Latest news with #TravelAwards
Times
a day ago
- Times
The world's best countries — according to you
Which airline, cruise operator, travel company or hotel gets gold in the Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards has nothing to do with us, or the industry. Those decisions are entirely up to you — and the most important gong of them all goes to the best country, because it's always the destination, rather than the means of transport or the accommodation, that we choose first. It really doesn't matter if you're a city-breaker, beach fanatic, mountain trekker or safari addict because, if you travel, then your knowledge, insight and passion is what we need. In return for your opinion we have ten fabulous prizes up for grabs, ranging from a trip on the Danube and a week for ten in a belle époque French château to a £20,000 expedition cruise to Antarctica and a £45,000, ten-night tour of India. So if you have a favourite country in mind, it's worth your while mentioning it. Nearly half a million votes were cast in 2024, and voting is now open for the 2025 awards — but before you click through to cast your vote, let's have a quick look at past winners in this category. In 2024 the best destination country was split into the categories of Europe and World, and was won by Italy and New Zealand, respectively. In 2023, when the best country was a single worldwide choice, Italy won, with New Zealand third after the UK; the two top spots had been claimed by the same countries the previous year. Let's think about that. There are 195 countries officially recognised by the UN, nine of which are red-listed by the UK Foreign Office and many more of which lack the infrastructure, marketing budget or desire to attract mainstream tourism. Nevertheless, I can think of at least 40 that count as mainstream holiday destinations — so why have just three countries dominated for the past three years? Are Italy, New Zealand and the UK truly the best? If you think so then you should vote for them. But if you believe that, say, France, Australia, Sri Lanka or Spain is better, then you need to step up and vote for that destination instead. Your favourite country needs you. As England's Lionesses recently discovered, Italy is a hard country to beat. It has art, culture, history, outstanding natural beauty and a seductively chaotic gioia di vivere. It also has barolo, negronis and amaro, and the food is alright too. • Discover our full guide to Italy As for New Zealand, you'll never know until you've been there that it's quite a bit more than a couple of islands off the coast of Australia. It's a land that combines the wines of South Africa, the landscapes of Patagonia and the sleepiness of Norfolk in a place I've heard one convert describe as 'the furthest you can get from London and the closest you can get to heaven'. And having just completed my annual circumnavigation of the country for the 17th edition of the annual Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide, I stand by my assertion that when the sun is shining, there is nowhere more beautiful than the British and Northern Irish coasts. But don't let me sway your opinion. • Revealed: the UK's 50 best beaches for 2025 According to research by YouGov, the top six European destinations for Britons in 2025 are — in descending order — Spain, the UK, Italy, Greece, France and Portugal. The best long-haul sellers, Kuoni says, are the Maldives, Thailand, Mauritius and Sri Lanka; despite some political reservations, the US is also having a great year. The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards are an opportunity for you — the traveller, customer and explorer — to draw on your unique experiences and nominate the best in class across the travel industry. Voting takes just 17 clicks — categories three and five are for the best countries — and by doing so you'll be in with a chance to win your holiday for this or next year. And if you really think that Italy is better than Spain, I won't try and persuade you otherwise. • Have your say here — and be in with a chance of winning a great prize
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates wins Best Long-Haul Airline at Telegraph Travel Awards
Emirates has been named the Best Long Haul Airline at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, voted by 20,000 readers for its products, services, and travel experiences. The award ceremony took place at the Pompadour Hotel Café Royal in London. Emirates is also recognised as '2025's Most Recommended Global Brand' by YouGov and the only airline to be featured on the top 10 global list. The airline has been awarded 'Best Long Haul Airline' in 2023 and 2025 by Telegraph Travel for three consecutive years. In 2024, Emirates was named 'World's Best Airline', ranking first among 90 global carriers in a comprehensive consumer study. Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh tourism wins ‘Emerging Coastal and Heritage Award'
Andhra Pradesh Tourism has been selected for the 'Emerging Coastal and Heritage Award' by the U.S.-based International Tourism Conclave and Travel Awards (ITCTA). The award will be presented at a ceremony scheduled to be take place at Le Meridien in New Delhi on July 26, 2025. In a statement released on Thursday, the Tourism Department said: 'The ITCTA has selected Andhra Pradesh in recognition of the State's outstanding achievements and entrepreneurial approach, particularly in promoting coastal and heritage tourism. This award is a testament to the State's innovative policies, new initiatives, and revolutionary reforms in the tourism sector.' Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Managing Director Amarpali Kata congratulated the team and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, APTDC Chairman Nukasani Balaji and Principal Secretary Ajay Jain for their support and guidance. 'This award is a significant recognition of the State's efforts to promote tourism and will further boost the sector's growth,' said Ms. Amrapali as she reaffirmed her commitment to taking Andhra Pradesh tourism to new heights and making it a preferred tourist destination.
