Huffington Post: Huffington Post

The World Travel Awards (WTA) were handed out Wednesday in a Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Doha, Qatar. Honoring the world's most successful travel and tourism brands, the ceremony was a culmination of a year-long search for the best of the best.

Abu Dhabi won some of the most sought-after travel awards in the industry as Emirates Palace picked up two honors, World's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre and World's Leading Presidential Suite.

Qatar has a "decisive role in generating new opportunities in travel and tourism," said Graham Cooke, the president and founder of World Travel Awards reports CNN. Over $100 billion worth of infrastructure is planned for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, according to Cooke who chose to hold the award ceremony in the Qatari capital.

Etihad Airways, fastest growing airline in history, was voted World's Leading Airline for the third year in a row. Etihad also won for World's Leading Airline First Class and World's Leading Airline to the Middle East.

"We are delighted to have been named World's Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards for the third successive year," James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive told BreakingTravelNews.

Etihad Airways success in Doha comes on the heels the World Travel Awards Middle East in May, when the airline won Middle East's Leading Airline, Middle East's Leading Airline First Class, Middle East's Leading Cabin Staff and Middle East's Leading Airline In-flight Entertainment.