishing Peru as a world’s leader destination for any tourist in the world. The World Travel Award’s initiative is to acknowledge the countries, entities, and tourist attractions as the best in the world to reward, celebrate and show their virtues before thousands of users who are part of the travel and tourism industry.

Wake-up in Peru

With the World's Leading Culinary Destination award, Peru makes the difference in the gastronomy industry : it was elected for nine years in a row as the world’s best culinary destination. This award is well-deserved since the Peruvian food stands-out around the world due to its unique tastes and millenary preparations that are even from the Pre-Colonial era. Are you craving for a must-eaten Lomo Saltado or a delicious Cebiche? You can find them and more dishes in Peruvian’s restaurants.

Cebiche. Credit: José Cáceres / PromPerú.

The World's Leading Cultural Destination award confirmed that the historical richness and cultural legacy offered by the south America country is valued around the world. There is not a spot in Peru where there is no culture, thus, it is the preferred destination of the lovers of indigenous people, community tourism, history, and tradition.

At the same time, the Historical Sanctuary of Machupicchu obtained the World's Leading Tourist Attraction award after a second-time consecutive voting. The last time the Cuzco treasure obtained the award was in 2019 because the organization cancelled the event during 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now you are aware: travel around Peru to discover adventures never imagined before, to delight your palate and to be surrounded by natural and historical wonders.

Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Credit: Shutterstock.

Interesting fact

Peru was also finalist in the following categories: World's Leading Green Destination 2021: Peru, World's Leading Tourist Board 2021: PROMPERÚ, and World's Leading Cruise Destination 2021): Peru.

Source: World Travel Awards

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Related news

PROMPERÚ announces: dear traveler, health comes first ...

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Peru recognized as the world's best river cruise destination ...

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World Travel Awards 2021

Established in 1993, World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

Building on the previous success, Jetex is honored to be nominated in three categories:

1. World’s Leading Private Jet Travel Experience 2. World’s Leading Private Jet Terminal Brand 3. World’s Leading FBO Terminal: • Jetex VIP Terminal, Dubai • Jetex Marrakech • Jetex Paris • Jetex Singapore

The Grand Finale Gala will take place on 26 November 2021 at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow.

An award-winning global leader in executive aviation, Jetex is recognized for delivering flexible, best-in-class trip support solutions to customers worldwide. Jetex provides exceptional private terminals (FBOs), aircraft fueling, ground handling, and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial, and personal air travel. To find out more about Jetex, visit  www.jetex.com  and follow us on  Instagram ,  Twitter ,  Facebook , and  LinkedIn .

We invite you to support Jetex and cast your vote online at the  World Travel Awards website .

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2021 Travel Awards Winners & Finalists

A specialist panel of judges is invited to vote our nominees each year, with the panel of judges selected by the travel awards international advisory board of directors., 2021 travel awards & twbl awards panel of judges.

Mrs. Kathryn Moore , Founder & Managing Director, Spa Connectors Global

Mrs. Jessica Keen , Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)

Mrs. Alexandra K. Helou , World Luxury Hospitality

Mr. Michael Cheng , PhD, CHE, Dean, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University

Mr. Anthony Melchiorri , President of Argeo Hospitality

Ms. Angela Tunner , Founder, Editor in Chief, Publisher: EAT LOVE SAVOR®

Mrs. Jenny Graham , Chief Marketing Officer at Quintessentially

Mrs. Marla Cimini, Award-Winning Travel Writer, Editor, Blogger & Consultant

Mrs. Beth Santos , CEO and Founder of "She's Wanderful"

Let’s take a look at 2021 TRAVEL AWARDS finalists and winners!

2021 TRAVEL AWARDS - HOSPITALITY WINNER: IHG HOTELS https://ihghotels.com/

THE LANGHAM HOTELS

JUMEIRAH HOTELS

ONE & ONLY RESORTS

HILTON HOTELS

ACCOR HOTELS

OVOLO HOTELS

FOUR SEASONS HOTELS

BELMOND HOTELS

MARRIOTT HOTELS

2021 TRAVEL AWARDS - TRANSPORTATION WINNER: EMIRATES AIRLINES https://emirates.com/

TURKISH AIRLINES

QATAR AIRLINES

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

2021 TRAVEL AWARDS - ACTIVITIES WINNER: CANADA TOURISM https://canada.travel/

NORWAY TOURISM

AUSTRALIA TOURISM

DUBAI TOURISM

NEW ZEALAND TOURISM

SINGAPORE TOURISM

2021 TRAVEL AWARDS - GOVERNMENT & TOURISM BOARD WINNER: MALDIVES https://tourism.gov.mv/

HAMILTON & WAIKATO, NEW ZEALAND

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

2021 TRAVEL AWARDS - WORLD’S EXCELLENCE WINNER: MR. WILLIAM ‘CHIP’ ROGERS , PRESIDENT & CEO AHLA, AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION https://www.ahla.com/

