Inside Our Invitation to the Global Travel Awards in Shanghai

On 9 March 2025, Chelsea Monthly was invited to attend the 19th Annual Global Travel Awards in Shanghai, marking the fifth consecutive year the prestigious ceremony has been hosted in China. What unfolded was not merely an awards evening, but a powerful statement about where global travel influence now resides.

Set against Shanghai’s commanding skyline and architectural confidence, the ceremony brought together aviation leaders, luxury hoteliers, tourism boards and travel innovators from across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The city proved an extraordinary backdrop, reflecting both the heritage and the high velocity ambition that defines modern China.

Over the past decade, Shanghai has evolved into one of the world’s most influential travel gateways. Organisers described the five year run in China as strategic and symbolic. As outbound Chinese travel rebounded and domestic tourism reached record levels, the Global Travel Awards positioned itself at the heart of this momentum. Hosting the ceremony in Shanghai allowed Asian brands to engage directly with international stakeholders while reinforcing China’s scale and innovation within the sector.

The evening itself blended East Asian design precision with European style production values. Delegations from more than 30 countries attended, underscoring that this is not a regional celebration but a global meeting point for the travel industry’s most respected names.

Among the 2025 honourees were some of the world’s most recognisable luxury and travel brands.

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, a series of industry panels explored sustainable aviation, smart city tourism and the evolution of ultra luxury travel in Asia. For many brands, the true value lay in strategic visibility within a rapidly transforming global ecosystem.

Following the success of the Shanghai edition, organisers confirmed that the 20th anniversary ceremony will return to London in 2026. The move signals a renewed European chapter after five years in China, reconnecting Asian innovation with Western capital, media reach and investment networks.

As we left Shanghai, one thing was clear. The Global Travel Awards did more than celebrate excellence. It captured a defining moment in global tourism, when influence and energy leaned decisively eastward. The return to London next year promises to build on that momentum, bringing the world’s leading travel brands together once again in one of the industry’s most influential capitals.