The annual Readers’ Choice Awards organized by Travel Weekly is a prestigious event that recognizes the outstanding contributions of various entities within the travel industry. This year’s gala was held on December 11 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, bringing together industry professionals in a splendid black-tie ceremony to celebrate leadership, creativity, and exemplary practices in travel.
Voting Process: Engaging Industry Professionals
The selection process for the winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards is rigorous and multi-faceted. It involves two rounds of voting, allowing travel professionals to engage deeply with the nominees. The first round, held over the summer, invites participants to nominate any company that they feel exemplifies excellence in specific categories. This open ballot generates a broad array of responses, providing a genuine reflection of industry sentiment.
Out of the numerous nominees, the most-voted companies are designated as finalists, setting the stage for a second round of voting to determine the winners. The finalists were officially revealed to the public in Travel Weekly’s special feature published on December 2. This comprehensive voting structure not only empowers travel professionals but produces a well-rounded and respected list of winners.
Honoring Industry Legends
An essential aspect of the Readers’ Choice Awards is the recognition of individuals whose careers have profoundly influenced the travel landscape. This year, Travel Weekly presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to three distinguished executives: Michele Saegesser, Greg O’Hara, and Frank J. Del Rio. Their collective accomplishments reflect unwavering commitment, innovation, and leadership that have contributed significantly to the industry’s evolution.
Michele Saegesser, VP of Sales and National Accounts for Viking, has played a pivotal role in reshaping how luxury river cruising is perceived. Greg O’Hara, founder of Certares Management, has driven investment and growth across various sectors of travel, while Frank J. Del Rio’s tenure at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has positioned the company at the forefront of the cruise industry. Such accolades not only celebrate individual success but also inspire the next generation of travel professionals.
In an era where sustainability is imperative, Travel Weekly also awarded the Sustainability Leadership Award to Hurtigruten, acknowledging its longstanding commitment to environmentally responsible practices. This recognition underscores the increasing importance of sustainability in travel and encourages other companies to adopt more eco-friendly practices. As consumers become more aware of their environmental impact, showcasing companies that prioritize sustainable operations becomes essential for maintaining industry integrity and consumer trust.
The event culminated in the announcement of this year’s winners across various categories. Delta Air Lines emerged as a leader in multiple domestic categories including Overall Airline and Premium Economy Class, demonstrating its strong performance in customer service and operational efficiency. United Airlines also made a significant impact, winning awards in international travel and global networks.
In the hotel and hospitality sector, Marriott International consistently received high praise, emerging as a top choice across numerous categories including overall hotel group and domestic properties. Sandals Resorts, renowned for its all-inclusive offerings in the Caribbean, was recognized alongside other notable brands like Hilton Worldwide and IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Cruise lines were also well represented, with Royal Caribbean International taking home various accolades, solidifying its reputation for outstanding entertainment, cuisine, and overall experience. The widespread acknowledgment of brands across all categories illustrates the diverse and dynamic nature of the travel industry today.
As the travel industry continues to navigate a post-pandemic landscape, events such as Travel Weekly’s Readers’ Choice Awards play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among professionals. By honoring excellence and innovation, these awards not only celebrate current achievements but also set a precedent for what is attainable in the future.
The industry must continue evolving, prioritizing sustainability and consumer engagement while honoring the traditional values that have long governed successful travel experiences. The winners of the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards remind us that excellence in travel is not just about destinations or services; it is about the people behind these experiences who create lasting memories for travelers around the world.