Mr. Michael Dominguez , President & CEO ALHI, Associated Luxury Hotels International

Mr. Parris Jordan , Chairman and Founder of the Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and Operations Summit (CHICOS) and a Managing Director at HVS

Mr. Dr Jeremy Johnson AM, Chair of the Australian Tourism Restart Taskforce

Mr. The Hon. Martin Ferguson AM, Chair of Tourism Accommodation Australia, member Australian Tourism Restart Taskforce

Mr. Rodrigo Esponda , Managing Director of Los Cabos Tourism Board

2021 The World’s Best Luxury Destination Awards : MALDIVES https://visitmaldives.com/

NEW ZEALAND

FRENCH POLYNESIA

2021 The World’s Best Luxury Accommodation Awards : SANTORINI SKY https://santorinisky.com/

BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UAE

RAFFLES HOTEL, SINGAPORE

VICEROY RESORT, BALI, INDONESIA

SURA DESIGN HOTEL & SUITES, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

THE SIAM HOTEL, BANGKOK, THAILAND

MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE

2021 The World’s Best Luxury Air Awards : VISTA JET https://vistajet.com/

DIAMONTE JETS

2021 The World’s Best Luxury Experience Awards : LOS CABOS TOURISM https://visitloscabos.travel

IRELAND TOURISM

LOS ANGELES TOURISM

VISIT DALLAS

CHOOSE CHICAGO

2021 The World’s Best Luxury B2B Awards : ALHI, ASSOCIATED LUXURY HOTELS INTERNATIONAL https://ahli.com/

AHLA, UNITED STATES

COMPASS EDGE, HONG KONG

TRAVEL-AWARDS.ORG

Note: Selected winner by the Panel of Judges for this category was Travel-Awards.Org / Travel-Awards.Org concede this award to ALHI, UNITED STATES (ASSOCIATED LUXURY HOTELS INTERNATIONAL)

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The Annual World's Best Awards

Few travelers are as insightful or engaged as the readers of Travel + Leisure , which is why our annual World’s Best Awards are considered the travel industry’s most trusted rankings. Find out more, below.

• World's Best Awards 2024

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• This Colorful City Has Thriving Food and Art Scenes but Feels Like a Small Town — and It Was Just Voted No. 1 in the World
• 25 Best Islands to Visit Around the World, According to T+L Readers
• 15 Best Cities to Visit in Europe in 2024, According to T+L Readers
• 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S. — Beautiful Views, Serene Nature, and Laid-back Vibes Included

Super Hall of Famers

• T+L Readers Love This Exclusive Resort Set on One of Hawaii's Most Secluded Islands — Read Our Review
• This Luxury All-inclusive Spa Resort in Texas Is a T+L Reader Favorite — and It's Set on a Stunning Lake
• Chicago’s Best Hotel Is Home to Incredible Art, a Beautiful Terrace Restaurant, and a Pool Overlooking the City — Read Our Review
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The Wanderlust Travel Awards 2021: The Results

You voted in your thousands! In another challenging year for travel, we celebrated the industry’s ultimate stars at the 20th Wanderlust Travel Awards. Here, we list your winners.

Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards

With so little travel in this strangest of years, we asked you where you will want to go to, once you can travel again. Just where are you dreaming of? Here are the results.

Most Desirable Country (Long Haul)

Gold: australia.

Kangaroos in Australia (Shutterstock)

That’s right, the country that has been closed to most international arrivals throughout the entire pandemic has come out on top at this year’s Wanderlust Travel Awards. Australia has been crowned our readers’ Most Desir able Country (Long Haul) for 2021.

We’re not surprised to see Australia come in first position, with its diverse landscapes and endless adventures. And with flights being planned again before the end of the year, it won’t be long until eager travellers can head back down under to explore the bustling city culture, quirky bush wildlife and paradisiacal secret beaches beyond the more popular tourist spots.

Silver: Japan

Autumn colours in Japan (Shutterstock)

Bronze: Costa Rica

View of Costa Rica’s volcano through the wilderness (Shutterstock)

More of your favourites

6. south korea, 8. sri lanka, 9. south africa, 10. new zealand, most desirable country (short haul), gold: france.

The Eiffel Tower, France (Shutterstock)

You have voted France as your Most Desirable Country (Short Haul). During the pandemic, travellers have started to uncover and appreciate some of the hidden gems closer to home, and this includes the wonderful French regions that are so often overlooked for expeditions further afield. From secret walking trails in Mount Blanc and the Loire Valley, to cities drenched in fantastic French culture such as Bordeaux and Toulouse, the UK’s overseas neighbour is where our readers dream of heading next and is a worthy winner of this award.

