Standout properties and regional wins

Among the honours, several Anantara resorts secured leading spots in their categories:

• Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas – #1 Best Malaysian Resort
• Anantara Layan Phuket Resort – #2 Best Thailand Resort
• Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas – #3 Best Maldives Resort
• Anantara Ubud Bali Resort – #4 Best Boutique Resort

Collectively, these placements underscore that Anantara’s experiential model—deeply location‑driven design, curated local‑culture activities, and luxury‑with‑context stays—resonates strongly across key beach‑and‑jungle‑destination hubs in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. The brand’s presence in Malaysia, Thailand, the Maldives, and Bali signals a deliberate focus on high‑yield leisure corridors where travellers actively seek more than just a beachfront room, but holistic, destination‑anchored experiences.

Brand‑level significance for Minor Hotels

The ranking also feeds into Minor Hotels’ broader narrative of Anantara as a flagship luxury‑experience brand, following earlier accolades such as its appearance in the Top 25 Best Hotel Brands in the World (No. 8) at the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. For Minor, the DestinAsian recognition reinforces that its portfolio is being awarded not just for individual properties, but for a consistent brand philosophy that blends comfort, authenticity, and deep‑local immersion across geographies.

Key Points

• Anantara Hotels & Resorts has been ranked #5 Best Brand for Leisure in the 19th DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards, with 10 Anantara properties recognised across five Asia‑Pacific destinations.
• Standout resorts include Anantara Desaru Coast (No. 1 Malaysia), Anantara Layan Phuket (No. 2 Thailand), Anantara Kihavah Maldives (No. 3 Maldives), and Anantara Ubud Bali (No. 4 Boutique Resorts).
• The results highlight Anantara’s strength in experiential, place‑based leisure and high‑value resort markets, dovetailing with Minor Hotels’ strategy of positioning Anantara as a leading global luxury‑experience label.

Bottom Line: Anantara’s endorsement as a top‑five leisure brand in DestinAsian’s industry‑respected reader survey reinforces that Minor Hotels’ location‑centric, experience‑rich playbook is resonating with discerning travelers across Asia, helping the brand hold its own against established global luxury flags while growing its footprint in premium resort corridors.

Sadie is a 24/7 Voice AI front desk agent designed specifically for hotels, built to answer every incoming call instantly, convey property details, share real‑time availability and rates, and book and manage reservations without requiring human intervention. The product aims to help hotel owners capture revenue that would otherwise be lost during busy periods or overnight, while also reducing front‑office labor strain and improving response consistency. Judges praised its innovation, practicality, and immediate use‑case fit for independent and mid‑sized hotels that struggle with staffing and coverage gaps.

The AAHOA Tech Pitch Competition itself has become a key showcase for new tools and platforms targeting the hotel‑ownership community, from finance and insurance solutions to AI‑driven operations support. Second‑place went to Roomiy Finance, with Ocra taking third, both of which also drew attention for addressing pain points around risk management and guest‑data handling. For the association, featuring a voice‑AI front desk as the winner signals a strong interest in AI‑assisted service automation as a way to tighten labor costs, improve guest experience, and future‑proof hotel operations in a tight‑labor market.

Key Points

• Sadie AI won the 2026 AAHOA Tech Pitch Competition, a showcase for innovative hospitality tech aimed at hotel owners.

• Sadie is a 24/7 Voice AI front desk agent that handles calls, rates, and reservations, targeting revenue capture and staff‑burden reduction.

• The platform earned a free exhibit booth at AAHOACON27, underscoring AAHOA’s focus on AI‑driven operations and automation.

Bottom Line: Sadie AI’s win reflects how the hotel‑ownership community is increasingly betting on AI assistants to fill service gaps, control costs, and turn the front desk into a smarter, more scalable function rather than a fixed‑labor bottleneck.

Judges and industry voters highlighted Mews’ ability to scale across different property types and markets, from city‑center boutiques to resorts and lifestyle hotels, without losing simplicity for users on the ground. The system emphasizes real‑time data—live occupancy, dynamic pricing, and instant reconciliation—so hoteliers can respond faster to demand shifts, staffing needs, and guest‑service opportunities. Mews also continues to invest in AI‑driven insights, automation for routine tasks, and mobile‑first workflows, helping front‑desk teams, revenue managers, and owners make decisions based on accurate, up‑to‑the‑minute information rather than siloed spreadsheets and outdated reports.

For the broader hotel‑tech ecosystem, Mews’ three‑peat at the HotelTechAwards signals a growing consensus that cloud‑based, open‑architecture PMS platforms are the future, particularly for operators seeking agility, integration depth, and vendor agnosticism. The award underscores how Mews is not just a system of record but a central nervous system for the connected hotel, linking bookings, payments, and operations into a unified platform that can adapt as distribution, regulations, and guest expectations evolve.

Key Points

• Mews wins Best PMS at the HotelTechAwards for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its leadership in cloud‑based hotel operations software.
• The platform’s open, API‑driven architecture lets hotels integrate channels, payments, and third‑party tools while keeping a single source of truth for guest and room data.
• Judges praised Mews’ scalability, real‑time data, and AI‑driven features, which help independent and mid‑sized hotels operate more efficiently and responsively.

Bottom Line: Mews’ sustained success at the HotelTechAwards reflects a broader industry shift toward cloud‑native, open‑platform PMS solutions, positioning the brand as a central hub for the next generation of connected, data‑driven hotel operations.

City Strengths and Challenges

Barcelona fights overtourism with strict regs, ideal for balanced policy but risky for mass-tourism advocates. Dubai excels in connectivity and luxury but faces human rights scrutiny over labor. Geneva’s diplomatic neutrality suits cross-sector talks, lacking vibrant tourism vibe. Milan leverages BIT trade shows for business synergy, Madrid pairs with UN-Tourism for public-private harmony, and Paris pushes green initiatives amid post-Olympics glow.​

Tourism Leadership Implications

The decision elevates the winner’s prestige, drawing events and investment while shaping WTTC’s agenda on ethics and recovery. Travelers note varying impacts: Barcelona’s caps, Dubai’s efficiency, Paris’s eco-focus—affecting future visits and industry standards.​

Key Points:

• Bidders balance culture (Barcelona/Paris), hubs (Dubai/Milan), neutrality (Geneva), governance (Madrid).
• Highlights SME-corporate divide, sustainability tensions.
• Boosts host city’s tourism profile, policy influence.
• Potential for enhanced public-private collaboration (Madrid).
• Raises ethics questions on labor/diversity (Dubai).
• Aligns with anti-overtourism trends (Barcelona).
• Supports trade/business tourism (Milan/BIT).
• Promotes diplomatic neutrality for global talks (Geneva).
• Emphasizes green recovery post-events (Paris).

Founded in 1933, Turkish Airlines has transformed from a small national carrier to a global aviation leader known for its extensive network, cutting-edge in-flight amenities, sustainability efforts, and community engagement. Meanwhile, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, boasts a vast portfolio of luxury accommodations worldwide and champions sustainable business practices through its Serve 360 platform, which focuses on nurturing communities, empowering individuals, and promoting environmental stewardship.

The winners were selected based on rigorous criteria, including financial performance, occupancy rates, guest feedback, safety, and on-time records, combined with independent research and input from frequent luxury travelers. The awards ceremony is set for December 17, 2025, in Loews Coral Gables, where industry leaders will celebrate these brands’ exceptional accomplishments. Both Turkish Airlines and Marriott Hotels & Resorts continue to innovate and elevate the travel experience, securing their positions as industry trailblazers poised for continued success.

Key Points:

• Turkish Airlines named 2025 Airline of the Year; Marriott Hotels & Resorts named 2025 Hotel of the Year by Global Traveler.
• Awards honor service excellence, innovation, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.
• Turkish Airlines known for global network, premium in-flight experience, and sustainability leadership.
• Marriott recognized for its luxury portfolio and its Serve 360 sustainability and community engagement initiative.
• Selection based on financials, guest reviews, safety, punctuality, and industry expert evaluation.
• Awards ceremony planned for December 17, 2025, celebrating brand leadership in travel.

Central to Lotte’s service innovation is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which powers a data-driven customer data platform (CDP) to analyze guest preferences and deliver personalized cognitive services. AI also automates routine tasks and supports online travel agency (OTA) reservation management, improving internal workflow and reducing manual workloads. Further digital advancements include the recent overhaul of the hotel’s official website, featuring improved UI/UX, streamlined membership registration, and enhanced booking functionality. These innovations bolster the hotel’s ability to quickly respond to evolving global market demands and diverse customer touchpoints.

In summary, Lotte Hotel & Resort’s award-winning digital initiatives are reshaping the guest experience and operational practices, further elevating South Korea’s global reputation in innovative hospitality services. These advancements not only enhance convenience and personalization for international visitors but also contribute significantly to the region’s tourism growth and technological leadership within the travel industry.

Key Points:

• Won “World Grand Prix” at 2025 DX Service Award by Korea Standards Association for excellence in digital transformation.
• Integrated digital innovations include mobile check-in/out, smart keys, streamlined payments, AI-powered personalized services, and CRS.
• AI-driven customer data platform enhances guest experience and operational efficiencies by automating routine tasks and optimizing reservation management.
• Website overhaul improved user interface, membership, and booking functionalities to meet changing market demands.
• Represents a hallmark of South Korea’s push toward tech-advanced, guest-centric hospitality amid a growing tourism sector.

