Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of promotion & overseas offices, Abu Dhabi tourism, at the World Travel Awards

Abu Dhabi’s expanding tourism proposition received a resounding vote of confidence at the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony earlier, when 17 of the sector’s stakeholders scooped a total of 25 awards between them.

From travel agencies, to the regulatory authority, from hotels, to airlines and attractions, Abu Dhabi’s name was in the frame as a flurry of awards was meted out to the destination following an online public poll.

The five-star Qasr Al Sarab took the award for the Middle East’s Leading Desert Resort while The St. Regis Saadiyat Island was named Abu Dhabi’s Leading Beach Resort.

The accolade for Abu Dhabi’s Leading Business Hotel went to the Sofitel Abu Dhabi while Yas Waterworld Aqua Park was named the Middle East’s Leading Tourism Attraction.

The Middle East’s Leading Convention Centre honour was picked up by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, while Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau took home the title of Abu Dhabi’s Leading Travel Agency.

The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital was cheered on as the Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Attraction.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company walked away with two awards, with Saadiyat Island and Saadiyat Beach being named the Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development Projects.

The five-star Grand Millennium Al Wahda also took double honours for Abu Dhabi’s Leading Luxury City Hotel and Abu Dhabi’s Leading Serviced Apartments.

Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Group took the honours for the Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand while its Park Rotana property was named the UAE’s Leading Business Hotel.

And there was a quartet of honours in store for the UAE capital’s iconic Emirates Palace hotel, including being named Abu Dhabi’s Leading Resort and Middle East’s Leading Hotel Suite.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority took two accolades for the Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board and the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination.

“This was the destination’s most successful performance at the awards yet and is proof positive that there is now so much more to do and see in Abu Dhabi and of the quality travellers are becoming to associate with the destination,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director promotions & overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“There were many awards handed out tonight but the real winners are the travellers welcomed to these increasingly service-oriented stakeholders.”