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The leading lights from the travel industry in Asia, Australasia and the Indian Ocean have been recognised at the latest regional leg of the World Travel Awards (WTA).

A ceremony in Singapore saw India fight off competition from the likes of Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Shanghai to take the title of 'Asia's leading destination'.

Auckland in New Zealand and the Maldives picked up the equivalent awards for the Australasia and Indian Ocean regions respectively.

The evening featured plenty of recognition for the aviation industry in this part of the world, with Singapore Airlines named the leading business class operator in Asia and the best carrier overall.

Korean Air and Cathay Pacific were honoured for their first and economy class offerings, while Air New Zealand and Air Mauritius picked up the top airline accolades in their respective regions.

WTA president and founder Graham E Cooke said: 'Our winners are drawn from the breadth of Asia, Australasia and the Indian Ocean, reflecting the strength and depth of the travel and tourism sector in the regions.'