- The 20th Global Travel Awards were held on March 25 at Crown London Hotel in London
- Maldives won Best Travel Destination; Turkish Airlines named Best Airline Worldwide
- Hong Kong Airport won Best Airport; Airbnb named Best Short-Stay Booking Platform
The 20th Global Travel Awards were held on March 25 at the Crown London Hotel in London. These awards celebrate the best in travel, including hotels, airports, airlines, destinations, and other travel services, every year.
This year, more than 2.5 million travellers from over 150 countries voted across 32 categories. According to the organisers, the International Media & News Group from Britain, the awards are based on the opinions of real travellers worldwide.
"Congratulations to this year's winners. The 20th Edition of the Global Travel Awards honours the visionaries, destinations, and industry leaders setting new standards in travel," the organisers wrote on Instagram.
In the luxury hotel category, Hotel De Paris Monte Carlo emerged as the winner, while Giraffe Manor in Kenya was named Best Hotel Worldwide 2026.
The Fairmont Kenya Safari Club won Best Resort 2026, Finca Serena in Mallorca was awarded Best Boutique Hotel 2026, and Travelodge took the title of Best Budget Hotel. Auberge Du Bon Labourer was recognised as Best Bed & Breakfast, and Radisson Hotel Group won Best Hotel Chain 2026.
For travel destinations, the Maldives was voted Best Travel Destination Worldwide, and Georgia was chosen as Best Emerging Travel Destination. Bangkok, Thailand, was named Best City for Tourists, while Visit Maldives was recognised as the Best Tourist Board.
"A celebration of excellence, innovation, and the brands redefining the future of travel across the globe," it wrote.
In the airline categories, Turkish Airlines was named Best Airline Worldwide. Regional winners included Ethiopian Airlines in Africa, Swiss in Europe, Malaysia Airlines in Asia, United Airlines in North America, LATAM Airlines, Chile in South America, and Virgin Australia in Oceania.
Other notable winners included Hong Kong International Airport as Best Airport, Airbnb as Best Short-Stay Booking Platform, and Expedia as Best Travel Booking Platform. British Airways High Life was recognised as Best Airline Inflight Magazine, and the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Turkiye won Best Airline Lounge.
Leger Holidays from the UK was named Best Tour Operator, Abercrombie & Kent was recognised as Best Luxury Travel Company, and MSC Cruises won Best Cruise Line. Europcar was named Best Car Rental Company, Flexjet as Best Private Jet Company, and American Express Platinum won Best Travel Financial Card.
Wode Maya was named Best Travel Influencer, The Amazing Race won Best Travel TV Show, and ITA Airways was recognised for Airline Transformation of the Year.
The Global Travel Awards were first launched 20 years ago and have since become a major event in the travel industry.
