On December 11, 2023, the prestigious Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards recognized the exemplary achievements within the travel industry during a dazzling black-tie gala held at the iconic American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This celebrated event marks the 22nd annual incarnation of the awards, which continues to shine a spotlight on the quality and innovation championed by various travel entities. The awards cover a range of 91 categories, with each winner chosen through a rigorous voting process conducted amongst travel professionals—a testament to the awards’ credibility and excellence.
What sets the Readers’ Choice Awards apart from other accolades in the industry is its inclusive voting mechanism. The selection process unfolds in two distinct rounds, ensuring that a wide array of voices from the travel sector contribute to the final results. The journey begins with an open ballot phase during the summer months, inviting readers to propose their top choices for each category based on personal experiences. Following this, the nominees who received the highest votes emerge as finalists, who then enter a second voting phase to determine the ultimate winners. This structured yet democratic approach underlines the authenticity of the awards and ensures that they reflect the opinions of industry practitioners rather than just editorial choices.
During the gala, Travel Weekly took the opportunity to honor distinguished leaders in the travel sector by presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to three remarkable industry veterans. This year’s honorees included Michele Saegesser, vice president of sales and national accounts for Viking; Greg O’Hara, founder and senior managing director of Certares Management; and Frank J. Del Rio, the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Each recipient has not only contributed to their respective companies but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the travel industry as a whole.
Sustainability took center stage at the event as Travel Weekly recognized Hurtigruten with its Sustainability Leadership Award. This accolade highlights the cruise line’s unyielding commitment to environmentally responsible practices, reminding the travel community of the importance of incorporating sustainability into the industry’s growth narrative. As more travelers seek eco-friendly options, award-winning companies like Hurtigruten set a high bar for corporate social responsibility in the travel arena.
The list of 2023 Readers’ Choice winners showcases the diversity and excellence present in the travel industry. In the airline category, Delta Air Lines consistently topped the charts, securing recognition across multiple segments, including Domestic, Premium Economy Class, and Overall Airline. United Airlines also achieved international acclaim as the leading international airline and global network provider.
The hotel sector witnessed fierce competition, with Marriott International emerging as the frontrunner across various categories, including Domestic Hotel Group and Sales & Service. In contrast, luxury brands such as Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts and Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts earned notable accolades for their exceptional offerings.
The cruise segment remained vibrant with Royal Caribbean International being recognized as the Overall winner, while unique itineraries and experiences were highlighted through awards for various lines including Carnival and Silversea, showcasing how diverse preferences are catered to in the modern travel landscape.
Beyond the operational aspects of travel, the Readers’ Choice Awards spotlighted incredible destinations recognized for their appeal to travelers worldwide. From South Africa to the breathtaking vistas of Maui and the historic charm of Ireland, these destinations represent an enticing spectrum of global travel experiences. Furthermore, categories acknowledging travel providers, such as Allianz Partners in the sales and service sector, demonstrate the importance of robust support systems in enhancing the travel experience for consumers.
The 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards exemplified the resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment of professionals in the travel industry. As we look ahead, the insights gained from these awards will undoubtedly drive continued innovation and excellence, enhancing experiences for travelers globally. The celebration of these achievements at such a prestigious event reinforces the notion that while challenges persist, the spirit of travel thrives, ready to embrace new opportunities and adventures in the years to come.