Silver: Italy

Road through Tuscany (Shutterstock)

Bronze: Iceland

Iceland hot springs (Shutterstock)

7. Portugal

10. austria, most desirable city (long haul), gold: singapore.

Singapore Gardens (Shutterstock)

Singapore has been a firm favourite of Wanderlust readers for several years, with its name often appearing in the top 10 for their favourite cities. Now, it takes the Gold for Most Desirable City (Long Haul). This vibrant destination, famous for its food, shopping and amazing ‘super trees’, is the perfect introduction to Asia. Beyond retail therapy, visitors can explore the sights of Chinatown, hang with the Orangutans at Singapore Zoo, and potter around the mosques and quirky cafes in the Arab quarter. This forward-thinking city has plenty on offer!

Silver: Cusco

Cusco, Peru (Shutterstock)

Bronze: Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia (Shutterstock)

8. Luang Prabang

9. cape town, 10. new orleans, most desirable city (short haul), gold: lisbon.

View over Lisbon, Portugal (Shutterstock)

Another European destination that has come up trumps in the Wanderlust Travel Awards is Lisbon, winning the readers’ Most Desirable City (Short Haul) . As one of the world’s oldest cities, there’s always something new to discover in the Portuguese capital. Boasting historic castles, palaces and churches, as well as the European Green Capital 2020 title, we think it’s a fitting winner chosen by our readers.

Silver: Seville

Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain (Shutterstock)

Bronze: Tbilisi

Old Town of Tbilisi, Georgia (Shutterstock)

4. Marrakech

5. dubrovnik, 8. salzburg, 9. stockholm, 10. st petersburg, most desirable region (long haul), gold: british columbia.

Emerald Lake Yoho National Park, Canada British Columbia (Shutterstock)

With more than 25,000 miles of picture-perfect Pacific coastline and an abundance of mountains and forests, we join our Wanderlust readers in longing over a trip to Canada’s westernmost province. Winning Most Desirable Region (Long Haul) , this area calls out to adventure-seekers with its magnificent hikes and biking trails through some of nature’s finest scenery. Take us there now!

Silver: Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Marine Iguanas on a beach, Tortuga Bay, on Santa Cruz island.

Bronze: Deep South USA

Deep South USA (Shutterstock)

4. Western Australia

5. caribbean, 6. silk road, 7. antarctica, 9. patagonia, 10. malaysian borneo, most desirable region (short haul), gold: the greek islands.

Kefalonia, Greece (Shutterstock)

Opa! Little introduction is needed for the winner of Most Desirable Region (Short Haul) . The Greek Islands will take anyone’s breath away, from the transparent waters and white-washed buildings to the fabulous Greek culture and cuisine. With more than 6,000 to explore, these islands offer travellers the opportunity to go off-the-beaten track away from the crowds to discover beautiful beaches and a wealth of authentic tavernas.

Silver: The Azores

Cascading waterfall at Flores Island, The Azores, Portugal (Shutterstock)

Bronze: Sicily

The Ruins of Taormina Theater at Sunset, Sicily (Shutterstock)

4. Catalonia

5. andalucía, 6. south tyrol, 7. lombardy, 8. scottish islands, 9. brittany, 10. bavaria, favourite travel personality, winner: simon reeve.

Wanderlust is thrilled to award Simon Reeve the Travel Personality of the Year Award. Continuing to inspire us and our readers with his adventures, Simon has been working for decades to uncover some of the world’s most incredible places. The past year hasn’t stopped him, with a BBC series exploring the Cornish coast, and now a new book giving us behind-the-scenes insight to some of his most-remarkable and sometimes dangerous journeys. Congratulations Simon, a Wanderlust superhero!

Wanderlust World Guide Awards

Tour guides and tour leaders are the under-sung heroes of travel; the remarkable individuals who turn their clients’ trips into life-enhancing and life-changing adventures. We have been running the World Guide Awards since 2006, when we set them up in memory of Wanderlust ‘s co-founder Paul Morrison, who was passionate about the importance of guides.

This time around, we asked the travel industry to nominate who they felt were the outstanding tour guides and tour leaders who really deserve an award in these surreal times. The tough decision of picking the final winners was then down to a panel of judges. The awards were presented by travel guru Simon Calder.

Best Tour Leader

Winner: valerie parkinson, exodus travels (nepal/india).

Valerie leads treks in the Himalayas and is known for her brilliance as a leader, whether her clients are unfit, first-time trekkers, or super-fit people aiming for Everest Base Camp. She also cares deeply about the communities in the regions she works in. As one judge said, “Valerie is clearly compassionate, caring and inspirational. She makes a huge impression on her clients, and they will follow her anywhere.”

