For the sixth consecutive year, Global Traveler recognizes the travel industry’s most innovative leaders whose efficient operations, distinctive amenities, exceptional service and warm hospitality set them apart. The 2016 Airline of the Year is China Airlines and the 2016 Hotel of the Year is Meliá Hotels International.
A select panel of Global Traveler staff and Advisory Board members chose winners based on hands-on experience and independent research into financial performance, occupancy and load factors, punctuality, safety records, brand reputation and onboard offerings. Once selected, an airline or hotel is ineligible for consideration for three years.
We are pleased to present the 2016 Airline and Hotel of the Year winners.
China Airlines | Airline of the Year 2016
Guided by the motto “Spread your wings, explore the world,” China Airlines combines ongoing innovation in aircraft technology, safety, convenience, comfort and inflight entertainment. For these reasons, China Airlines is our 2016 Airline of the Year.
© CHINA AIRLINES
The airline operates a fleet of 96 aircraft, including 75 passenger jets, serving 143 destinations across 29 countries and territories. Since its founding in 1959, China Airlines has consistently exceeded industry standards, delivering high-quality service from booking through the entire travel experience.
Since launching the NextGen program in 2014 with a design team led by chief designer Ray Chen, China Airlines has introduced redesigned cabin interiors, updated inflight amenities, classic tableware and striking new uniforms, all reflecting the company’s core values: Cultural Creativity, Technology, Environmental Protection, Passion and Trust.
Passengers are greeted with attentive hospitality in every cabin. Premium Business Class showcases a Song Dynasty aesthetic, calm lighting and advanced technologies that blend traditional culture with modern air travel. Business-class guests benefit from enclosed seats for privacy, large work tables, 18-inch HD monitors, luxury amenity kits and access to the signature Sky Lounge, which serves a blend of Western and Eastern cuisine, including Taiwanese mountain teas and artisanal coffee. China Airlines partners with Eslite Bookstore to refresh reading materials monthly in the Sky Lounge, giving travelers a way to experience Taiwanese culture before boarding.
© CHINA AIRLINES
Business-class lie-flat seats maximize personal space for rest and productivity. A dedicated Premium Economy cabin offers an industry-leading 39-inch seat pitch, 12-inch HD monitors and personal storage. Economy class also features enhanced comforts on select routes, such as family couches with leg rests that fold out to form a flat bed and advanced AVOD entertainment systems.
China Airlines also provides comfortable airport lounges worldwide, including Honolulu (HNL), San Francisco (SFO), Guam (GUM), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX) and Vancouver (YVR). Standard lounges offer business facilities, food and beverage bars, phone access, entertainment, flight updates, showers and full Wi-Fi. The Dynasty Supreme Lounge at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, located in Terminal 2, serves Emerald and Paragon Dynasty Flyer members with premium amenities and services.
Committed to environmental stewardship, China Airlines has participated in the Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement Project since 2012, equipping select aircraft to monitor atmospheric conditions and contributing trans-Pacific climate data as part of a broader research effort.
The airline’s Dynasty frequent-flyer program offers four membership tiers, letting travelers earn mileage, access exclusive reservations and discounts, and enjoy additional benefits at higher tiers. China Airlines also participates in the SkyTeam alliance, providing SkyPriority VIP services such as prioritized check-in, security lanes, boarding and baggage handling.
From seamless booking and airport navigation to passenger comfort and onboard service, China Airlines meets the full spectrum of what defines a superior airline, making it our clear choice for Airline of the Year 2016. Congratulations, China Airlines.
Airline of the Year 2016
- China Airlines
- Aer Lingus
- Alitalia
Meliá Hotels International | Hotel of the Year 2016
Travelers arrive at hotels expecting comfort, service, convenience and memorable experiences. Living up to its mantra “Everything Is Possible,” Meliá Hotels International consistently surpasses those expectations across categories, earning it our 2016 Hotel of the Year award.
© MELIÁ PUNTA CANA
Founded in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1956, Meliá has grown into a global hotel leader, known for exceeding luxury standards and committing to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company collaborates with organizations including UNICEF and the UN Global Compact, and it is recognized for ethical practices. With more than 42,000 employees representing 142 nationalities, Meliá emphasizes cultural leadership and employee pride—an internal survey in 2014 reported 91 percent of staff proud to work for the company.
© MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
With more than 370 hotels across 43 countries, Meliá focuses on exceptional guest experiences, continuous innovation and a high standard of luxury across seven distinct brands. Each brand addresses specific traveler needs while upholding consistent standards of service for business and leisure guests.
Gran Meliá is the traditional luxury arm, offering exclusive hotels with Red Glove service, signature restaurants and striking architecture. ME by Meliá delivers contemporary, design-forward experiences that fuse art, fashion and cuisine. Paradisus offers all-inclusive luxury in beautiful natural settings with Royal Service butlers and family concierge services. Meliá Hotels & Resorts are known for their consistent, well-appointed offerings. INNSIDE by Meliá targets modern business travelers with design and smart technology. Sol Hotels & Resorts focus on family-friendly beach holidays, while TRYP by Wyndham provides reliable, city-centered accommodations with practical amenities like 24/7 fitness, free Wi-Fi and robust breakfast offerings.
© MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
Meliá’s portfolio includes top destinations such as Playa del Carmen, Punta Cana, New York, Miami, Jamaica and Cancún. The company offers a range of membership and loyalty programs tailored for different types of travelers. The Business Program provides international discounts, complimentary internet, loyalty perks and streamlined meeting coordination. Club Meliá, the company’s vacation club, sells long-term membership options and serves members at top resorts. MeliáRewards, with more than 4.8 million members, emphasizes emotional connections with guests through its “Collect Emotion” approach.
For business travel, Meliá maintains a dedicated MICE team and brand-specific meeting services—Red Glove meetings at Gran Meliá, EcoTouch at Meliá and Be Successful at TRYP—ensuring comprehensive support for corporate events while offering leisure-level amenities for bleisure travelers.
© MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
Meliá emphasizes guest experience through lifestyle programs and wellness offerings. Balance by Meliá promotes healthy living, while YHI Spa provides wellness treatments at select Paradisus and Meliá properties. Many hotels host signature restaurants led by notable chefs, along with vibrant bars and lounges for socializing and nightlife.
Guest comfort is central across Meliá’s more than 99,000 rooms. Gran Meliá properties emphasize opulence and personalized butler service. ME by Meliá locations deliver customizable in-room experiences, including personalized music and lighting and private check-in. Paradisus resorts provide Royal Service with elevated in-room amenities. Meliá Hotels & Resorts feature contemporary design, DreaMax beds and practical layouts. Sol brand properties create themed experiences for families, while TRYP hotels offer specialized room types like family suites and fitness-focused accommodations.
Meliá continues expanding globally with upcoming openings that reflect its international strategy, including properties in Brazil, Portugal, Tanzania, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Qatar and the Maldives.
Meliá Hotels International blends convenience, luxury, innovation and consistent high-quality service, earning our 2016 Hotel of the Year award. Congratulations from everyone at Global Traveler.
Hotel of the Year 2016
- Meliá Hotels International
- Sheraton Latin America
- InterContinental Hotels & Resorts