The 2024 program of the World Travel Awards (WTA) has already showcased an exciting year for the global travel and tourism industry. With a series of prestigious events held across different regions, the WTA continues to honour the best in the business, from airlines and hotels to destinations and tour operators. As the year progresses, anticipation builds for one of the most highly awaited ceremonies—the Africa Gala Ceremony, scheduled for October at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya. This upcoming gala is set to showcase the finest achievements in Africa’s tourism sector, further solidifying the continent’s place on the world travel map.
The Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in the events and hospitality industry thanks to its victories at both the World Travel Awards (WTA) and the World MICE Awards (WMA) for the second consecutive year.
The Philippines emerged as a major winner at the 31st Annual World Travel Awards (WTA), securing eight prestigious titles in the Asia category. Among these accolades, Cebu was crowned Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination for 2024. This event, which took place at the City of Dreams in Parañaque on September 3, was a milestone for the country, marking the first time the Philippines hosted the renowned travel awards ceremony. The announcements were made public on September 4, further solidifying the Philippines’ position in the global travel and tourism industry.
Fiji has achieved significant recognition at the 2024 World Travel Awards, being named Oceania’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination. Additionally, Tourism Fiji received the title of Oceania’s Leading Tourist Board for the second consecutive year. Fiji Airways also earned accolades, including Oceania’s Leading Airline Lounge for its Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport and Oceania’s Leading Inflight Magazine for FijiTime.
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy, the world’s first art amusement park, will open for a limited time at The Shed in New York City on November 20th, after a successful debut run in Los Angeles.
The Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association announces the launch of a new website, https://michbnb.com/, designed for Michigan travelers to discover the state’s best, including hidden gems and unique stays. The highly anticipated launch provides detailed Michigan travel information and itinerary ideas around the mitten state. The Association is comprised of hospitality accommodation members- including bed and breakfast properties, inns, lodges, and independent boutique hotels.
The Ronto Group announced construction has commenced on Rosewood Residences Naples, a 42-unit, luxury, water-front condominium development on the beach in Naples, Florida. Ronto is developing the project in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital with residential services and operations by world-renowned Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®. Owners will enjoy breathtaking ocean views, an incomparable level of design and best-in-class service and amenities for which Rosewood is known.
Azamara Cruises – the small-ship cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to unveil its 2026 summer sailings, featuring 77 new itineraries that will take guests to captivating destinations, iconic landmarks and ports of call that delight and inspire. Azamara Journey®, Azamara Quest® and Azamara Onward® will all spend the summer season in Europe, spanning the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including extended time in Greece, Ireland, the British Isles and more.
Luxury Group by Marriott International announces a landmark collaboration with the renowned international auction house, Sotheby’s – “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences.” This first-of-its-kind collaboration will see the Luxury Group – which encompasses the unrivaled portfolio of eight hotel brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels – pairing world-class hospitality with exceptional treasures from Sotheby’s auctions.
Malaysia Airlines is thrilled to announce the launch of direct flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, marking a key milestone in the airline’s European expansion. This route, which will commence on 22 March 2025, represents Malaysia Airlines’ 68th destination, reinforcing its position as the gateway to Asia and beyond.
AirportTransfer.com, a revolutionary force in global travel services, has officially launched its innovative platform, AT+, designed specifically for B2B businesses. This platform aims to set a new standard in the industry by providing unique transportation solutions to businesses across various sectors, including online travel agencies (OTAs), hotels, airlines, tour operators, institutions, large organizations and corporate firms.
Việt Nam has collected a raft of prestigious awards including being Asia’s leading destination and two special awards for Hà Nội, at the highly regarded World Travel Awards (WTA). Việt Nam was awarded Asia’s leading destination, the leading heritage destination and the leading nature destination, while Hà Nội has been voted the leading city and leading city break destination, at the 31st annual WTA.
We don’t need to be persuaded that Sydney – with its breathtakingly beautiful harbour, sparkling coastline and world-class foodie scene – is one of the best places on the planet. But it’s nice when that recognition comes from an external source – just to confirm our suspicions.
The UK’s specialist Scandinavian ski tour operator, skiScandinavia, has announced a new agent partnership with Travel Counsellors. The new partnerships will take effect September 2024.
Polish eSky Group acquires one of the most recognisable names in travel—Thomas Cook. The acquisition agreement signed with Chinese Fosun Tourism Group will spur significant growth for Thomas Cook and allow eSky to strengthen its position in Western Europe.
Guests looking to escape the hustle of everyday life and recharge amidst the shadows of Pikes Peak can now indulge in the charm of The Mining Exchange, a Registry Collection Hotel. The newly renovated, 128-room hotel, nestled in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, marks the first for Registry Collection Hotels in the United States.
Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has unveiled Your World Included™, its new brand value promise that features an updated selection of always included amenities for all guests across the globe, cementing its brand promise, Your World. Your Way.®
Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, is offering an extraordinary line-up of Asia itineraries for the late 2024 and 2025 cruise seasons. From December 2024 to March 2025, and again in November 2025, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Quest will embark on a series of captivating voyages across Southeast Asia and Japan, visiting diverse regions, from the vibrant cultures of Vietnam and Thailand to the dazzling skyline of Singapore.
Adventures in Saudi: Taste of Aseer has won the prestigious “Culinary Journeys” category at the IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) International Food Film Menu 2024 awards. A collaboration between “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia” with the broadcaster CNBC, the film explores the gastronomic heritage of the Aseer region and highlights the diversity of the Kingdom’s landscapes and culture. With a strong farm-to-table ethos ingrained in the culture, Aseer is known for its cuisine, with traditional methods still in use today.
Redefining the traditional retreat into a transcendent tropical journey, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali allows guests to embrace all of the local touches and luxuries the resort offers with newly launch package, Villa Retreat. With a welcome steeped in beautiful, ancient traditions, discerning travelers will feel at ease when they arrive on the island. A butler service on call will attend to every guest’s needs.