The 11th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards celebration at The Peninsula Beverly Hills brought together a stellar array of travel and hospitality leaders for an elegant evening honoring excellence across the luxury business travel industry.
Emceed by Michael Yo—actor, comedian and television host known for his work on E!’s Chelsea Lately and appearances on EXTRA, The Insider and The Talk— the gala was lively and engaging. Yo energized the packed ballroom with entertaining behind-the-scenes stories from celebrity interviews and kept the proceedings moving as winners accepted their GT Tested awards.
The event also marked the launch of Global Traveler’s annual silent auction to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Yo spoke from the heart about his mother’s experience as a two-time cancer survivor and urged guests to support the fundraiser. Attendees responded with generous donations to the auction, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to charitable causes.
Global Traveler’s GT Tested Reader Survey Awards are widely regarded as among the most prestigious honors in luxury business travel. Winners are determined by the results of an open-ended reader survey, reflecting the preferences and experiences of frequent travelers. This year’s celebration was sponsored by China Airlines and Incheon Airport.
AWARD WINNERS
The Address Hotels + Resorts
Best Individual Hotel in the World
Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East
Aeromexico
Best Airline in Mexico
Air Canada
Hall of Fame
Best Airline in North America
Air India
Best Airline in Central/South Asia & India
Air New Zealand
Best Airline to Australia and New Zealand
Alitalia
Best Airline Cuisine
All Nippon Airways
Best Airline to Japan
American Airlines
Best Airline for New Service Launch (DFW to PVG)
Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program
Best North American Wines on the Wing
Best North American Sparkling Wine
Best North American White Wine
Best North American Red Wine
American Express
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Promotions
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
Asiana Airlines
Best Airline for Onboard Service
Best Airline for Flight Attendants
Best First-Class Seat Design
Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing
Avianca Airlines
Best Frequent-Flyer Award Redemption
Bank of America
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
The Boeing Co.
Best Aircraft Type
Boingo Wireless
Best WiFi Service
British Airways
Best Champagne International First Class
Best White Wine International First Class
Brussels Airlines
Best Trans-Atlantic Airline
Best White Wine International Business Class
Best Red Wine International Business Class
Chase Bank Credit Cards
Best Credit Card
Best Credit Card Rewards Program
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card Benefits
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Redemptions
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Best Airport in North America
China Airlines
Best Airline in North Asia
Citibank
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card Promotions
Delta Air Lines
Best Airline for Domestic First Class
Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service, Americas
Best Airport Lounges
Best Individual Domestic Lounge
Dubai Duty Free
Best Duty-Free Shops
EL AL Israel Airlines
Best Airline for Security
Best Sparkling Wine International First or Business Class
Etihad Airways
Best Overall Airline in the World
Best Airline in the Middle East
Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents
Fiji Airways
Best Airline in the South Pacific
FlightTrack
Best Travel App
Grupo Posadas
Best Hotel Chain in Mexico
Hainan Airlines
Best Airline in China
The Hertz Corp.
Best Rental Car Company
Hyatt Hotels
Best Lifestyle Hotel
Best Hotel Club Floor
Incheon International Airport
Hall of Fame
Best Overall Airport in the World
InterContinental Hotels Group
Hall of Fame
Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World
JetBlue
Best Airline Website
LATAM
Best Airline to South America
Best Champagne International Business Class
LOT Polish Airlines
Best Airline in Eastern Europe
Marriott
Best Frequent-Stay Bonus Program
Oneworld
Best Airline Alliance
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Best Hotel in the United States
The Ritz-Carlton
Best European Hotel Chain
Singapore Airlines
Best Airline for Business Class
Best Business-Class Seat Design
Best Airline in Southeast Asia
Singapore Tourism Board
Best MICE City
South African Airways
Best Airline in Africa
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Best International Hotel Chain
Best Hotel Chain in Latin America
TAP Portugal
Best Airline in Europe
Tourism Ireland
Best Tourism Destination
United Airlines
Airline of the Year
Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program
Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program
Best Trans-Pacific Airline
Verizon Wireless
Best Wireless Service in the World