Which city is best for business? Business Traveller Asia-Pacific readers maintained that it was Hong Kong, again choosing it as the Best Business City in the World and in Northeast Asia, while Singapore remained the Best Business City in Southeast Asia. But when it comes to time-out, they voted Bangkok as the Best Leisure Destination in Asia-Pacific.
In its 20th year, the awards, given out in 55 categories, reflect the highest accolade discerning Business Traveller readers bestow on travel and hospitality providers. They are based on the results from the yearly Readers’ Poll conducted and interpreted by Synovate.
In this increasingly competitive world, businesses need to stay on top of their games and many of our winners have done just that. A majority of last year’s winners kept their top rankings, including InterContinental, which was once again awarded Best Business Hotel Brand in the World, and retained the Best Business Hotel Brand in Europe honour for the third year running.
Another of InterContinental Hotels Group’s brands, Holiday Inn, maintained its positions as Best Mid-Market Hotel Brand in the World and in Asia-Pacific.
Also a standout was Shangri-La, winner of eight awards including Best Business Hotel Brand in Asia-Pacific. Its Singapore property remained the Best Business Hotel in the Lion City and in the World. The group’s hotels in Hong Kong (Island Shangri-La), Manila and Shanghai also kept their titles as the Best Business Hotel in their respective cities. Island Shangri-La has taken its Singaporean sister’s place as the Best Business Hotel in Asia-Pacific and the Bangkok property has moved up two slots as number one in the Thai capital.
After being in a tie last year, Banyan Tree Phuket rose up as the sole winner of Best Resort Hotel in Asia-Pacific, while Ascott proved to be a leader in its sector with another of its property, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok Thailand, taking out the Best Serviced Residence in Asia-Pacific award, after its Singapore facility did so in the previous year.
On the airline front, Singapore Airlines had another home run with five awards: Best Airline, Best Asia-Pacific Airline, and Best Airline in First, Business and Economy classes. Cathay Pacific held on to the title of Best Frequent Flyer Programme with Asia Miles while bagging Best Airport Lounge in Asia-Pacific. Qantas beat fierce competition this year and took home Best Airline Premium Economy.
Changi Airport defended its places as the Best Airport in the World and in Asia-Pacific, but Incheon swept Best Airport Duty-Free in the World.
via Awards – Business Traveller Asia.
