London, United Kingdom, 8th November 2024 – The global luxury travel industry celebrated its finest achievements at the 18th edition of the Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs) on Thursday, 7th November 2024. Held at the historic Kensington Palace, the prestigious event recognized the leading hotels, destinations, airlines, and airports as voted for by the 28 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
Organized by Nick Perry, Chairman of Ultratravel, in collaboration with the Global Hotel Alliance, the ULTRAs is a hallmark event in luxury travel. This year’s ceremony featured 18 categories, reflecting a growing global admiration for excellence in the field.
The awards were hosted by renowned UK TV presenters Natalie Pinkham and Gethin Jones, with notable attendees including HRH Princess Eugenie, Dame Kelly Holmes, Charlotte Hawkins, and author Kathy Lette.
Highlights of the ULTRAs 2024 Winners
• Ultratravel Collection Hotel of the Year: Portrait Milano
• Luxury Brand of the Year: The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
• Best New Hotel in the World: The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, New York
• Best Sustainable Hotel: The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Regional Winners
• Best Hotel in Europe: Lutetia Paris
• Best Hotel in Asia/Pacific: Capella Sydney
• Best Hotel in the Middle East/India: The Leela Palace New Delhi
• Best Hotel in Africa/Indian Ocean: Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
• Best Hotel in the Americas/Caribbean: Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort
Travel and Aviation Excellence
• Best Airline in the World: Emirates
• Best Luxury Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Best Airport in the World: Singapore Changi Airport
• Best Premium Economy Class: Virgin Atlantic
• Best Business Class: Qatar Airways
Special Awards
In celebration of Ultratravel’s 20th anniversary, special honors were awarded to Qatar Airways as the Most Innovative Airline in the Last 20 Years and Anantara Hotels & Resorts as the Best Hotel Brand in the Last 20 Years.
Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, applauded the winners, stating:
“The ULTRAs are a true reflection of the highest standards in luxury travel today based on the opinions and preferences of millions of GHA DISCOVERY members. I extend my congratulations to all the winners for setting new benchmarks in the industry and showcasing the best of hospitality, aviation, and travel.”
The ULTRAs 2024 not only highlighted the achievements of leading luxury brands but also set the stage for continued innovation and excellence in the world of travel.
