DFDS Seaways has been named the World’s Leading Ferry Operator at the World Travel Awards in Doha, Qatar.

The cruise ferry operator fought off stiff competition from New Zealand, the Baltic Sea and a number of European rivals to claim the trophy.

More than 210,000 travel industry professionals and consumers voted in this year’s World Travel Awards which are recognised worldwide as the Oscars of the Travel Industry and the premier industry awards programme.

The award for World’s Leading Ferry Operator is in addition to the five successive accolades DFDS Seaways holds as Europe’s Leading Long Sea Ferry Operator.

The cruise ferry company puts the success down to its quality onboard offering with restaurants, bars, live entertainment and Kids’ club, and exceptional customer service, as well as its comprehensive passenger route network which incorporates channel, north sea and Baltic routes making it a convenient way to access Europe and Scandinavia.

Pictured: World Travel Awards group vice president Kevin Taylor presents the trophy to John Crummie, DFDS Seaways UK passenger director, and Lars Gade Olesen, captain King Seaways

John Crummie, passenger director for DFDS Seaways North Sea Route said: “This award is great news and recognition of our desire to make the journey a real part of the customer’s experience, so they make the most of every moment of their holiday. 

“In addition to this award, we’ve been named Europe’s Leading Long Sea Ferry Operator five years running, thanks to the company’s ongoing commitment to quality and the hard work and dedication of our staff in providing an exceptional experience for our customers onboard and ashore.

“I hope this accolade will encourage people who have perhaps never travelled by cruise ferry to experience the pleasure of sea travel in 2012.”

This year’s regional heats of the World Travel Award included: Dubai - Middle East; Antalya, Turkey – Europe; Sharm el Sheik, Egypt - Africa & Indian Ocean; Bangkok, Thailand - Asia & Australasia and Montego Bay, Jamaica - Caribbean & the Americas.

The awards, founded in 1993, acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry.