World Travel Awards (WTA) announced its winners for this year’s edition on the 3rd of September, with the ceremony taking place in Manila, the Philippines.
Established in 1993, the WTA aims to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. For the 2024 awards, Manila was chosen as the host, as the city is considered a bustling metropolis that has evolved into a global hub for both business and leisure travellers.
“This year’s World Travel Awards is not only a celebration of excellence in tourism but a testament to the resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit of our global tourism community,” said Philippines Department of Tourism Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco, who was also awarded the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance during the ceremony.
In the category of “Asia’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2024,” Indonesia triumphed over China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Furthermore, Hotel Meliá Bali was named “Asia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2024,” and Bali was recognised as “Asia’s Most Romantic Destination 2024.” In addition, InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah was crowned “Asia’s Leading Luxury City Hotel 2024.”
Meanwhile, Vietnam took the title of “Asia’s Leading Destination 2024,” with its Hà Giang province being named “Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination 2024,” and Ho Chi Minh City recognised as “Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2024.” In the highly competitive newcomer categories, Japan’s The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, claimed the honour of “Asia’s Leading New Hotel 2024.”
The Ascott Limited enjoyed a double celebration, winning “Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand 2024” and “Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment 2024” for one of its properties, Ascott Makati in the Philippines. Vietnamese airline Vietravel was crowned “Asia’s Leading Tour Operator 2024,” while Discovery Primea, Philippines, took home the award for “Asia’s Leading Business Hotel 2024.”
Aviation winners included Singapore Airlines, which was named “Asia’s Leading Airline 2024,” and Air New Zealand, which won “Oceania’s Leading Airline 2024.” Hong Kong Airport was crowned “Asia’s Leading Airport 2024.” Meanwhile, international low-cost airline AirAsia secured double honours, winning both “Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2024” and “Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew 2024.” Qantas Airways also earned recognition, claiming the title of “Oceania’s Leading Airline Brand 2024.”
“Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate everyone for helping to raise the collective benchmark across Asia and Oceania,” remarked Graham Cooke, Founder of WTA.
