World Travel Awards

Originally from Wikipedia · Est. Aug 2025

The World Travel Awards (WTA) is an annual awards programme established in 1993 to recognise and reward excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The awards are presented at regional gala ceremonies throughout the year, culminating in a Grand Final event.

History

The World Travel Awards were founded by Graham E. Cooke. The first ceremony was held in Los Angeles, California, and the programme has since expanded into a series of regional events staged across Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East, followed by a Grand Final.

In 2010, The Independent reported that London had been named "World’s Leading Destination" at the awards, while other categories recognised Etihad Airways and the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai.

In 2017, the BBC reported that Spike Island in County Cork was named Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards, highlighting its success as a major visitor site.

In 2016, BBC News reported that Titanic Belfast was named the "World's Leading Tourist Attraction" at the World Travel Awards Grand Final, ahead of global landmarks including the Eiffel Tower.

In 2023, The Independent reported that the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin was named "Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction" at the World Travel Awards, with organisers noting that the awards had been running for 30 years and had been referred to as the "Oscars of the travel industry".

Categories

The programme features hundreds of categories, covering sectors such as:

  • Airlines and airports
  • Hotels, resorts and villas
  • Destination marketing organisations
  • Tour operators and travel agencies
  • Cruise lines and ports
  • Travel technology providers

Categories are periodically revised to reflect changes and trends in the industry, such as sustainable tourism and eco-hospitality.

Voting and selection

Nominations are drawn from previous winners, industry recommendations and vetted entries. Voting takes place online and is open to both travel industry professionals and members of the public. Verified industry votes are weighted more heavily than consumer votes.

See also

  • International Hospitality Awards
  • Travel and tourism

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