2019 Hall of Fame Inductees: Quint and Crystal Honored

Now in its 16th year, the GT Tested Reader Survey remains a trusted annual tradition. Each year our readers cast votes that recognize excellence across the travel industry, and this year nine brands reached notable consecutive-win milestones—from Quint Status winners at five years to Hall of Fame inductees at 10 years and a Crystal Status winner at 15 years.

Consecutive wins are hard-earned. The Quint Status recipients exemplify brands that have stayed relevant and consistently delivered for their passengers and guests.

Hotel brands feature prominently among this year’s honorees. The Ritz-Carlton achieved five consecutive wins in two categories: Best International Hotel Chain and Best Domestic Hotel Chain. Renowned as a benchmark of luxury since its modern founding in 1983 with The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, the brand now operates in more than 30 countries with over 95 hotels across regions including Chile, China, Turkey and Singapore. The Ritz-Carlton’s parent company, Marriott International, also has a strong history with the GT Tested Reader Survey; Marriott Hotels was named Hotel of the Year in 2014, and its loyalty program has received repeated recognition over the years. The Ritz-Carlton’s focus on warm welcomes, gracious goodbyes and highly personalized service made its arrival at Quint Status a matter of when, not if.

For Best MICE Hotel, readers again selected Lotte Hotel Seoul for the fifth straight year. As a top choice for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, Lotte Hotel Seoul stands out for its 5-star accommodations and well-equipped business facilities. The hotel’s business center provides conference rooms for small groups, office equipment such as laser printers and laptop rentals, and two larger meeting spaces in the main and executive towers that cater to larger corporate gatherings. While Lotte operates properties worldwide, the Seoul location consistently ranks as the brand’s peak offering for business travelers.

Complementing the hotel’s repeat success, the city of Seoul itself reached Quint Status as Best MICE City. Known as one of the world’s premier destinations for events, Seoul offers world-class venues, strong infrastructure, efficient air connections, warm hospitality and a safe environment—factors that make it attractive for gatherings of any scale.

The final Quint Status honoree is Singapore Airlines, named Best Overall Airline in the World for the fifth consecutive year. A major force in the Asia Pacific region, Singapore Airlines continually expands service and partnerships to make travel more convenient. Recent strategic moves include partnership agreements that increased connectivity to North America. The airline’s focus on product quality, route network and customer service keeps it a favorite among frequent flyers.

Beyond Quint Status, several brands reached the 10-year Hall of Fame milestone for sustained excellence. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include oneworld (Best Airline Alliance), Alitalia (Best Airline Cuisine), Aeromexico (Best Airline in Mexico) and Briggs & Riley (Best Luggage Brand).

Oneworld has won Best Airline Alliance for 10 consecutive years. While it may have fewer partner carriers than other major alliances, oneworld’s members deliver meaningful benefits to frequent flyers—priority services, extra baggage allowances at higher tiers and access to a network of more than 650 lounges worldwide for qualifying customers. Major carriers in the alliance include American Airlines, British Airways and Qatar Airways, and the alliance’s coordinated benefits continue to resonate with travelers.

Alitalia earned a Hall of Fame spot for Best Airline Cuisine. The carrier’s onboard food program emphasizes choice and accommodation: passengers can pre-order meals that suit medical or dietary needs, religious restrictions, or children’s preferences, and standard meal service is also well regarded in applicable cabins. This commitment to offering diverse, high-quality meal options has helped Alitalia build a strong culinary reputation in the air.

Aeromexico, a long-standing member of the SkyTeam alliance, also joins the Hall of Fame as Best Airline in Mexico. With nearly a century of aviation history, Aeromexico operates an extensive Latin American network and has been recognized for initiatives in social responsibility and emissions management. The airline has maintained major U.S. routes to cities like New York and Los Angeles since the 1950s, and in recent years it has added new destinations and refreshed elements of its brand and service.

Briggs & Riley secured its Hall of Fame status as Best Luggage Brand after a decade of recognition. The company pioneered practical innovations—such as bringing wheeled luggage to market—and remains known for durable products and customer-focused policies. A standout feature is an unconditional lifetime guarantee that covers repairs without question, a promise that resonates with travelers and helped the brand earn ten straight wins.

This year’s Crystal Status winner reached an even rarer milestone: 15 consecutive years at the top of its category. IHG Rewards Club, the loyalty program from InterContinental Hotels Group, has been voted Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World an impressive 15 times. In a crowded loyalty landscape, IHG’s consistent position at the top reflects a program that keeps members engaged.

IHG Rewards Club keeps points active as long as a member is active within any 12-month span. Entry-level members can earn bonus points and enjoy exclusive rates, while partnerships—such as collaborations with car rental providers—help members accumulate points faster. The program’s premium tiers deliver additional benefits: for example, InterContinental Ambassador members receive perks like complimentary weekend nights, dining discounts, free bottled water, internet access and other elevated amenities, with benefits that scale across intermediate tiers.

Each year the GT Tested Reader Survey highlights brands that consistently win travelers’ trust. Celebrating multiple milestone achievers this year underscores how a commitment to service, innovation and reliability earns long-term loyalty. As InterContinental Hotels Group celebrates its Crystal Status placement, we look ahead to future surveys and which brands will continue to rise in readers’ esteem.