The Blue Train has scooped the title of World’s Leading Luxury Train for the third consecutive year at a glittering World Travel Awards ceremony held in Doha, Qatar.

Now celebrating its 19th anniversary, WTA is regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could hope to receive and has been hailed as “the Oscars of the travel industry” by the Wall Street Journal.

Votes are cast by 213,000 travel professionals including travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in more than 160 countries across the globe.

Commenting on the achievement, Blue Train’s executive manager, Hanlie Kotze, said “It is not only a huge achievement for us as The Blue Train but also for South Africa as a country.

“Further still for Transnet Freight Rail in being awarded the World’s leading luxury train says something about the company as a railway provider for having developed this product and maintaining it to world class standards.”

Kotze further explained that competing with world class luxury trains and still come out as the winner is really wonderful.

“The Blue Train has been blessed with a wonderful team of people who are passionate and committed.

“Our staff are proud ambassadors of the train but also our beautiful country. Every time we have a satisfied guest we are sure of more people that will visit our country and at the same time experience our product,” concluded Kotze.