India, Maldives, Jamaica, Chile, Greece, Portugal, Vietnam Triumph at World Travel Awards 2025, Cementing Their Status as Top Choices for Adventure, Safari, and Luxury Travel

Published on December 8, 2025

The World Travel Awards 2025 Grand Final in Bahrain was a spectacular celebration of global tourism excellence and innovation. Held at the newly built Exhibition World Bahrain, this prestigious event brought together the world’s leading travel professionals, airlines, hospitality brands, and destination marketing experts. The Grand Final recognized the very best in the tourism industry, highlighting the destinations, airlines, hotels, and services that are shaping the future of travel.

Bahrain, with its rich cultural heritage and strategic location connecting East and West, was the perfect host for this monumental event. The Kingdom’s growing stature in the global tourism sector was emphasized, as it continues to invest in infrastructure and develop as a hub for international tourism, business, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). This year’s ceremony not only spotlighted Bahrain’s emergence as a leader in the Middle East tourism market but also underscored the increasing importance of sustainability, innovation, and customer experience in the tourism industry.

The World Travel Awards are widely regarded as the ultimate recognition in the travel industry, with winners chosen by both industry professionals and consumers. The awards celebrate the most outstanding and forward-thinking companies and destinations, and the 2025 ceremony did just that. It showcased the best of the best across categories, from world-class destinations like Maldives and Athens to top airlines like Qatar Airways. The event underscored the growing demand for unique travel experiences, sustainable tourism, and the continuous push for innovation in the tourism sector.

In short, Bahrain played a pivotal role in honoring the industry’s finest at the World Travel Awards 2025, setting a new standard for global excellence in tourism.

What the World Travel Awards Represent

Since its inception in 1993, the WTA has evolved into the benchmark of quality and excellence across every travel‑sector vertical — from airlines and airports to hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, and destination marketing bodies. Winners at WTA are often regarded as the gold standard — a mark that amplifies brand value, elevates global visibility, and enhances traveller trust.

Voting combines the input of verified travel‑industry professionals and public voters, ensuring that winners reflect both trade recognition and consumer sentiment — an important dual validation in a fragmented, post‑pandemic global tourism landscape.

Stellar Destinations that Seized the Spotlight

At the 2025 Grand Final, several destinations stood out — not only for their inherent appeal but for how they’ve leveraged marketing, sustainability, and innovation to stay ahead of shifting traveller dynamics.

• Maldives – World’s Leading Destination 2025
  The Maldives reclaimed the crown — its sixth consecutive year — signaling consistent performance and enduring global appeal.
  • 2025 also marks a record‑breaking year: visitor arrivals soared past two million earlier than any previous milestone year.
  • The destination’s diversified tourism offerings — from ultra‑luxury resorts to MICE packages and digital‑first marketing campaigns — underline its strategic adaptability.
• Athens, Greece – World’s Leading City Break Destination
  With its unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture and urban dynamism, Athens snagged top honours as the city‑break capital for 2025.
  • Its appeal rests on a heritage‑rich landscape — iconic ruins, historical districts — combined with modern amenities, lively nightlife and gastronomic experiences tailored for short stays.
• Chile – World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination
  Chile’s dramatic geography — from the Andes Mountains to the Atacama Desert to Patagonia — offers adventure travellers a wide spectrum of thrills. Its recognition underlines growing demand for rugged, experiential travel.
• Tanzania – World’s Leading Safari Destination
  The award acknowledges Tanzania’s long‑established legacy of wildlife safaris, natural beauty and conservation‑linked tourism offerings, resonating with travellers keen on immersive wildlife and nature experiences.
• Jamaica – World’s Leading Cruise Destination
  With sun‑soaked beaches, cultural richness and vibrant port‑side appeal, Jamaica remains a top pick for cruise holidaymakers seeking both relaxation and Caribbean flair.

These awards are not just trophies; they send a powerful signal to travellers, tour operators, and trade partners that these destinations are among the “must‑visit” places globally — and that they remain ahead in delivering quality, diversity, and experience.

India’s Triumph at the World Travel Awards 2025: Regional Recognition for Leading Hotels, Airports, and Experiences

At the World Travel Awards 2025, India showcased its growing prominence in global tourism by securing multiple prestigious Asia and Oceania regional titles. The country’s rich cultural heritage, luxury accommodations, and exceptional travel services were celebrated in several key categories.

Among India’s standout victories was The Oberoi, New Delhi, which earned the coveted Asia’s Leading Hotel award. This prestigious recognition highlights the hotel’s world-class hospitality, impeccable service, and its significant role in promoting luxury tourism in India. Alongside it, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa was honored as India’s Leading Resort, solidifying Goa’s reputation as a top luxury beach destination.

Indian airports also shone at the awards, with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai named India’s Leading Airport, while Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi took home the Asia’s Leading Airport Lounge title. These accolades reinforce India’s status as a major hub for international travel.

The country’s increasing prominence in boutique and eco-tourism was also acknowledged, with SwaSwara, Karnataka, winning India’s Leading Boutique Hotel. These wins reflect India’s diverse tourism offerings, from luxury to cultural and eco-friendly experiences, shaping its future as a global tourism leader.

Excellence Beyond Destinations — Hospitality & Airline Sector Recognition

While destinations grabbed headlines, the 2025 WTA also crowned excellence in airlines, hospitality, and emerging hotel assets.

• Airlines and Aviation Leaders:
  • Qatar Airways took home “World’s Leading Airline” and “World’s Leading Airline – Business Class,” confirming its dominant position in premium air travel.
  • Neighbouring carriers such as Etihad Airways and Emirates also won multiple awards across heritage service segments — from economy class to first class, customer experience to airline brand honours.
• Luxury Hospitality & New‑comer Hotels:
  • The St. Regis The Palm was awarded “World’s Leading Hotel Service,” highlighting elite service standards, opulent hospitality and global brand prestige.
  • In the newcomer space, newly launched properties such as Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek and The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort also secured “World’s Leading New Hotel” and “World’s Leading New Resort” respectively — a clear signal that the hospitality sector’s development pipeline remains robust and global.

World Travel Awards : What These Wins Signal for the Future of Global Tourism

The 2025 honours at WTA reflect several evolving trends in global travel:

• Sustainability & Adaptability: Destinations like the Maldives show that sustainable luxury, diversified experiences (MICE, incentives, leisure) and smart marketing can sustain—and even enhance—appeal in a post‑pandemic world.
• Experience‑Driven Travel: Awards for adventure (Chile), safari (Tanzania), urban culture (Athens) and cruise escapes (Jamaica) underscore a global shift from conventional tourism towards immersive, emotionally‑rich, diverse experiences.
• Quality as Differentiator: Airline and hotel awards imply that service excellence, brand reliability, and comfort remain key competitiveness markers in a crowded tourism market.
• Emerging Markets & Infrastructure Investment: Bahrain’s selection as host — plus wins by new‑age hotels — indicates robust interest and investment in markets beyond traditional tourism giants.

World Travel Awards 2025: A Step Toward a New Era in Tourism

The World Travel Awards 2025 Grand Final in Bahrain not only highlighted the incredible achievements of global tourism leaders but also emphasized the continuing evolution of the industry. With destinations, airlines, and hospitality brands investing in innovation, sustainability, and exceptional experiences, the WTA serves as a powerful reminder that the future of tourism lies in creativity, responsible travel, and fostering meaningful connections.