Seventeen of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector stakeholders scooped a total of 25 awards between them at the recently held World Travel Awards Middle East.

From travel agencies, to the regulatory authority, from hotels, to airlines and attractions, Abu Dhabi’s name was in the frame as a flurry of awards was meted out to the destination following an online public poll, a statement from an official said.

The five-star Qasr Al Sarab took the award for the ‘Leading Desert Resort’ while The St Regis Saadiyat Island was named ‘Best Beach Resort Abu Dhabi.’ The accolade for Abu Dhabi’s ‘Leading Business Hotel’ went to the Sofitel Abu Dhabi while the Yas Waterworld aqua park was named the ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourism Attraction.’

The ‘Middle East’s Leading Convention Centre’ honour was picked up by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) while Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau took home the title of ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Travel Agency.’ The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital was cheered on as the ‘Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Attraction.’

Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) won two awards with Saadiyat Island and Saadiyat Beach being named the ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development Projects.’ The five-star Grand Millennium Al Wahda also took double honours for ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Luxury City Hotel’ and ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Serviced Apartments.’

Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Group took the honours for the ‘Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand’ while its Park Rotana property was named the ‘UAE’s Leading Business Hotel.’

The Emirates Palace Hotel was named ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Resort’ and the ‘Middle East’s Leading Hotel Suite.’

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers took triple honours being named ‘Leading Conference Hotel,’ ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Hotel’ and the ‘Middle East’s Leading Hotel.’

Royal Jet took off with the award for the ‘Middle East’s Leading Private Jet Charter Company’ while Etihad Airways took flight with a trio of honours for the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class,’ the ‘Middle East’s Best Cabin Crew’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline’.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) took two accolades for the ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board’ and the ‘Middle East’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination’.

“This was the destination’s most successful performance at the awards yet and is proof positive that there is now so much more to do and see in Abu Dhabi and of the quality travellers are coming to associate with the destination,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of promotions & overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“There were many awards handed out tonight but the real winners are the travellers welcomed to these increasingly service-oriented stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, Etihad Airways fended off strong regional competition to win public votes for ‘Best First Class’ and ‘Best Loyalty Programme’ accolades, while the five-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers was named ‘Best Business Hotel in Abu Dhabi’ for the second consecutive year. – TradeArabia News Service