Bahrain Leads the Way in Global Tourism at World Travel Awards 2025 with Iconic Wins for Maldives, Greece, Tanzania, Vietnam, and More

Published on December 8, 2025

Bahrain reinforced its position as a global tourism leader by hosting the World Travel Awards 2025, where the Maldives, Greece, Tanzania, and Vietnam were honored for their excellence. With the Maldives recognized as the ‘World’s Leading Destination’ and Vietnam named ‘World’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination,’ the event underscored Bahrain’s growing influence in shaping the future of travel and advancing global tourism standards.

Tourism professionals from around the world gathered in Bahrain for the highly anticipated World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025, celebrating the organizations driving innovation and excellence in the travel industry.

The VIP reception highlighted the best of global destinations, with the Maldives being crowned as the ‘World’s Leading Destination’ and Athens earning the title of ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination’. Chile emerged victorious as the ‘World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination’, while Tanzania was recognized as the ‘World’s Leading Safari Destination’. Jamaica claimed the title of ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’, showcasing its vibrant maritime tourism offerings. In the hospitality sector, The St. Regis The Palm was celebrated with the ‘World’s Leading Hotel Service Award’, while Katara Hospitality won ‘World’s Leading Hospitality Development Company’. Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania stood out as the ‘World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island’.

In the newcomer categories, Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek triumphed, winning ‘World’s Leading New Hotel’, while The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort in Oman clinched the ‘World’s Leading New Resort’ award.

Arabian aviation made a strong mark at the ceremony, with Qatar Airways taking home several honors, including ‘World’s Leading Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – Business Class’. Etihad Airways was recognized with multiple awards, including ‘World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’, ‘World’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience’, and ‘World’s Leading Airline Lounge – Business Class’. Emirates followed suit, winning ‘World’s Leading Airline – First Class’, ‘World’s Leading Airline Brand’, and ‘World’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class’. Star Alliance also garnered attention, winning ‘World’s Leading Airline Alliance’.

AirAsia made a notable appearance, winning double awards for ‘World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew’. TAP Air Portugal was recognized as ‘World’s Leading Airline to Africa’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline to South America’.

The event marked the grand finale of WTA’s Grand Tour 2025, a global search for the best travel and tourism organizations, with regional ceremonies held in destinations like Tanzania, Cancun, Saint Lucia, Hong Kong, Sardinia, and Dubai.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “It has been a privilege to host our Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025 in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has delivered an incredible ceremony featuring the leading lights of travel from across the world. Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across our industry.”

Bahrain, a strategic archipelago linking East and West, is a hub for trade and tourism with a history that spans more than 4,000 years. The Kingdom’s investment in MICE infrastructure, especially through Exhibition World Bahrain, has helped position it as a key destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain, said: “Hosting the World Travel Awards Grand Final demonstrates Bahrain’s capacity to deliver international events of this significance. Our investment in MICE infrastructure through Exhibition World Bahrain continues to position the Kingdom as a competitive destination for major industry gatherings. The networking and dialogue facilitated during this event will contribute to strengthening partnerships and advancing opportunities within the region.”

Other notable winners included Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, named ‘World’s Leading City Business Hotel’, and Greece’s Ikos Resorts, which took the title of ‘World’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort Brand’. Sani Resort in Greece was named ‘World’s Leading Family & Beach Resort’, reflecting the country’s appeal to both luxury and family tourism. Cannes, renowned for its glamour and world-class facilities, was honored as the ‘World’s Leading Festival & Event Destination’. Madrid received the ‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’ title, and Portugal’s Dark Sky Alqueva was awarded the ‘World’s Responsible Tourism Award’ for its sustainability efforts.

Vietnam also celebrated its first-ever WTA title, with Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark in Tuyen Quang winning ‘World’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination’. Spain’s Huesca La Magia was recognized as the ‘World’s Leading Regional Adventure Tourism Destination’, while Cancún Convention & Visitors Bureau claimed the title of ‘World’s Leading City Tourist Board’, further solidifying the region’s place as a top global tourist destination.

Bahrain led the way in global tourism by hosting the World Travel Awards 2025, where iconic destinations like the Maldives, Greece, Tanzania, and Vietnam were recognized for excellence, underscoring Bahrain’s growing influence in the tourism sector.

In conclusion, Bahrain’s successful hosting of the World Travel Awards 2025 has not only showcased the exceptional achievements of global tourism leaders but also solidified the Kingdom’s role as a key player in shaping the future of the industry. With iconic wins for destinations like the Maldives, Greece, Tanzania, and Vietnam, the event highlighted the power of innovation and excellence within the travel sector. As Bahrain continues to grow its influence in global tourism, it remains a beacon for international collaboration and progress in the industry.