Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hosts 2023 World Travel Awards winners

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The World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2023 revealed the crème de la crème of travel brands. At Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab, tourism luminaries gathered to discover the champions among them, marking the culmination of WTA’s illustrious 30th-anniversary celebration of travel excellence.

The Maldives shone brightly, earning the prestigious title of ‘World’s Leading Destination,’ while the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) secured the accolade for the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board.’

The Philippines’ pristine beaches and reefs earned recognition as the ‘World’s Leading Dive Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination.’ Madeira’s untamed beauty captured voters’ hearts, securing the title of ‘World’s Leading Island Destination.’ Cannes, with its timeless charm and top-notch facilities, claimed the distinction of being the ‘World’s Leading Festival & Event Destination.’

The Caribbean displayed its allure, with Saint Lucia winning ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination,’ and Jamaica reinforcing its tourism prowess by clinching ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination.’

Qatar’s vibrant tourism sector garnered multiple awards, with Doha, post the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, named ‘World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Business Travel Destination.’ Qatar Tourism received recognition for the ‘World’s Leading Marketing Campaign.’

In the newcomer categories, Atlantis The Royal in Dubai lived up to expectations as the ‘World’s Leading New Resort,’ while Raffles Doha, a new architectural gem in Qatar, was crowned ‘World’s Leading New Hotel.’ Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism economy was acknowledged with Red Sea International Airport claiming the title of ‘World’s Leading New Airport.’

The ceremony found its perfect venue at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, an icon of Arabian luxury that has played a pivotal role in elevating Dubai on the global luxury tourism map.

Graham Cooke, Founder of WTA, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Hosting our 30th-anniversary celebrations at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, has been a privilege. Our world winners epitomize tourism excellence, and I congratulate each one for contributing to raising the collective benchmark even higher.”

Arabian aviation’s strength was evident in the awards, with Qatar Airways sweeping ‘World’s Leading Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – Business Class,’ Etihad Airways claiming ‘World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience,’ and Emirates securing ‘World’s Leading Airline – First Class.’

The opulent Jumeirah Al Naseem in the UAE was crowned ‘World’s Leading Hotel,’ while Sardinia’s Forte Village Resort earned the distinction of ‘World’s Leading Resort.’