For the 15th consecutive year, Global Traveler recognizes the best in travel with its Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year awards. Reviewing achievements from 2025, Turkish Airlines is honored as Airline of the Year, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts is named Hotel of the Year.
The selection process involves a select group of Global Traveler staff and Advisory Board members who evaluate nominees across multiple criteria. The panel examines financial performance, operational metrics such as boarding and loading times, safety procedures, onboard offerings, and the overall brand image before determining the winners.
TURKISH AIRLINES
AIRLINE OF THE YEAR
Turkish Airlines began operations in 1933 as State Airlines Administration with five aircraft and fewer than 30 employees. The carrier proudly displays the Turkish national flag and launched its first international flight in 1947 from İstanbul to Athens. By 1951 the fleet had grown to 33 aircraft, enabling service to new destinations such as Nicosia, Beirut and Cairo. The airline officially adopted the Turkish Airlines name in 1955 and joined the International Air Transport Association. In 1959 Mesut Manioğlu designed the iconic wild goose emblem.
© Turkish Airlines
In 1961 Turkish Airlines made a historic transatlantic crossing when captains Zihni Barn and Nurettin flew a Fokker F27 for a 30-hour journey from the United States to İstanbul. Over the following decades the airline steadily expanded routes and improved services.
The early 2000s marked a major modernization phase: Turkish Airlines launched a call center, introduced e-tickets and online check-in, and later developed a mobile app that streamlines booking to under a minute. The carrier also launched the Miles&Smiles loyalty program, upgraded catering services, and joined Star Alliance.
Today, passengers enjoy chef-prepared meals through a partnership with Turkish DO & CO, extensive in-flight entertainment including the latest movies, music and games, and onboard WiFi. Turkish Airlines holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline,” serving 130 countries from its hub at Istanbul Airport with a modern fleet of 506 aircraft.
© Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines pairs expansion with social responsibility through initiatives like Tomorrow On-Board, which emphasizes respect for people and nature across destinations. The airline repurposes damaged crew luggage into children’s shoes and donates saplings to support local farmers and communities. For its 91st anniversary, Turkish Airlines donated 91,000 saplings in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, with the future harvest intended to benefit local farmers.
Education and professional development are central to the airline’s social mission. Turkish Airlines offers training programs to expose employees and communities to science, technology and aviation, helping to cultivate future talent and deepen understanding of the industry.
NOMINEES:
Qatar Airways
United Airlines
MARRIOTT HOTELS & RESORTS
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Marriott International traces its roots to 1927 when J. Willard and Alice Sheets Marriott opened an A&W Root Beer franchise in Washington, D.C. That soda shop expanded into Hot Shoppes, a restaurant chain that later added lodging. In 1957 the company opened Twin Bridges Motor Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, followed by Key Bridge Motor Hotel in Rosslyn in 1959. Marriott opened its first international property in 1969 in Acapulco Bay and continued global expansion with a hotel in Amsterdam in 1975.
© Marriott
By 1981 Marriott celebrated its 100th property in Maui, Hawai‘i, and in 1983 launched Courtyard by Marriott, a brand tailored for business travelers. Over subsequent decades the company introduced and acquired numerous brands, including JW Marriott, Fairfield Inn, The Ritz-Carlton, TownePlace Suites, SpringHill, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, EDITION Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, Protea Hospitality and Delta Hotels and Resorts. The acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts added brands such as W Hotels, Westin and St. Regis.
In 2019 Marriott consolidated its loyalty offerings under Marriott Bonvoy, simplifying rewards across its global portfolio. Members can redeem points for hotel stays, culinary and water experiences, Starbucks Stars, airline miles, and access to exclusive events and unique experiences.
Despite its many brands, Marriott focuses on delivering distinctive guest experiences and creating an inclusive environment for travelers and employees. The company emphasizes diversity and accessibility across properties and designs experiences that connect people through travel.
© Marriott
Marriott promotes employee engagement and growth through the “Be” philosophy—encouraging employees to begin, become and belong. Its sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, outlines commitments across four pillars: Nurture, Sustain, Empower and Welcome.
“Nurture” focuses on supporting local communities through investments in children and the environment and providing aid when needed. “Sustain” drives integration of sustainability practices to reduce environmental impact. “Empower” partners with nonprofits to expand opportunities for youth, people with disabilities, veterans and others. “Welcome” reinforces Marriott’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive experiences by offering diversity training, supporting employees and holding partners accountable.
Marriott believes travel fosters cultural understanding and peace, and its global operations reflect that mission through guest experiences and community engagement.
NOMINEES:
One&Only
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts