hotels

World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards is the broadest recognition program in the travel industry, covering everything from individual hotels to national tourism boards. Winners are determined through a combined professional and consumer vote, with professional votes carrying double weighting. The 'Oscars of the travel industry' label reflects both the program's prestige and its scope: regional gala ceremonies across all major world regions culminate in an annual Grand Final. A World Travel Award win carries particular weight in markets where it serves as a primary international recognition platform—winning 'Best Hotel' at the continental level can significantly boost a property's visibility. The program's longevity since 1993 and its coverage of all travel sectors give it institutional credibility, though the voting-based model differs fundamentally from inspection-based rating systems like Forbes Travel Guide or Michelin.