A fixture of the business travel and hospitality calendar for more than 30 years, this year’s hotly contested awards were attended by more than 200 industry leaders.
Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and British Airways each won four awards, with SIA being named Best Airline, as well as winning in the Best First Class, Best Cabin Staff and Best Asian Airline categories.
Qatar Airways took the awards for Best Long-Haul Airline, Best Business Class, Best Middle Eastern Airline and Best Inflight Food and Beverage, while British Airways took the awards for Best Short-Haul Carrier, Best Frequent Flyer Programme, Best Airport Lounge (for its Concorde Room at London Heathrow T5), and Best Travel App.
In the hotel categories Premier Inn took the awards for Best Business Hotel Brand in the UK, and Best Budget Hotel Brand, while Hilton Hotels and Resorts won awards for Best Business Hotel Brand Worldwide and in Europe, as well as Best Hotel Loyalty Scheme for Hilton Honors.
Avis won the awards for Best Car Rental Company both in Europe and Worldwide, while Samsonite won the award for Best Luggage Brand, and American Express was awarded Best Credit / Payment Card for Travel (for the The Platinum Card by American Express).
New categories this year included Best MICE Destination in Europe and Worldwide – won by London and Singapore respectively – while Viking River Cruises took the award for Best River or Specialist Cruise Line, and Cunard won Best Ocean Cruise Line.
Commenting on this year’s awards Tom Otley, editorial director of Business Traveller, said:
“Although the annual Business Traveller Awards continued during the pandemic, this was our first chance to meet again in person and celebrate properly.
“These companies have been through so much in the intervening period, so it was wonderful to be able to recognise those who our readers felt had really performed in the most difficult of circumstances. I’d like to thank all of those involved in the Awards, and thank our readers for their voting.”
