The 19th Annual Global Travel Awards returned to the international spotlight on 9 March 2025 with a landmark ceremony held in Shanghai, marking the fifth consecutive year the prestigious platform has been hosted in China. Against a backdrop of rapid tourism growth, technological innovation and renewed global connectivity, the event reinforced its position as one of the travel industry’s most internationally minded celebrations, bringing together airlines, hospitality groups, tourism boards and luxury lifestyle brands from across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Shanghai proved a fitting stage. Over the past decade the city has evolved into one of the world’s most influential travel gateways, balancing historic cultural identity with futuristic infrastructure. Organisers described the decision to remain in China for a five year run as both strategic and symbolic. As outbound Chinese travel rebounded and domestic tourism reached record levels, the awards aimed to reflect the shifting centre of gravity within global tourism. Hosting the ceremony in Shanghai allowed Asian brands to engage directly with an international audience while showcasing the scale and ambition of China’s travel sector.
The 2025 ceremony drew industry executives, media and creators to a red carpet evening that blended East Asian design with European style production values. Delegations from more than thirty countries attended, underscoring the event’s reputation as a meeting point for global travel culture rather than a region specific awards show.
Several Chinese brands emerged as standout winners, highlighting the country’s growing influence across aviation, hospitality and digital travel services. China Eastern Airlines received strong recognition for its expanding long haul network and onboard innovation, while Trip.com Group was honoured for its continued leadership in travel technology and digital booking ecosystems. Luxury hospitality group Jin Jiang International Hotels was also celebrated for its international expansion strategy and investment in sustainable tourism practices. Boutique brands from cities such as Chengdu and Hangzhou were recognised alongside established names, reflecting the diversity of China’s travel landscape.
Industry observers noted that the awards have helped position Chinese tourism companies within a broader global narrative. By integrating Western media coverage and international judging panels with local industry leadership, the Global Travel Awards have created a platform that bridges markets rather than dividing them. Organisers have often cited China’s unique blend of scale, innovation and cultural storytelling as the reason the event remained there for five consecutive editions.
Below is an official list of some of the 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
These winners reflect the strengt
Beyond the winners, the ceremony emphasised collaboration and future growth. Panels held alongside the awards explored topics such as sustainable aviation, smart city tourism and the evolution of luxury travel experiences in Asia. For many brands, participation was less about a single trophy and more about visibility within a rapidly changing global travel ecosystem.
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 back to the United Kingdom reflects a broader strategy to rotate the ceremony between major global travel hubs, connecting Asian innovation with Western media reach and investment networks.
As the awards prepare for their next chapter, the legacy of the Shanghai ceremony remains clear. By placing China at the centre of its recent history, the Global Travel Awards not only recognised the achievements of leading Chinese brands but also captured a moment when the geography of travel influence shifted eastward. The return to London next year promises to build on that momentum, bringing the global industry together once again while carrying forward the energy and scale that defined its years in China.