Kathmandu, Nepal (Shutterstock)

2. Peter Lobo, Adventure Gurudongma (India/Bhutan)

3. thilantha abeysinghe , intrepid travel (sri lanka), 4. matthew dyas, intrepid travel (uk), 5. etienne frans, journey latin america (brazil/latin america), 6. vania de paoli, exodus travels (italy), 7. richard farmer, inside travel group (japan), 8. alastair walker, brightwater holidays (uk), best specialist guide, craig wickham, via south australian tourism (kangaroo island, south australia).

Dedicating his life to protecting Kangaroo Island’s flora and fauna, judges said Craig Wickham is “more than just a guide”. He gets involved with all aspects of the island’s tourism and played a key part in the recovery of the island after the devastating fires.

Penong, South Australia (Shutterstock)

2. Joseph Tano, PNG Tourism

3. jonny motsieloa, mosetlha bush camp & eco lodge (south africa), 4. tony o’connor, andante travels (algeria & others), 5. marta corte-real, toursbylocals (portugal), 6. mitra talarman (italy), 7. alex lacey, blue badge tourist guide (uk), wanderlust travel awards.

We asked the travel industry to nominate themselves in these next categories, which were each judged by a panel of travel industry insiders.

Best Response to the Pandemic (Tourist Board)

Winner: nepal (nepal tourist board).

For a small country, Nepal accomplished great things in the past year, and so have claimed this year’s Best Response to the Pandemic (Tourist Board) Award . Their widespread strategy involved the government, local tourism groups, communities, private companies and NGO support. Judges said: “Their lobbying work on sustainability and tourism development awakened the government to review their monetary policy to support the continuance of their activities which was amazing”, and also admired their “out of the box thinking” when it came to their Stranded in Nepal website.

Swayambhunath, Nepal (Shutterstock)

2. Saudi Arabia (Saudi Tourism Authority)

3. louisiana, usa (louisiana office of tourism), 4. thailand (tourism authority of thailand), 5. slovenia (slovenian tourist board), 6. colombia (procolombia), 7. croatia (croatian national tourist board), 8. crete (region of crete), 9. maldives (maldives marketing and public relations corporation), 10. israel (israel ministry of tourism), best response to the pandemic (tour operators), winner: journey latin america.

With over 40 years of experience, Journey Latin America is one of the travel industry’s most respected companies, and you could see why with their systematic, calm response to the pandemic. They kept their business going, their staff motivated, their suppliers faithful, and their customers, well, as their customers.

“They worked hard on every touchpoint in their business to ensure all elements were supported and informed,” enthused one judge. “Their teamwork and camaraderie came across so strongly in their submission.”

Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Shutterstock)

3. Exodus Travels

4. experience travel group, =5. discover the world, =5. trailfinders, 8. holiday architects, 9. regent holidays, 10. selective asia, sustainable travel, winner: intrepid travel.

Intrepid have been commended by judges for “not leaving a stone unturned” when it comes their sustainability efforts, and therefore have won this year’s Sustainable Travel Award . Judges were impressed with their practical, science-based targets, and commented, “many of the actions – such as electric vehicle transfers, partnering with green hotels and reviewing short flights on its itineraries – are not only admirable but also relatively simple initiatives that other tour operators could, and should, draw inspiration from”.

2. Pura Aventura

3. g adventures, 5. gondwana collection namibia, 6. quark expeditions, =7. philippines department of tourism, =7. travel matters, 9. switzerland tourism, 10. ras al khaimah tourism development authority, 11. jetwing kandy gallery, in association with wtm london, travel industry professional of the year, winner: john telfer.

John is a veteran of the travel industry, with a distinguished 35-year career at Explore Worldwide. He has been instrumental in leading countless initiatives in sustainable travel with his unequivocal belief that we must be welcomed in the communities that we visit, and that we must tread lightly on our travels. Under his stewardship, Explore became the first UK tour operator to offset all components of its trips, including flights. He has been named a Visiting Professor at Surrey University.

John is hailed as a hero in pioneering risk safety management, work that has had a critical impact in internationally-used processes for crisis management. But beyond these remarkable achievements, John is known, and loved, as someone who works with such integrity, truth and passion.

Travel Media Influencer of the Year

Winner: laura alho (@blueabaya).

With more than 110k followers on Instagram, Laura Alho (aka, the Viking in Arabia) has helped demystify the hidden gems of a country shrouded in mystery, as well as defying boundaries and pre-conceptions. Laura wins the Travel Media Infuencer of the Year Award 2021.

Wanderlust Travel Award 2021 judging panel

Big thanks to our dedicated team of judges: Derek Moore; Charlotte Hindle; Holly Tuppen; Kate Kenward; Alex Robinson; Claire Antell-Thorne; Nick Boulos; Mark Carwardine; Graeme Green; Martin Symington; Lyn Hughes (Chair of judges).

