On December 11, 2023, the prestigious Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards celebrated its 22nd installment at a lavish black-tie gala held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The annual awards ceremony recognized exceptional contributors to the travel industry across 91 categories. The winners, voted for by an audience of travel professionals, epitomize excellence and innovation in a fluctuating market. This year saw an impressive turnout, with travel professionals gathering to pay tribute to those who have consistently outperformed competitors.
The voting process for the Readers’ Choice Awards is uniquely structured to ensure fairness and comprehensive representation. It begins with an open ballot phase during the summer, where readers can nominate companies that they believe demonstrate outstanding qualities in their respective categories. The top vote recipients become finalists, who are then subject to a second round of voting in the fall to decide the ultimate winners. The finalists were revealed in a December 2 edition of Travel Weekly, generating excitement among both nominees and supporters.
This year’s ceremony also acknowledged industry leaders with Lifetime Achievement Awards, bestowing accolades on three distinguished figures: Michele Saegesser, Greg O’Hara, and Frank J. Del Rio. Saegesser, the vice president of sales and national accounts for Viking, has built a reputation for driving sales and fostering partnerships in the cruise sector. O’Hara, founder and senior managing director of Certares Management, has had a profound impact on the travel investment landscape. Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, is recognized for his dynamic leadership and innovative strategies that have shaped modern cruise experiences.
In a society increasingly attuned to sustainability, Travel Weekly awarded the 2023 Sustainability Leadership Award to Hurtigruten. This recognition acknowledges the cruise line’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices and its efforts to integrate sustainability into all aspects of its operations. These honored individuals and organizations not only represent the pinnacle of achievement in their fields but also serve as role models for ethical and responsible practices in the travel industry.
The 2023 Readers’ Choice winners span various segments of the travel industry, highlighting excellence whether on the ground, in the air, or at sea. Delta Air Lines dominated in categories including Domestic Airline, Business/First Class, and overall excellence, indicating a strong preference from travel professionals for its customer service and operational performance. United Airlines also claimed top honors for International travel and Global Network, reflecting its broad reach and commitment to connectivity.
In the realm of hotels, Marriott International continued its reign as a favorite in multiple categories. With wins for Domestic Hotels, Sales & Service, and overall Hotel Group, Marriott’s consistency and expansive portfolio solidify its position as a leading provider in the hospitality industry. Meanwhile, distinctive brands like Ritz-Carlton and Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts earned accolades for their luxury and boutique offerings respectively, showcasing the diversity in customer preferences for accommodation types.
Cruise lines were equally well-represented in the awards, with established brands such as Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line garnering multiple wins. Royal Caribbean, known for its innovative ships and diverse itineraries, took the spotlight as the Overall Cruise Line, while new entries like Icon of the Seas captivated attention, signaling an exciting evolution in cruise travel.
This ceremony was more than a mere awards presentation; it was a celebration of community within the travel sector. By recognizing both emerging and established players, Travel Weekly sheds light on the interconnected nature of the industry and fosters relationships between professionals. The ambiance of the gala, characterized by camaraderie and shared passion, underscored the resilience of the travel community in navigating recent challenges.
As the world of travel evolves, the Readers’ Choice Awards promise to remain a critical milestone in recognizing those who not only excel but inspire others in the industry. The commitment to excellence across all facets of travel is a reflection of collective growth, and with each passing year, the anticipation builds for the next celebration of outstanding achievements. In the face of an ever-changing landscape, recognizing and rewarding excellence serves as both motivation and validation for all involved in the travel experience.