On December 6, 2025, the global tourism industry gathered in Bahrain for the annual World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025 ceremony. The event, which marked its 32nd edition, honored the destinations, hospitality hubs, and airlines that have led innovation and excellence in the industry. 

Destination Awards

The world's leading destination: Maldives

The best city-break city: Athens, Greece

The world's leading adventure tourism destination: Chile

The world's leading safari destination: Tanzania

The world's leading cruise destination: Jamaica

Best conference destination in the world: Madrid, Spain

Best festival destination in the world: Cannes, France

Photo: Shutterstock

Hospitality Awards

The world's leading hotel: The St. Regis The Palm, Dubai

The world's leading luxury private island: Jumeirah Thanda Island, Tanzania

New Entrants Awards

The world's leading new hotel: Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek

The world's leading new resort: The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, Oman

The world's leading new boutique hotel: BRACH Madrid, Spain

Aviation Awards

The world's leading airline and the world's leading business class: Qatar Airways

Economy Class, Service Experience, and Business Lounge: Etihad 

First Class, Leading Airline Brand, and Leading First Class Lounge: Emirates

The world's leading airline alliance: Star Alliance

Leading low-cost carrier and best flight crew: AirAsia

Leading airline to Africa and South America: Tap Portugal

Qatar. Photo: Shutterstock