At the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2016, the Middle Eastern hospitality giant, Katara Hospitality took the title of Worlds Leading Hospitality Company during the glittering event at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives. In front of an audience of over 250 leaders in the hospitality industry from around the world, recognised alongside Katara was Etihad Airways taking World's Leading Airline for the eighth time in succession.
Taking World's Leading Cultural City Destination, was next years host of the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2017, Saint Petersburg. World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “It has been a real honour to return here to the Maldives, and in particular to bring the Grand Final to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi for the first time. We have seen the best of international tourism recognised here at the resort tonight.
“More than 1.1 million votes were cast during our Grand Tour 2016, both from members of the public and from within the hospitality industry, and these voices have been heard.
“My congratulations to all of our winners this evening and I look forward to greeting many of you next year as we begin our search anew.”
From North America, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority took the title of World's Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, while Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority walked away with the World's Leading City Tourist Board title.
Host Maldives was recognised by voters from around the globe as the World's Leading Beach Destination. HNA Tourism Group shone the spotlight on the rapid development of Chinese hospitality, taking the title of World's Leading Integrated Tourism Group. In South America, Ecuador was awarded the trophy for World's Leading Green Destination. Frasers Hospitality was honoured with the title of World's Leading Serviced Apartment Brand, while Europcar took the title World's Leading Green Transport Solution Company.
