From the Catwalk to the Airport.
We Attended the 19th Annual Global Travel Awards in Shanghai
On 9 March 2025, World Fashion Magazine was invited to the 19th Annual Global Travel Awards in Shanghai, marking the fifth consecutive year the globally recognised ceremony has been hosted in China. What unfolded was more than a celebration of travel excellence. It was a statement about modern luxury, mobility and the cultural shift shaping the world’s most influential destinations.
Held in one of Asia’s most architecturally commanding cities, the evening reflected the convergence of fashion, hospitality and global lifestyle. Shanghai, with its dramatic skyline and layered history, provided the perfect canvas for an awards platform that has steadily expanded its international relevance.
Over the past decade, Shanghai has positioned itself as a powerhouse gateway between East and West. The decision to anchor the awards in China for five consecutive years was both strategic and symbolic. As outbound Chinese travel surged and domestic tourism reached new heights, the Global Travel Awards aligned itself with a market that is redefining global consumption patterns, luxury spending and experiential travel.
The ceremony itself was visually refined. A red carpet reception blended contemporary East Asian design with European production sophistication. International delegations, executives and brand ambassadors from more than 30 countries gathered, underscoring that the Global Travel Awards operates as a cross cultural meeting point rather than a region specific showcase.
For World Fashion Magazine, the evening also highlighted the increasing intersection between fashion and travel. Luxury hotels now function as lifestyle destinations. Airlines curate inflight experiences that mirror couture level detail. Private jet journeys have become extensions of brand identity.
Among the 2025 winners were globally recognised names that continue to shape aspirational travel.
Official Winners of the Global Travel Awards 2025
Best Hotel Worldwide
Marina Bay Sands
Best Luxury Hotel
Aman Tokyo
Best Resort
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Best Boutique Hotel
The Silo Hotel
Best Budget Hotel
Premier Inn
Best Bed and Breakfast
Ocean View House
Best Hotel Chain
Accor
Best Travel Destination
Dubai
Best Emerging Travel Destination
Albania
Best City for Tourism
London
Best Tourist Board
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Best Airline Worldwide
Singapore Airlines
Best Airline in Africa
Ethiopian Airlines
Best Airline in Europe
Turkish Airlines
Best Airline in Asia
ANA
Best Airline in North America
United Airlines
Best Airline in South America
LATAM Airlines
Best Airline in Oceania
Air New Zealand
Best Airline Staff of the Year
Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew
Best Airport in the World
Singapore Changi Airport
Best Airline Lounge
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge
Best Airline Inflight Experience
Emirates Open Skies
Best Travel Booking Platform
Expedia
Best Short Stay Platform
Airbnb
Best Tour Operator
Abercrombie and Kent
Best Luxury Travel Experience
Four Seasons Private Jet Experience
Best Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Best Car Rental Company
Hertz
Best Private Jet Company
NetJets
Best Travel Financial Service
American Express Platinum
Beyond the awards presentation, industry panels explored sustainable aviation, smart tourism cities and the evolution of luxury travel in Asia. The conversation has clearly shifted from traditional tourism metrics to immersive lifestyle experiences, digital personalisation and responsible growth.
Following the success of the Shanghai edition, organisers confirmed that the 20th anniversary ceremony will return to London in 2026. The move signals the beginning of a renewed European chapter, reconnecting Asian innovation with Western media networks and global luxury audiences.
As the Global Travel Awards prepare for their milestone return to London, the legacy of the Shanghai years is undeniable. By placing China at the centre of its recent history, the platform captured a pivotal moment when the axis of global influence shifted eastward. The return to London promises to merge that scale and ambition with the heritage and cultural prestige of one of the world’s fashion capitals.
For the modern traveller, the message is clear. Luxury is no longer defined by geography alone. It is defined by experience, innovation and global connection.