Trip planner: Plot your perfect route around Alberta, Canada

A first-time guide to the Julian Alps, Slovenia

The world’s most scenic autumn rail journeys

Explore more.

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13 US troops killed during Afghanistan withdrawal receive Congressional Gold Medals

A sign displaying photos and names of the 13 service members killed in a terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabuls Hamid Karzai International Airport is seen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Phot

WASHINGTON - A ceremony on Tuesday posthumously presented Congress' highest honor — the Congressional Gold Medal — to 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the chaotic and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan.

House Speaker Mike Johnson hosted the ceremony, which began at 11 a.m. ET in the Capitol Rotunda. The top Republican and Democratic leaders for both the House and Senate spoke.

The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, institutions, or groups. 

The ceremony comes as the politics of a presidential election swirl around the 2021 withdrawal. Here’s what to know:

13 U.S. servicemembers killed during Afghanistan withdrawal 

The 13 U.S. troops were killed along with more than 170 Afghans in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate near Kabul's Airport in August 2021. 

Both Democrats and Republicans supported the legislation to honor the fallen service members, and President Joe Biden signed the legislation in December 2021. 

Tuesday’s ceremony is taking place against the backdrop of a bitter back and forth over who is to blame for the rushed and deadly evacuation from Kabul. Johnson scheduled the ceremony just hours before the first debate between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump .

Most assessments have concluded Trump and Biden share blame for the disastrous end to America’s longest war, which saw enemy Taliban take over Afghanistan again before the last American troops even flew out of the Kabul airport. 

The Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) – the main U.S. government watchdog for the war – pointed to Trump’s 2020 deal with the Taliban to withdraw all U.S. forces and military contractors as "the single most important factor" in the collapse of U.S.-allied Afghan security forces and Taliban takeover, followed by Biden’s April 2021 announcement that he would proceed with the withdrawal.

US Afghanistan withdrawal: Politics swirl around blame

Gop grills biden for afghanistan withdrawal.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee released a scathing new report outlining the failures of Biden's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

On Sunday, House Republicans released a scathing investigation into the withdrawal that cast blame on Biden’s administration and minimized the role of Trump, who had signed the withdrawal deal with the Taliban.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, praised the recently-published House report that blames Biden's administration and was led by the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican Rep. Michael McCaul.

"We must not allow the Biden-Harris Administration to rewrite history," Johnson said in a statement. "The families of the 13 fallen servicemembers and the allies we abandoned in Afghanistan deserve better."

White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Monday criticized the House report as partisan and one-sided, and said it revealed little new information as well as several inaccuracies. He noted that evacuation plans had started well before the pullout and the U.S. did not hand over equipment to the Taliban. He said the fall of Kabul "moved a lot faster than anyone could have anticipated."

He also acknowledged that during the evacuation "not everything went according to plan. Nothing ever does."

"We hold ourselves all accountable for that," he said of the deaths.

Trump has put the Afghan withdrawal, with the backing of some of the families of the Americans killed , into the center of his campaign. Last month, his political team distributed video of him attending a wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen service members at Arlington National Cemetery on the third anniversary of the bombing, despite the cemetery’s prohibition on partisan activity on the grounds as well as an altercation with a cemetery employee who was trying to make sure the campaign followed those rules.

The Gold Star military families who invited him to the Arlington ceremony have defended Trump's actions. At a news conference outside the Capitol on Monday, they implored for the House report to be taken seriously and demanded accountability for those in leadership during the evacuation from Kabul.

"President Trump is certainly not perfect. But he’s a far better choice, in my opinion, than the mess that Biden and Harris have created since Kabul," said Paula Knauss Selph, whose son Ryan Knauss died in the Abbey Gate attack.

While Trump and Republicans have sought to link Harris to the withdrawal as a campaign issue, and Harris has said she was the last person in the room when Biden made his decision, neither watchdog reviews nor the 18-month investigation by House Republicans have identified any instance where the vice president had a significant impact on decision-making.

Still, House Republicans argued that Harris, as well as Biden's national security team, needed to face accountability for the consequences of the deadly withdrawal.

"Kamala Harris wants to be the president of the United States. She wants to be commander in chief. She needs to answer for this report immediately," said Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican on the committee.

McCaul, the chairman, also defended the timing of the report by saying that the committee's investigation had to overcome resistance from the Biden administration.

The top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, also issued a memorandum in response to the GOP report, saying he was concerned by the "attempts to politicize the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan."

"Republicans’ partisan attempts to garner headlines rather than acknowledge the full facts and substance of their investigation have only increased with the heat of an election season," Meeks said.

NASA’s 'Hidden Figures' women to receive award this month 

Later this month, Congressional Gold Medals will also be awarded to the NASA mathematicians known as the "Hidden Figures" who played a significant role in astronaut John Glenn’s launch into orbit.

