In a spectacular gathering of industry stalwarts, Travel Weekly hosted its 22nd annual Readers’ Choice Awards on December 11 at the majestic American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This black-tie gala celebrated the crème de la crème of the travel industry, with awards distributed across 91 diverse categories, reflecting a comprehensive view of consumer favorites and standout enterprises.
The methodology behind these prestigious awards involved a two-tiered voting process that allowed travel professionals to weigh in on their choices. The initial open ballot phase took place during the summer months, permitting participants to suggest any companies they deemed exemplary in their respective categories. This proactive engagement ensured a wide-ranging representation of brand excellence, engaging readers in a collaborative effort to identify the frontrunners.
As votes poured in, the top nominees were selected as finalists, propelling them into a subsequent round of voting held in the fall. This final assessment determined the ultimate winners, clear indicators of sector-wide admiration and respect. The finalists were publicly disclosed in the December 2 issue of Travel Weekly, building anticipation for the gala event.
Beyond the standard awards, the ceremony also included the honoring of industry icons with Lifetime Achievement Awards. This year, notable figures such as Michele Saegesser, of Viking fame, Greg O’Hara from Certares Management, and Frank J. Del Rio of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings were recognized for their substantial contributions over the years. These acknowledgments highlight the essential role these executives have played in molding the travel industry into what it is today.
Another significant honor of the evening was the Travel Weekly Sustainability Leadership Award. This year’s accolade was presented to Hurtigruten, underscoring their unwavering commitment to sustainable travel practices. In an era where eco-consciousness is increasingly paramount, this recognition amplifies the ripple effect of responsible tourism.
The Award-Winning Companies
The 2023 Readers’ Choice winners featured a diverse array of categories, reflecting both domestic and international preferences. Delta Air Lines emerged a significant victor, claiming multiple awards including ‘Domestic Airline Overall’ and ‘Sales & Service’ accolades. United Airlines also performed strongly, with recognition in the ‘International Airline’ and ‘Global Network’ categories.
The hotel sector too saw fierce competition, with Marriott International taking the lead in several categories, solidifying its dominance in the hospitality landscape. Its awards included ‘Domestic Hotel Group Overall’ and ‘Sales & Service’. In contrast, luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts and boutique establishments like Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts also received accolades, illustrating the varied preferences of today’s travelers.
Cruise lovers found joy in the varied cruise line categorizations, with Royal Caribbean International dominating multiple cruise-related awards—from overall performance to specific accolades in cuisine and entertainment. In the world of river cruising, AmaWaterways made a remarkable impression, securing recognition for both its river cruise line and specific vessels.
As the event unfolded, attendees were treated to a showcase of the finest travel destinations around the globe. Recognized locales included stunning spots such as South Africa for Africa, Japan in Asia/Pacific, and the exotic allure of Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, among others. Each destination embodies unique experiences cherished by travelers, reinforcing the global nature of travel and exploration.
The 2023 Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards effectively encapsulated the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the travel industry. By acknowledging a spectrum of companies and leaders through this event, Travel Weekly has not only honored excellence but also inspired industry participants to continue striving for innovation, quality, and sustainability in travel. As the evening drew to a close, it became clear that while the travel landscape continues to change, the commitment to excellence remains unwavering—a sentiment echoed by all attendees, bound by their love for exploration and the transformative power of travel.
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