World Travel Awards Honor Dubai, Qatar Airways; Israeli Hotels and Agencies Recognized
The prestigious World Travel Awards, often dubbed the "Oscars of Tourism," announced their regional winners for the Middle East in a ceremony held in Dubai on Sunday. The event took place amidst a turbulent year for Middle Eastern tourism, with Dubai itself experiencing disruptions following Iranian attacks that impacted its international airport.
Dubai was named the leading tourist destination in the region. In the aviation sector, Qatar Airways secured the title of the Middle East's leading airline and also won for its business class. Etihad received awards for economy class, cabin crew, and customer experience, while Emirates was recognized for its first class and its Skywards loyalty program. Saudi Arabia's Flynas was named the best low-cost carrier, and Dubai International Airport was honored as the region's leading airport.
Several destinations and resorts across the region received accolades. Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi was named the leading beach destination, Oman won for honeymoon and romantic destinations, and Saudi Arabia was recognized for culture and heritage. Riyadh was chosen as the leading city destination, and Ajman in the UAE was named the leading emerging tourism destination.
In the hospitality sector, Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai was named the leading hotel, and Atlantis The Palm, also in Dubai, was awarded leading resort. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi received the award for best all-inclusive resort, and JA The Resort in Dubai won for best family resort. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi was recognized as the leading luxury hotel.
Israel also saw several entities honored in local categories. Carlton Tel Aviv was named the leading hotel, American Colony in Jerusalem won for best boutique hotel, and Six Senses Shaharut was recognized as the leading resort. David Kempinski Tel Aviv received the award for best business hotel, InterContinental David Tel Aviv for best MICE hotel, and the Ritz-Carlton Suite at the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya was named the leading suite in Israel. I-Tours was awarded leading online travel agency, Dizengoff leading travel agency, Can Tours leading tour operator, and Ofakim-FCM leading travel management company. Avis won in the car rental category. Notably, no Israeli entities were recognized in the broader Middle East regional categories, with their wins confined to Israel-specific awards.
New developments were also celebrated, with Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai named the leading new hotel, InterContinental Deira City Centre in Saudi Arabia the leading new resort, and the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi the leading new tourist attraction. Among attractions, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was named leading theme park, Yas Waterworld the leading water park, and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai the leading tourist attraction in the Middle East.