Recipients of the prestigious awards are Katherine Johnson in recognition of her service to the U.S. as a mathematician, Dr. Christine Darden for her service as an aeronautical engineer to the U.S., and Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson in recognition of their service to the nation during the space race. 

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will represent the agency during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 18 at the Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Billie Jean King moves closer to Congressional Gold Medal

Billie Jean King, the tennis Hall of Famer and outspoken activist for women’s equal rights in sports, could also be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal – becoming the first individual female athlete to receive the prestigious award.

Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey said last week that they have enough votes in the House to grant her the distinguished award. The only step left was to get the bill to the floor for a vote. The companion bill in the Senate passed unanimously.

Lawmakers introduced the bill in September 2023 on the 50th anniversary of King's victory over Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," still the most-watched tennis match of all-time. That same year, King led the successful push for the U.S. Open to award equal prize money to its men's and women's champions, and the WTA Tour was created.

Baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, and golfers Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer are among some of the athlete recipients.

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Address Beach Resort Dubai

• Best Beach Resort in the Middle East

Banyan Tree Double Phuket

• Phuket's Best 5 Star Villa Hotel
• Phuket, Thailand

Bürgenstock Hotel Alpine Spa

• Best 5 Star Hotel
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Como Cocoa Island Maldives

• Asia's Best Luxury Water Villa Resort

Conrad Osaka

• Osaka, Japan

DCT - Abu Dhabi Tourism Board

• World's Best Tourism Board
• Abu Dhabi, UAE

Fairmont Mayakoba

• Best Luxury Hotel

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

• Best Tourist Attraction in Middle East

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

• Australia's Best Luxury Hotel
• Sydney, Australia

Lux South Ari Toll Maldives

• Best Luxury Island Resort

Park Hyatt Auckland

• Auckland, New Zealand

Radisson Blu Hotel Yerevan

• Best Business Hotel in Armenia
• Yerevan, Armenia

Radisson Collection Paradise Resort Spa, Sochi

• Best Coastal Resort
• Sochi, Russia

Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi

• Best Mountain Hotel

SO Sofitel Bangkok

• Bangkok's Best 5 Star Design Hotel
• Bangkok, Thailand

Sofitel Marrakech Lounge Spa

• Morocco's Best 5 Star Wellness Hotel
• Marrakesh-Safi , Morocco

The Apurva Kempinski Bali

• Indonesia's Best 5 Star New Resort
• Bali, Indonesia

The Chedi Andermatt

• Switzerland's Best Luxury Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

• Best 5 Star Hotel in Qatar
• Doha, Qatar

W Verbier Switzerland

• Best Ski Hotel

Brands Nominated with ITA

Global travel / tourism brands around the world nominated with International Travel Awards

Why International Travel Awards?

Being nominated for an International Travel Award can bring several benefits to the individual or organization being recognized. Some of the potential benefits include

Recognition & Rewards

Worldwide promotion, customer growth, networking opportunities, staff recognition, online website profile, celebrate service excellence in travel industry.

Benefit from the global promotions

Nominee profile.

Wellness Centre

Independent Spa

Acupuncture

Wellness Products

Beauty Brands / Products

All Cosmetic related brands

What winners say about international travel awards.

Overview about International Travel Awards

Asia Hospitality Awards & Asia Hotel Awards by Golden Tree

Introducing the prestigious Asia Hospitality Awards and Asia Hotel Awards by Golden Tree! These coveted accolades celebrate excellence in the hospitality industry across Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, India, Srilanka, Maldives, and more. From luxurious resorts to boutique hotels, this is the ultimate recognition for outstanding service, exceptional facilities, and memorable experiences. With a rigorous selection process and an esteemed panel of judges, these awards highlight the best of the best in the region. Join the excitement as the winners are announced and be inspired to discover Asia's finest hospitality gems.

Europe Hospitality Awards & Europe Hotel Awards by Golden Tree

Europe Hospitality Awards & Europe Hotel Awards by Golden Tree recognize and celebrate excellence in the hotel and hospitality industry across all countries in Europe such as France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Greece, Spain and more . These prestigious awards are designed to acknowledge and honor the outstanding achievements of hotels and hospitality companies that go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences to their guests. With a rigorous selection process and a panel of industry experts, being recognized with a Europe Hospitality Award or Europe Hotel Award is a testament to the highest standards of quality, service, and innovation. Winners of these esteemed awards can proudly showcase their accolades as a mark of distinction in the competitive European hospitality market.

Middle East Hospitality Awards & Middle East Hotel Awards by Golden Tree

The Middle East Hospitality Awards & Middle East Hotel Awards by Golden Tree are highly prestigious events that celebrate excellence in the hospitality industry in the Middle East such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait . These awards recognize and honor exceptional hotels and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With a commitment to recognizing the best in the business, these awards have become a benchmark for excellence in the region. By showcasing the top performers in the industry, the Middle East Hospitality Awards & Middle East Hotel Awards by Golden Tree inspire and motivate others to strive for greatness. This is an event that every hotelier and hospitality professional in the Middle East should aspire to be a part of.