Emirates 24/7
6 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Emirates wins 'Best Long-Haul Airline' at Telegraph Travel Awards 2025
Emirates has once again claimed the top spot as the 'Best Long Haul Airline' at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025. The airline was voted the best long-haul carrier in the world by 20,000 Telegraph Travel readers. The award ceremony, held recently in London, saw Helen Breen, Emirates' Leisure Sales Manager in the UK, accept the award on behalf of the airline. Emirates continues to be the airline of choice for customers worldwide and was recognised this month as the '2025's Most Recommended Global Brand' by YouGov. It was also the only airline to be featured on the top 10 global list. Over the past three consecutive years, Telegraph Travel has recognised Emirates' outstanding travel experiences, awarding the airline with the 'Best Long Haul Airline' in 2023 and 2025. In 2024, Emirates was also named the 'World's Best Airline,' ranking first amongst 90 global carriers in a comprehensive consumer study, with ratings calculated from more than 30 criteria such as punctuality, baggage allowance, route network, quality of home airport, age of fleet, value of rewards programme and in-flight meals. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Al Bawaba
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Emirates tops the skies again as ‘Best Long Haul Airline' at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025
Emirates has once again claimed the top spot as 'Best Long Haul Airline' at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025. Recognised for its world-class products, exceptional services, and unmatched travel experiences - the airline was voted the best long-haul carrier in the world by 20,000 Telegraph Travel readers. The award ceremony was held at the Pompadour Hotel Café Royal in London last week. Helen Breen, Emirates' Leisure Sales Manager in the UK, accepted the award on behalf of the airline. Emirates continues to be the airline of choice for customers worldwide, and was recognised this month as '2025's Most Recommended Global Brand' by YouGov. It was also the only airline to be featured on the top 10 global list. Over the past three consecutive years, Telegraph Travel has recognised Emirates' outstanding travel experiences, awarding the airline with 'Best Long Haul Airline' in 2023 and 2025. In 2024, Emirates was also named 'World's Best Airline,' ranking first amongst 90 global carriers in a comprehensive consumer study, with ratings calculated from more than 30 criteria such as punctuality, baggage allowance, route network, quality of home airport, age of fleet, value of rewards programme and in-flight meals. Serving 'fly better' experiences worldwide: Emirates continues to uphold its top-ranking score with its extensive global network and innovative products. Over the past year, the airline has: Expanded its network with the launch of four destinations including Shenzhen, Da Nang, Siem Reap, Damascus and Hangzhou (30 July). Deployed its newest aircraft, the Emirates A350, to 10 destinations worldwide including Edinburgh, Lyon and Bologna. By the end of this year, the Emirates A350 is expected to serve 17 destinations. Opened its doors to nine reimagined travel retail stores across Asia, Africa and Europe. Rolled out 61 refurbished aircraft with refreshed interiors as part of its US$ 5 billion retrofit programme (31 A380s and 30 Boeing 777s). The airline also introduced an elevated onboard dining experience for Business Class passengers with 18 new dishes expertly paired with exclusive Champagne. Emirates Skywards, the airline's award-winning loyalty programme, recently enhanced its airline partnerships to offer reciprocal loyalty benefits with Garuda Indonesia and AEGEAN; rolled out Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights starting at 5,000 Miles; and enhanced its hotel partnerships with Marriott Bonvoy and ALL loyalty programme to offer members seamless two-way points and Miles conversions. Committed to the UK Emirates currently serves the UK with 133 weekly flights including: six times daily A380 to London Heathrow; three times daily A380 service to Gatwick; twice daily service to Stansted; three times daily A380 service to Manchester; twice daily service to Birmingham (including a daily A380 service); daily service to Newcastle; daily A380 service to Glasgow; and a daily A350 service to Edinburgh. According to Emirates' latest global booking data, flight searches on in the UK have increased 12% year-on-year, with strong interest to long-haul destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Customers travelling with Emirates can look forward to the warm hospitality of the airline's multinational crew, regionally gourmet cuisine, and award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. For more information or to book tickets, visit Tickets can also be booked on Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.