This exclusive property is part of the Punta Cana Resort & Club and features private beachfront villas and suites with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and lush golf courses. Guests enjoy personalized experiences, including private butlers, chefs, and exclusive club access. The AAA Five Diamond award recognizes Tortuga Bay’s outstanding attention to detail, exceptional service, and dedication to luxury, placing it among the top tier of international hotels.​

Tortuga Bay is accessible via direct flights from major cities in the U.S., Canada, and Argentina, serviced by airlines like American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Air Canada, WestJet, Aerolineas Argentinas, and Copa Airlines. Beyond its lavish accommodations, the resort offers a variety of activities, from world-class golf and spa treatments to water sports and cultural excursions, making it ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, and special occasions.​

The hotel’s recognition has boosted the Dominican Republic’s appeal as a luxury tourism destination, attracting high-net-worth travelers and contributing to increased spending in local restaurants, shops, and cultural sites. With Tortuga Bay setting new standards for luxury hospitality, Punta Cana’s reputation as a top Caribbean luxury destination continues to grow.​

Key Points:

• Tortuga Bay named Best Luxury Destination in Punta Cana by Leading Hotels of the World and awarded AAA Five Diamond status.
• Designed by Oscar de la Renta, offering private villas, personal butlers, private chefs, and exclusive club access.
• Serviced by major airlines with direct flights from U.S., Canada, and Argentina.
• Provides luxury amenities including golf, spa, water sports, and cultural tours.
• Elevates Punta Cana’s status as a premier Caribbean luxury destination attracting affluent travelers.

The Michelin Key awards, newly introduced in 2025, are the hotel industry’s equivalent to Michelin stars for restaurants. They celebrate hotels that deliver exceptional quality and distinctive character combined with a strong connection to their location. The Grand Hôtel Stockholm, with its historic roots dating back to 1874 and prime location opposite the Royal Palace, stands out for its meticulous preservation of classic elegance, combined with modern comforts and impeccable service. The hotel boasts exquisite suites including those in the adjacent Burmanska Palatset building, along with acclaimed dining venues like the Michelin-starred Seafood Gastro.

Pia Djupmark, CEO of Grand Hôtel Stockholm, expressed immense pride in receiving this accolade, highlighting the team’s dedication to creating memorable experiences and maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. This achievement confirms the hotel’s position as a leading name in luxury travel, known for blending traditional grandeur with contemporary Nordic design and service excellence.

Key Points:

• Grand Hôtel Stockholm is one of only four Nordic hotels awarded two Michelin Keys in 2025 and the only Swedish hotel in this category.
• The Michelin Keys recognize exceptional hotels for outstanding design, consistent service, personality, and contribution to their location.
• The hotel, established in 1874, offers classical grandeur, luxury suites, Michelin-starred dining, and a prime city-centre location.
• The award reflects the hotel’s commitment to memorable, high-quality guest experiences and sustainable luxury hospitality.
• Sister property Lydmar Hotel also received a Michelin Key, underlining the Grand Group’s strong presence in the Swedish luxury market.

The town’s unique character stems from its avoidance of large chain stores, favoring local businesses that reflect Marlborough’s rich heritage and community spirit.

Locals praise the high street’s thriving atmosphere, highlighting the strong sense of identity and the flow of money within the community. Visitors enjoy a combination of high-end shops and affordable market stalls that cater to a diverse range of tastes and budgets, making Marlborough a welcoming destination for both shoppers and tourists. The town’s historical significance, from the famous Marlborough College to the mysterious Merlin’s Mound, adds to its appeal, alongside its cultural events like music festivals and literary gatherings.

Marlborough’s success is attributed to its balance between preserving its fascinating architectural variety and fostering a lively commercial and cultural environment. The town council highlights Marlborough as a place that is both beautiful and intimate, with idiosyncratic alleys and yards offering visitors a chance to explore beyond the high street. This perfect blend of history, local entrepreneurship, and community warmth cements Marlborough’s place as a hidden gem and the UK’s top high street in 2025.

Key Points:

• Marlborough’s high street voted the best in the UK by The Times readers in 2025.
• Known for having one of the widest high streets, full of historic buildings and independent businesses.
• The town balances high-end shops with market stalls, catering to all budgets.
• Rich in history with ties to Marlborough College and legendary Merlin’s Mound.
• Hosts numerous cultural events, contributing to its vibrant local atmosphere.
• Residents and visitors value its unique mix of heritage, community spirit, and shopping diversity.

Among the award recipients, Italy leads with the highest number of recognitions at 207,652, followed closely by France (155,141) and Spain (147,603). Germany and the United Kingdom also made significant contributions with 101,951 and 88,114 awards, respectively. Notably, apartments continue to dominate as the most awarded accommodation type for the eighth consecutive year, with over 847,000 awards, while holiday homes and hotels follow behind with 259,105 and 190,670 awards, respectively.

The results reflect evolving consumer preferences, with travelers increasingly favoring personalized and digitally enhanced experiences. As hospitality continues to adapt to changing demands, the recognition of these top partners serves as a benchmark for service excellence.