The 19th Annual Global Travel Awards stepped back into the international spotlight on 9 March 2025 with a landmark ceremony in Shanghai, marking the fifth consecutive year the prestigious platform has been hosted in China. Capital Radio was on the ground covering the red carpet arrivals, industry panels and headline announcements as global tourism leaders gathered to celebrate excellence across aviation, hospitality and travel technology.
Set against a backdrop of accelerating tourism growth, smart infrastructure and renewed global connectivity, the 2025 edition reinforced the Global Travel Awards’ position as one of the most internationally minded celebrations in the industry. Airlines, hotel groups, tourism boards and luxury lifestyle brands from across Asia, Europe and the Middle East converged for an evening that blended East Asian design with European style production values.
Shanghai provided a fitting stage. Over the past decade, the city has evolved into one of the world’s most influential travel gateways, combining historic cultural identity with futuristic skyline ambition. Organisers described the five year run in China as both strategic and symbolic, reflecting the shifting centre of gravity within global tourism as outbound Chinese travel rebounded and domestic tourism reached record levels.
Delegations from more than 30 countries attended, underscoring that the Global Travel Awards is not a regional showcase but a global meeting point. The ceremony brought together executives, creators and media for an evening that balanced prestige recognition with forward looking industry dialogue.
Chinese brands featured strongly among the night’s honourees, highlighting the country’s growing influence across aviation, hospitality and digital booking ecosystems. Industry leaders noted how the awards have helped position Chinese tourism companies within a broader global narrative by integrating international judging panels and Western media exposure with local innovation.
Official Winners of the Global Travel Awards 2025
Best Hotel Worldwide
Marina Bay Sands
Best Luxury Hotel
Aman Tokyo
Best Resort
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Best Boutique Hotel
The Silo Hotel
Best Budget Hotel
Premier Inn
Best Bed and Breakfast
Ocean View House
Best Hotel Chain
Accor
Best Travel Destination
Dubai
Best Emerging Travel Destination
Albania
Best City for Tourism
London
Best Tourist Board
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Best Airline Worldwide
Singapore Airlines
Best Airline in Africa
Ethiopian Airlines
Best Airline in Europe
Turkish Airlines
Best Airline in Asia
ANA
Best Airline in North America
United Airlines
Best Airline in South America
LATAM Airlines
Best Airline in Oceania
Air New Zealand
Best Airline Staff of the Year
Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew
Best Airport in the World
Singapore Changi Airport
Best Airline Lounge
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge
Best Airline Inflight Experience
Emirates Open Skies
Best Travel Booking Platform
Expedia
Best Short Stay Platform
Airbnb
Best Tour Operator
Abercrombie and Kent
Best Luxury Travel Experience
Four Seasons Private Jet Experience
Best Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Best Car Rental Company
Hertz
Best Private Jet Company
NetJets
Best Travel Financial Service
American Express Platinum
Beyond the trophies, the ceremony emphasised collaboration and long term growth. Panels held alongside the awards explored sustainable aviation, smart city tourism and the evolution of luxury travel in Asia. For many attending brands, participation was as much about visibility and strategic alignment as it was about winning.
Following the success of the Shanghai edition, organisers confirmed that the Global Travel Awards will return to London in 2026, signalling a renewed European chapter after its extended run in China. The move reflects a broader strategy to rotate the ceremony between major global travel hubs, connecting Asian innovation with Western media reach and investment networks.
As Capital Radio looks ahead to covering the 20th anniversary edition in London, the legacy of Shanghai remains clear. The past five years captured a defining moment when global travel influence leaned eastward. The return to the United Kingdom promises to build on that momentum, bringing together the world’s leading travel brands once again while carrying forward the scale and ambition that defined its years in China.
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