For the third consecutive year, Global Traveler honors brands that define the 5-star travel experience by awarding Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year. The 2013 recipients of these prestigious accolades are Etihad Airways, named Airline of the Year, and The Address Hotels + Resorts, named Hotel of the Year.
A panel of Global Traveler staff and Advisory Board members selected the winners after reviewing information submitted by participating airlines and hotels, conducting independent research, and drawing on direct experience.
Participation is by invitation only. Invited airlines and hotels submit detailed applications that include financial data, occupancy and load factors, on-time performance, safety records and sample menus. Organizations that do not provide the requested information are evaluated through independent research alone. Winners are ineligible to compete again for three years. This year, 25 airlines and 33 hotels were invited to participate. The selection meeting took place on Sept. 12, 2013, at Philadelphia’s Union League.
“This is the third year for the Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year awards. While we value what our readers feel is best, the team at Global Traveler and the Advisory Board take this to the next level with an insider’s view of what makes an airline or hotel best,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler. “By reviewing each submission we gain insight into the guest experience and the operational decisions that drive excellence. This provides a true inside view of what sets these brands apart.”
We are pleased to introduce the 2013 Airline and Hotel of the Year winners.
Diamond First Class © Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways: Airline of the Year 2013
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, receives recognition for combining high service standards with warm Arabian hospitality. The airline earns Airline of the Year 2013 for its consistent focus on world-class comfort and distinctive amenities.
From Diamond First Class to Pearl Business Class, passengers experience thoughtful design and attention to detail. First-class suites provide fully flat beds and a private environment for rest and privacy. A dedicated changing area supplies slippers and sleeper suits, and bedding includes silk- and cotton-blend duvets, fitted sheets and full-sized pillows for comfortable sleep.
On wide-body aircraft, business class features a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access and privacy shells around each flat-bed seat, enhancing both comfort and personal space.
All seats are fitted with power sockets, USB ports, Ethernet connections and audio jacks to support productivity during flight. Etihad’s E-BOX entertainment system offers more than 675 hours of on-demand content, and the airline is progressively introducing high-speed broadband mobile services across its fleet so passengers can stay connected in the air.
Etihad Airways’ in-flight dining © Etihad Airways
Etihad elevates in-flight dining with its “Inspired Service” program. First-class travelers benefit from personalized, restaurant-style service delivered by a classically trained chef who tailors dishes to individual preferences. In business class, a dedicated food-and-beverage manager with fine-dining experience advises on menu selections and boutique wines. Wherever possible, the airline sources local ingredients from the UAE to enhance authenticity.
To improve the experience for families, Etihad’s Flying Nanny program places specially trained nannies on long-haul flights. Wearing orange aprons, these nannies help feed and entertain children across classes with activities such as puppet shows, origami, face painting, magic tricks and guided tours of the aircraft.
Etihad also pursues environmental initiatives. As a founding partner of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium, the airline supports research into commercially viable sustainable alternatives to fossil-based aviation fuels.
Members of the Etihad Guest frequent-flyer program can earn miles with more than 170 partners across hospitality, finance, retail and real estate, plus 17 airline partners. Reward tiers range from Etihad Guest through Etihad Guest Gold Elite, and points can be redeemed for flights, vacations and thousands of retail products via the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Members may also donate miles to carbon-reduction projects; in 2012 donated miles helped offset roughly 916 tons of CO2 and supported projects in Cambodia, Uganda, India and China.
Etihad’s network serves 94 destinations in 45 countries, including New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Toronto (YYZ) and Washington (IAD). Nonstop service from Los Angeles was scheduled to begin on June 1, 2014, further expanding options between North America and Abu Dhabi.
The airline operates a fleet of 82 Airbus and Boeing aircraft and has more than 80 aircraft on firm order, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A380s. Etihad has also built a unique equity alliance by investing in other carriers; holdings include stakes in Aer Lingus, airberlin, Air Seychelles and Virgin Australia, with planned investments in Air Serbia and Jet Airways, subject to regulatory approval. Members of alliance carriers can earn and redeem miles across the network.
“We are delighted to be voted ‘Airline of the Year,’ ‘Best Airline for International First Class’ and ‘Best Airport Lounges’ by Global Traveler, one of the world’s foremost industry surveys,” said James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways. “In our 10th year of operations, this recognition underscores Etihad’s reputation for style, service and hospitality.”
Congratulations to Etihad Airways for continually raising the standard of luxury travel and earning Airline of the Year 2013.
AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2013
Etihad Airways
HONORABLE MENTION
United
Delta Air Lines
China Airlines
The Palace Downtown Dubai © The Address Hotels + Resorts
The Address Hotels + Resorts, Emaar Hospitality Group: Hotel of the Year 2013
The Address Hotels + Resorts, part of Emaar Hospitality Group, operates a collection of leading luxury properties in the United Arab Emirates and is recognized for exceptional service and refined Arabian luxury. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2013, the brand follows a “one size fits one” approach, focusing on personalized service and guest comfort.
Under the philosophy “Where Life Happens,” The Address serves business, leisure and group travelers with properties designed for work, socializing and relaxation. The portfolio includes The Address Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Marina, The Palace Downtown Dubai and The Address Montgomerie Dubai, each offering tailored amenities from arrival onward.
Guests receive VIP airport welcome service, access to a private airport desk at Dubai International Airport, private limousine transfers with complimentary WiFi and personalized reception services. Business travelers benefit from complimentary WiFi, dedicated event planners, 24-hour business lounges and advanced meeting rooms and ballrooms that showcase views of Dubai’s landmarks—such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain—ideal for corporate events and social gatherings. The Address Montgomerie Dubai offers golf and team-building opportunities on its celebrated course.
Leisure amenities include award-winning spas and unique facilities. The Palace Downtown Dubai provides spa cabanas beside Burj Khalifa Lake for restful escapes. The Address Dubai Mall connects directly to the mall and offers personal fashion advisors and convenient access to more than 1,200 stores.
Dining at The Address spans global cuisines, reflecting Dubai’s culinary diversity. Options range from Arabic favorites at Na3Na3 in The Address Dubai Mall to Mediterranean and Asian flavors at Shades in The Address Dubai Marina, which overlooks an infinity pool and downtown skyline. The Address Downtown Dubai also features CUT, Wolfgang Puck’s modern American steakhouse.
The brand emphasizes environmental responsibility by integrating sustainability practices such as material recycling and energy reuse across its operations.
The Address plans geographic expansion to bring its signature service to more cities in the Middle East, North Africa, India, Asia and Europe. Emaar Hospitality’s portfolio also includes Vida Hotels and Resorts, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Nuran Serviced Residences and several dining concepts.
“‘Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East’ was the ambition when The Address launched five years ago,” said Philippe Zuber, chief operating officer of Emaar Hospitality Group. “Our philosophy of ‘Where Life Happens’ has guided the brand’s growth and helped establish our flagship property as a global destination. The recognition from Global Traveler affirms the high standard we aim to set in hospitality.”
The Address Hotels + Resorts is defined by personalized service, modern amenities, inspiring meeting venues and vibrant dining choices. Steeped in luxury and attentive hospitality, the collection is deserving of Hotel of the Year 2013.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2013
The Address Hotels + Resorts
HONORABLE MENTION
The Ritz-Carlton
Four Seasons
Hilton Hotels
Posadas Group