Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico were among the big names to emerge victorious during the World Travel Awards South & Central America Gala Ceremony 2013, held at the Huacca Pucllana Temple in Lima, Peru on July 20, 2013.
Quito was one of the shining stars on the night, capturing the title of South America’s Leading Destination, while other top prize winners from Ecuador included Finch Bay Eco Hotel for South America’s Leading Green Hotel and Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa for South America’s Leading Resort.
Ecuador’s Leading Boutique Hotel went to the Hotel Plaza Grande. Swissotel Quito was awarded Ecuador’s Leading Business Hotel. The Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil won Ecuador’s Leading Hotel. Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa was awarded not only the coveted South America’s Leading Resort prize, but also won for Ecuador’s Leading Resort and Ecuador’s Leading Spa Resort.
The industry elite, including chief executives of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourism board chiefs from across the continent attended the magnificent gala event hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’.
The World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those brands which are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.
Graham Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “The Central & South American region continues to serve as an example of innovative and passionate tourism promotion as well as offering the most unique hospitality products and services. Peru strives to set the highest possible bar to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism and it has been an honour to hold the Central & South America World Travel Awards here for the first time.”
South America’s Leading New Hotel went to Hilton Miraflores Lima, while South America’s Leading Business Hotel went to Swissotel Lima.
South America’s Leading Hotel Suite went to the Penthouse Suites at the Copacabana Hotel. Mexico & Central America’s Leading Family Resort went to Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Mexico while South America’s Leading Cruise Line was awarded to Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Awards also went to Marriott for South America’s Leading Hotel Brand and Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel Brand and JW Marriott Hotel Lima won South America’s Leading Hotel.
Peru continued its rise to tourism stardom, taking home top honours for South America’s Leading Airport, awarded to Jorge Chavez International Airport, and South America’s Leading Culinary Destination.
A complete list of the 2013 South America Winners is available on the World Travel Awards website.