Dubai International has been named overall winner of the Routes Middle East & Africa Marketing Awards 2015 at an event in Manama, Bahrain.

The world’s number one hub for international passenger traffic was also named as the winner in the over 20 million passengers category of the award.

"This award means a lot to us as it is bestowed by the industry and top players from every region compete to win it. Our win here is a reaffirmation of our belief that the best way to serve our airline and other partners is to enhance the service offerings and service experience for the over 70 million passengers that pass through Dubai International each year," said Khalil Lamrabet, director of Aviation Business Development, Dubai Airports.

Adrian Newton, group director – Aviation & Technology Director, UBM EMEA, said: “The team at Dubai Airports clearly understands the value of airline engagement and the figures speak for themselves, with 16 airlines increasing their services, three new carriers, 16 new destinations and an increase in frequency to 48 existing destinations in 2014."

The awards are much coveted in the industry as they are voted for and judged by the airline network planning community. They provide the airline community with the chance to recognise airport or tourism authorities they think have provided the best overall services to them relating to route development and marketing over the past year, to establish new or maintain and develop existing routes.

The awards will be continued throughout the year at all other Routes events, culminating at World Routes in Durban this September. The overall winner of each of regional award will be automatically short-listed for the World Routes Awards.

The inaugural Routes Middle East & Africa, which concluded recently, was hosted by Bahrain Airport Company and brought together over 350 delegates from across Africa and the Middle East to meet and discuss route development opportunities across the region. – TradeArabia News Service