America Hospitality Awards & America Hotel Awards by Golden Tree

Introducing the prestigious America Hospitality Awards and America Hotel Awards by Golden Tree! These highly anticipated accolades celebrate excellence in the American hospitality industry from USA, Canada, Brazil & more . Showcasing the outstanding achievements of hotels, resorts, and hospitality professionals across the nation, these awards are a testament to the exceptional service, remarkable facilities, and unparalleled guest experiences offered by the winners. With a rigorous selection process and esteemed judging panel, the America Hospitality Awards and America Hotel Awards by Golden Tree are the ultimate recognition for those who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable stays and exceptional hospitality. Join us in celebrating the best of the best in the American hospitality industry!

Africa Hospitality Awards & Africa Hotel Awards by Golden Tree

The Africa Hospitality Awards & Africa Hotel Awards by Golden Tree is an esteemed event that recognizes and celebrates excellence in the hospitality industry across the African continent. This prestigious ceremony honors outstanding hotels, resorts, and hospitality professionals who consistently deliver exceptional service and experiences. With participants from top countries in the Africa region, such as Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria, this event showcases the best of African hospitality and tourism. It serves as a platform to highlight the remarkable achievements and contributions made by industry leaders in promoting Africa as a world-class travel destination.

Nominate for International Travel Awards Now !!! Boost Your Brand !!

Nominate your Hotel & Travel company for the prestigious Asia Travel Awards by International Travel Awards to elevate your brand's reputation and gain industry-wide recognition.

International Travel Awards

The die is cast again for the edition of the international tourism award for the year 2024. This award is targeted at promoting tourism all over the world, both locally and internationally. Every company needs reliable platforms which will allow them to showcase their worth and position their brand for the ultimate price.

Hotel Awards / Luxury Hotel Awards

Are you a player in the hotel industry and you want to get positive rewards? No matter your scope of coverage, you are qualified to enter the Hotel Awards where you will showcase your strengths in the sector for the panel to see. If you are well presented and packaged, then you can be sure of getting the nod.

The best hotels will not necessarily win the award if the story is not told with the right words that count. Smart hotel owners choose a platform that has credibility and a track record of performance in the sector. When you are on the right platform, you are guaranteed the best results when the draws for winners come up.

The winner of Luxury Hotel Awards 2024 must come up with a professional template that will detail all the achievements of the year in luxury hotel management. Every entry in this category needs experts. You are a winner when you choose the right platform.

Hospitality Awards

If you are involved in a hotel, spa, or restaurant or you are an individual player in the sector, this is the time to blow your trumpet for the entire world. The time for the Hospitality Awards is here again. Entries are coming in for the awards in this category and you need a strong platform.

The success stories of past winners in this award cannot be told without the mention of a solid platform that helped in telling the story in words and very clear images. The platform can make or mar the chances of any vendor.

For the best results that count in Hospitality Industry Awards 2024, the right platform is required to help showcase your strengths and abilities over the past 12 calendar months. When you are well packaged, you can expect the best results on offer.

Travel Awards

You probably have counted the gains as a player in the travel industry in the year 2022. This time around, you can get more and the lens of international visibility will be beamed on your efforts through Tourism Awards 2024. This is a once-in-a-year opportunity and entries are on.

In any contest, everybody cannot be a winner. If you want to be counted on the list of winners in Travel Awards for the year 2024, then you need a professional platform that will help showcase your ability and worth to the world.

We are in an age where professionalism matters in every sector. If you want to excel in the Tourism industry Awards of the moment, then your entry must be handled by competent professionals. When you are properly managed, you can expect nothing but the best results on offer.

Airline Industry Awards

The tourism industry is not complete without mentioning the big roles that were played by the Airlines, Private Jets, Jet Tour operators, and other airline industries in the sector. Your role in this sector can add value to your brand in Airlines Awards for 2024. The selection process will be easy for operators that use a very strong platform.

If you have entered past events and you have gotten nothing to show for your efforts, it is because of the platform of your choice. No matter your scope or level of operation, you need a strong voice that will be there for you in the 2024 Aviation Awards.

When you are with a very strong platform that has a record of brilliant performances in the industry, the results will come your way. In the Aviation Industry Awards for 2024, you cannot be a winner without a strong platform.

Cruise Industry Awards

In the hospitality sector, the role played by the cruise industry cannot go unrecognized. The Cruise Liner Awards for 2024 is here again, and companies are putting in their entries. The majority of the entries are there to fill up the number. The contenders that have something to show over the years trust reliable platforms to give them the edge in the selection process.

