Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2016 results

The winners of the region’s most prestigious travel awards were announced today at an exclusive presentation luncheon at the Conrad Hong Kong hotel.

The Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards is now in its 25th year and still growing. One of the reasons the awards are so revered, and so popular, is that they are chosen by people who travel for a living, frequently using airports, airlines and hotel services, and visiting regional destinations. These people are the readers of and subscribers to Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. A good proportion of them travel particularly frequently, racking up a frightening amount of miles along the way!

This year a number of brands have held their award-winning positions from 2015, reflecting their popularity and pursuit of excellence. But there were some significant new winners, particularly among hotels, reflecting the ongoing growth and intense competition in the region.

Impressively, Singapore Airlines was once again a major winner, winning the overall award for Best Airline in the World and Best Asia-Pacific Airline for the 16th year running. The airline also managed to scoop awards for: Best First Class; Best Business Class; Best Economy Class; and Best In-flight Catering.

Meanwhile, its close rival Cathay Pacific took the honours in Best Premium Economy; Best Frequent Flyer Programme; and Best Airline Lounge in Asia Pacific – a reflection of the efforts it has made in raising those products to class-leading standards.

Air China won the award for Best China Airline, whilst awards for Best North American Airline, Best Middle East/African Airline and Best European Airline were won by Delta Air Lines, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa respectively. Three of the four airlines also won the same awards last year – the new winner being Delta Air Lines, rising from runner-up spot in 2015.

Grand Hyatt won the award for Best Business Hotel Brand in the World, marking its fourth consecutive year in top spot, whilst Shangri-La once again won the award for Best Business Hotel Brand in Asia-Pacific.

The Peninsula, Hong Kong and Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong won Best Business Hotel in the World and Best Business Hotel in Asia-Pacific, respectively. The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore won Best Boutique Hotel in Asia-Pacific for the third year running, while Fairmont Jakarta was voted the Best New Business Hotel in Asia-Pacific.

This year’s award for Best Luxury Hotel Brand in Asia-Pacific went to The Ritz-Carlton, while the new award for Best Business Hotel in Chengdu was won by Niccolo, an “urban chic” property from the Marco Polo Hotels group. The Best Hotel Loyalty Programme award was won by Starwood Preferred Guest for the second year running.

In the awards for serviced residences, Ascott remains undefeated in the category of Best Serviced Residence Brand in Asia-Pacific since 2004, when the award was introduced; Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore won the award for Best Serviced Residence in Asia-Pacific; and Frasers Hospitality was the winner of the new Best Luxury Serviced Residence Brand in Asia-Pacific category.

For work and play destinations, Singapore took over from Hong Kong as the Best Business City in the World, while Bangkok was once again voted Best Leisure Destination in Asia-Pacific.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Between April and June of this year, Business Traveller Asia-Pacific sent out poll forms to its subscribers, who are some of the region’s most frequent travellers. Results were compiled and tabulated by market research leader Ipsos. The full results will appear in the October 2016 issue of the magazine.

Business Traveller leads the portfolio of titles belonging to international publishing house Panacea Publishing, which is headquartered in London. Business Traveller Asia-Pacific is one of 14 titles around the world, including Business Traveller China.

Since its first issue in 1982, Business Traveller Asia-Pacific has represented a valuable resource for frequent travellers, as well as serving as a platform for their concerns.