The December issue closes another memorable year at Global Traveler, highlighted by the 22nd GT Tested Reader Survey awards held at Loews Coral Gables Hotel on Dec. 17. The hotel anchors The Plaza at Coral Gables, a vibrant development of shops and restaurants that complements the property’s welcoming atmosphere.
GT Tested awardees travel from around the world to accept their honors, making the ceremony truly international. This year’s winners impressed across multiple categories. Marriott Hotels & Resorts earned Hotel of the Year, reflecting the brand’s broad appeal and consistent quality. Turkish Airlines was named Airline of the Year after notable expansion in the United States; it now serves 14 U.S. cities with strong connectivity through iGA Istanbul Airport, which was also recognized as Best Airport in Europe. Turkish Airlines’ recent launch of Turkish Airlines Holidays has added another dimension to its service offering.
Francis with his wife, Michele, in front of The Grand Çamlıca Mosque, İstanbul © Francis X. Gallagher
Marriott remains a market leader, and its Bonvoy loyalty program continues to rank highly with our readers. The M Club is a personal favorite when traveling—a comfortable retreat within the hotel—and Marriott’s portfolio brands, including St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, deliver strong options for discerning travelers. JW Marriott Marco Island, in particular, remains a team and reader favorite.
It’s also important to salute organizations that have maintained excellence over decades. United MileagePlus, Chicago O’Hare and Asiana Airlines have held on to their accolades for 22 years, a testament to consistency and sustained high standards in a business that is always evolving.
Hamad International Airport earned Best Overall Airport in the World for the second consecutive year and Best Airport in the Middle East for the ninth year running. For visitors to Doha, a dune-bashing excursion with local guides is an exhilarating way to experience the region’s landscape.
In the credit card categories, the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Card from Bank of America (formerly the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card) performed exceptionally well, claiming Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card for the 14th time as well as awards for Best Benefits and Best Redemptions in that category. Other notable winners include Hertz, Delta and the Wines on the Wing program—details of these and more can be found on page 38.
Save the dates for our upcoming events: the Leisure Lifestyle Awards on April 20 at InterContinental Miami, and The Trazees and Wherever Awards on Aug. 3 at The Peninsula Chicago. After the GT Tested event I’ll spend a short time on the Gulf Coast, stopping in Sarasota before returning home for the Christmas holidays with my family. After a busy travel year in 2025, I’m already planning destinations I need—and want—to visit in 2026.
Francis X. Gallagher, CEO and Publisher