World Travel Awards, the leading authority that recognizes and rewards excellence in travel and tourism, has revealed its Middle East 2021 winners to coincide with its Middle East Winners Day.
Dubai, currently in the spotlight as host of Expo 2020, was voted ‘Middle East’s Leading Destination’, whilst Dubai Tourism was recognized as ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board’ for its role in spearheading the resurgence of the region’s travel and tourism economy.
Oman was acknowledged with titles for ‘Cultural Destination’ and ‘Honeymoon Destination’. The activities in Ras Al Khaimah helped the UAE emirate win the vote for ‘Adventure Tourism Destination’.
Abu Dhabi won ‘Sports Tourism Destination’. The View at The Palm was named ‘New Tourist Attraction’.
In the Arabian hospitality sector, the beachside retreat Jumeirah Al Naseem claimed ‘Leading Hotel’, while Armani Hotel Dubai was rewarded with the title for ‘Lifestyle Hotel’.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi picked up dual accolades for ‘Luxury Hotel’ and ‘Business & Conference Hotel’.
Park Hyatt Dubai was named ‘Corporate Resort’, whilst Mandarin Oriental Jumeira was voted ‘Luxury City Resort’.
New arrival on Dubai’s luxury hospitality scene – The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm – picked up ‘New Hotel’ and Address Beach Resort Fujairah claimed the other hospitality newcomer category, ‘New Resort’.
In the brand categories, Emaar Hospitality picked up ‘Hospitality Development Company’.
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.
World Travel Awards Founder Graham Cooke said: “Our winners represent the very best of the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them. They are all playing starring roles in leading the travel and tourism recovery.”
In the aviation sector, Oman Air picked up ‘Leading Airline’ plus the new category ‘Leading Airline – Customer Experience’, as well as ‘Leading Airline – Economy Class’.
Emirates was voted ‘Leading Airline – First Class’, and Etihad Airways lifted ‘Leading Airline – Business Class’. Dubai International Airport scooped ‘Leading Airport’.
Other winners include Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (Theme Park); Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (Tourist Attraction); Nirvana Travel & Tourism (Tour Operator); Jannah Hotels & Resorts (Luxury Halal Hotel Brand); Almosafer (Leisure Travel Agency); and Avis (Business Car Rental Company).