The foundation for success begins with the choice of a reliable platform that will help push your interests in the award to the top. When you partner with a reliable host, the chances of your brand getting positive notice will be enhanced.

A company that is serious about getting the best results in the 2024 Cruise Awards must commit its entry into the hands of reputable platforms that have the ability and capacity to blow the trumpet at the rooftops. When you are handled and packaged by professionals, your chance of remaining the last entry standing in your category will be the brightest among the competitors that are competing with you.

Yacht Awards

Several arms come together to make up the hospitality industry. For those that are involved, in the movement of fun seekers across the various places of interest across the world, the opportunity to position their brand in the market is here again through the Yacht Awards 2024. Entries are going on and brands are putting in their nominations. All that is required to excel is the right platform.

A successful yacht company that wants to the top needs professional packaging. You cannot tell your story in a moving way that will send home the message without the involvement of the pros in the sector. History shows that past winners have the backup of reputable platforms.

If you want your company to be counted among the winners in this year’s edition of the Award for Yacht company, then your entry needs a professional touch and you will only get this through competent platforms. The vehicle that will make your entry visible is no other than a viable platform.

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Leading government defense ministry awards bio-key $500k in follow-on orders for biometric user authentication.

BIO-key credentials are the individual themselves, access cannot be shared, delegated, phished or forgotten.

HOLMDEL, N.J., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BIO-key ® International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKYI), an innovative provider of workforce and customer identity and access management (IAM) solutions featuring Identity-Bound Biometrics (IBB) for phoneless, tokenless, passwordless and phish-resistant authentication experiences, announced that one of the world’s most respected government defense ministries has awarded BIO-key over $500K in new orders for BIO-key’s biometric user authentication solution pursuant to a three-year purchasing agreement.

The defense ministry continues to expand its deployment of BIO-key’s biometric authentication solution into new programs and user scenarios, delivering convenient phoneless, tokenless and passwordless authentication access to digital services for over 33,000 users. BIO-key expects additional awards in future periods as the defense ministry expands the use of its solution to additional defense ministry personnel.

BIO-key’s secure biometric authentication platform has been integrated with the ministry’s virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) capabilities to allow secure VDI-optimized biometric authentication without requiring phones or tokens. BIO-key has worked closely with the ministry’s cybersecurity team to integrate its state-of-the-art, cloud-enabled biometric authentication with the ministry’s authentication federation platform to deliver advanced, secure biometric access to systems and applications across organizational boundaries. Because BIO-key credentials are the individual themselves, access cannot be shared, delegated, phished or forgotten.

Jim Sullivan, BIO-key’s SVP Strategy and Chief Legal Officer, said, “BIO-key’s relationship with this innovative customer continues to expand, as does interest from the defense vertical in general. This is one of the most discriminating buyers of security technology worldwide. It is an honor to be trusted to provide the highest level of security possible by biometrically ensuring only the right user accesses the most sensitive information. BIO-key has a long history providing secure, robust solutions in government, defense, finance, retail and other highly-regulated industries, and we are finding that our superior user experience and cost-saving tokenless solution translates well to enterprise authentication."

About BIO-key International, Inc. ( www.BIO-key.com ) BIO-key is revolutionizing authentication and cybersecurity with biometric-centric, multi-factor identity and access management (IAM) software securing access for over thirty-five million users. BIO-key allows customers to choose the right authentication factors for diverse use cases, including phoneless, tokenless and passwordless biometric options. Its hosted or on-premise PortalGuard IAM solution provides cost-effective, easy-to-deploy, convenient, and secure access to computers, information, applications, and high-value transactions.

BIO-key Safe Harbor Statement

All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). The words "estimate," "project," "intends," "expects," "anticipates," "believes" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to the "safe-harbor" provisions of the Act. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those included within or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, our history of losses and limited revenue; our ability to raise additional capital to satisfy working capital needs; our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to protect our intellectual property; changes in business conditions; changes in our sales strategy and product development plans; changes in the marketplace; continued services of our executive management team; security breaches; competition in the biometric technology industry; market acceptance of biometric products generally and our products under development; our ability to convert sales opportunities to customer contracts; our ability to expand into Asia, Africa and other foreign markets; our ability to integrate the operations and personnel of Swivel Secure into our business; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; delays in the development of products, the commercial, reputational and regulatory risks to our business that may arise as a consequence the restatement of our financial statements, including any consequences of non-compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and Nasdaq periodic reporting requirements; our temporary loss of the use of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 to register securities in the future; any disruption to our business that may occur on a longer-term basis should we be unable to remediate during fiscal year 2024 certain material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, and statements of assumption underlying any of the foregoing as well as other factors set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to disclose any revision to these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Investor Contacts William Jones, David Collins Catalyst IR [email protected] or 212-924-9800