Voice of Commonwealth

Maldives named ‘World’s Leading Destination’ at World Travel Awards 2020

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By Elishya Perera

(CWBN)_ The World Travel Awards announced the winners of 2020 on Friday (Nov 27) where Maldives was named the ‘World’s Leading Destination’ for the first time, owing to its tiny islands rimmed with the whitest of soft sand and reefs that offer bonds of colour.

Several destinations in Europe also performed well, with Portugal taking a top spot; Maderia was named ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’, while Lisbon picked up the award for ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination’ and The Algarve was voted ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination’.

Moreover, the Greek Ministry of Tourism/GNTO took home the award for the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’.

Russia’s rich cultural heritage was also recognised, being voted the ‘World’s Leading Cultural Destination’, while Moscow was named the ‘World’s Leading City Destination’ and Saint Petersburg picked the award for the ‘World’s Leading Cultural City Destination’.

On the other hand, some of the most distinguished hotels and restaurants also took home several awards in the hospitality sector.

Armani Hotel Dubai was named the ‘World’s Leading Hotel’, while Royal Penthouse at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, also in Dubai, emerged as ‘World’s Leading Hotel Penthouse’.

The blissfully remote Amanpulo, Philippines was named ‘World’s Leading Dive Resort’, and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort took ‘World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort’.

The award for ‘World’s Leading Resort’ was claimed by Sardinia’s Forte Village Resort. Vietnam’s InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort gained recognition for its eco-credentials with ‘World’s Leading Green Resort’.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts was named the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand’, Sandals claimed the award for the ‘World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company’ and Frasers Hospitality was voted as the ‘World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’.

Winners of the newcomer category included Address Sky View (World’s Leading New Hotel) and Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa (World’s Leading New Resort).

In the aviation category the award for the ‘World’s Leading Airline’ was won by Etihad Airways, and the award for the ‘World’s Leading Airport’ went to Dubai International Airport. Aeroflot – Russian Airlines was voted ‘World’s Leading Airline – Business Class’, Emirates as ‘World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’, with ‘World’s Leading Airline – First Class’ claimed by Oman Air.

“Our World winners represent the best in global travel and tourism and my congratulations to each of them. They have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges,” Graham Cooke, the founder of World Travel Awards, said.

The World Travel Awards was established in 1993, and travel industry professionals as well as the public vote for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. The nominee who secures most votes in a category is named the winner.

Today, the World Travel Awards are recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality.

Edited by Chathushka Perera

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