The finest travel brands in the world have been unveiled at a star-studded World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Winners at the red carpet reception held the at the historic Pátio da Galé included Jamaica, which celebrated a double victory by collecting both ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’.

The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru was named ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’, whilst Mauritius fended off stiff competition to emerge as ‘World’s Most Romantic Destination’.

The evening marked the climax of the WTA 25th anniversary Grand Tour 2018 – an annual search for the finest travel and tourism organisations in the world, with the winners of WTA’s six regional ceremonies going head-to-head for the coveted World titles.

Graham Cooke, founder, WTA, said: “What an incredible evening it has been here in the magnificent city of Lisbon. We have had the privilege of recognising the world’s leading hotels, destinations, airlines and travel providers and my congratulations to each of them.”

Hospitality winners included Armani Hotel Dubai (‘World's Leading Hotel’); Atlantis the Palm, Dubai (‘World’s Leading Landmark Resort’); Fraser Hospitality (‘World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’); and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (‘World's Leading Resort Brand’).

In the aviation sector, Aeroflot capped a year of strong passenger growth by winning both ‘World's Leading Airline Brand’ and ‘World's Leading Airline – Business Class’, whilst Singapore Changi Airport was named ‘World’s Leading Airport’ and Muscat International Airport was voted ‘World’s Leading New Airport’.

The strength and depth of Portugal’s tourism economy was reflected with victories in a range of categories. Portugal was voted ‘World’s Leading Destination’, Madeira heralded ‘World's Leading Island Destination’, whilst Turismo de Portugal was named ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’.

Other highlights included awards for Hong Kong (‘World's Leading Business Travel Destination’), Cape Town (‘World's Leading Festival & Event Destination’), Guayaquil (‘World’s Leading City Tourist Board’), Europcar (‘World's Leading Green Transport Solution Company’ and ‘World's Leading Car Rental Company Website’), Norwegian Cruise Line (‘World's Leading Cruise Line’) and YAS Waterworld (‘World’s Leading Water Park’).

WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. – TradeArabia News Service