GCC secures 17 honours at World Tourism Awards 2025
The GCC has scooped 17 accolades at the World Tourism Awards 2025 – Best 100, including the world’s best all-inclusive hotel, best sports destination and Tourism Person of the Year.
Recognising the destinations, organisations and individuals shaping the future of global travel, the awards, organised by the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI), were announced during a ceremony in Brussels on 20 October.
A total of 100 awards spanning destinations, airlines, travel technology and innovation were presented, with Gulf countries securing 17 titles.
Qatar and the UAE led destination awards, with Qatar named Best Sports Destination, driven by the legacy of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which saw regional visitor numbers rise by an estimated 30%.
In the UAE, Aldar Properties was recognised as Best Tourism Destination Developer for its growing portfolio of hospitality and leisure projects in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
The region’s hotels also featured among the top global winners, with Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi crowned World’s Best All‑Inclusive Hotel and Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai named Best Hotel Restaurant.
In aviation, Gulf carriers once again stood out. Emirates won Best Airline for Business Travellers, while Qatar Airways received the award for Best Inflight Experience.
Jetex Dubai was also honoured as the World’s Best VIP Terminal for its premium services at Dubai World Central.
In tourism branding and promotion, Visit Abu Dhabi was named World’s Best City Tourism Office and Saudi Tourism took home the Best Use of Technology in Tourism Promotion.
Dubai added to the region’s success with two digital innovation titles: Guide of Dubai for Best Travel App and Visit Dubai for Best Social Media Strategy.
RELATED:
GCC poised for gains in US$2 trillion sports tourism market
Saudi hospitality sector sees record double-digit growth
UAE hotel revenues jump 12% as sector posts record growth
Saudi Arabia’s major tourism developments were also recognised for innovation and inclusivity, with the Red Sea Project named Best Tourism Infrastructure Project, while giga project Neom received the award for Best Diversity and Inclusion Programme.
Among individual honours, two GCC leaders stood out. Hala Matar Choufany, president of HVS – Middle East, Africa & South Asia, was named Best Woman in Tourism Leadership, recognising her influence in the hospitality consultancy sector.
And Tourism Person of the Year went to Her Excellency Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels and the first woman to hold the post of Secretary‑General of UN Tourism in the organisation’s 50‑year history.
She will lead the organisation for the 2026‑2029 term.
From the wider region, Egypt was named Best Heritage Destination, while former UNWTO Secretary‑General Dr Taleb Rifai received the Lifetime Achievement in Tourism award.
Other global winners included Royal Caribbean Group for Best Cruise Line, France as World’s Best Global Destination, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi for Best Luxury Hotel and Turkish Airlines as Best International Carrier.
Additional honours went to TUI for Best Tour Operator, Rio Carnival as Best Cultural Event and the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Best Use of AI in Travel.
Commenting on this year’s awards, World Tourism Forum Institute President Bulut Bağcı said: “This year’s winners embody the transformation our industry needs in a new era of responsible growth.”
For more information, visit worldtourismforum.net
link
