Winners include Maldives, which cemented its reputation as the definitive secluded sanctuary to win ‘World’s Leading Destination’ for the first time. Portugal also performed strongly, with Madeira voted ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’, Lisbon named ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination’ and The Algarve picking up ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination’. Russia’s imperial splendour was recognised with the award for ‘World’s Leading Cultural Destination’, and its cities emerging with top honours: Moscow was voted ‘World’s Leading City Destination’ and Saint Petersburg collected ‘World’s Leading Cultural City Destination’. Greek Ministry of Tourism/GNTO was voted ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’.

In the hospitality sector, Armani Hotel Dubai fended off a tough field to emerge as ‘World’s Leading Hotel’, whilst Sardinia’s Forte Village Resort claimed ‘World’s Leading Resort’. The blissfully remote Amanpulo, Philippines was named ‘World’s Leading Dive Resort’, and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort took ‘World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort’. Vietnam’s InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort gained recognition for its eco-credentials with ‘World’s Leading Green Resort’. Royal Penthouse @ Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai was named ‘World’s Leading Hotel Penthouse’.

In the newcomer categories, Address Sky View, with its mesmerising panorama of Dubai’s skyline, secured ‘World’s Leading New Hotel’, whilst the barefoot chic paradise Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa picked up ‘World’s Leading New Resort’.

Brand winners include Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (‘World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand’), Sandals (‘World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company’) and Frasers Hospitality (‘World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’).

In the aviation sector, Etihad Airways lifted ‘World’s Leading Airline’, whilst ‘World’s Leading Airport’ went to Dubai International Airport. Aeroflot - Russian Airlines was voted ‘World’s Leading Airline - Business Class’, Emirates as ‘World’s Leading Airline - Economy Class’, with ‘World’s Leading Airline - First Class’ scooped by Oman Air.

The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “Our World winners represent the best in global travel and tourism and my congratulations to each of them. They have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges.”

He adds: “The World Travel Awards 2020 programme received a record number of votes cast by the public. This shows that the appetite for travel has never been stronger. With hope and the tourism bounce on the horizon, our industry can look forward to a resurgent and bright future.”

Other winners include Madrid (‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’); Royal Caribbean International (‘World’s Leading Cruise Brand’); Jamaica (‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’); and Beaches (‘World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand’); and Sixt ('World's Leading Business Car Rental Company').

For a full list of winners visit here.