FTN News: Cancún Hosts World Travel Awards 2025 as Mexico, Peru, Chile Triumph

Leaders from Latin America’s travel and tourism sector gathered in Cancún for the World Travel Awards Latin America Gala Ceremony 2025, which recognized outstanding achievements across hospitality, aviation, and destinations.

The event, held at AVA Resort Cancún, honored Mexico, Peru, and Chile among the night’s biggest winners, underscoring the region’s global prominence in tourism.

The gala marked the second stage of the World Travel Awards 2025, following the earlier round in other global destinations. Attendees included senior officials, industry executives, and hospitality leaders, reflecting the event’s stature as one of the most significant gatherings in the travel sector. The ceremony also reinforced Cancún’s reputation as a hub of Latin American tourism.

Top Awards and Country Achievements at World Travel Awards 2025 Latin America

Mexico received the title of “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination,” while Isla Mujeres was named “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Island Destination.” In addition, Cancún earned multiple titles including “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Beach Destination,” “Business Travel Destination,” “Urban Destination,” and “Meetings & Conference Destination.”

Peru secured several major awards, being named “South America’s Leading Destination,” “Leading Adventure Tourism Destination,” “Leading Culinary Destination,” and “Leading Cultural Destination.” Its UNESCO World Heritage site Machu Picchu was voted “South America’s Leading Tourist Attraction,” highlighting the country’s continued appeal as a multi-dimensional travel destination.

Chile was also recognized, earning accolades such as “South America’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination” and “South America’s Leading Cruise Destination.” Other winners included Quito as “South America’s Leading Cultural City Destination,” Buenos Aires as “South America’s Leading City Destination,” and Rio de Janeiro, which claimed three awards including “South America’s Leading Beach Destination.”

In the hospitality sector, Chablé Yucatán was named “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel,” while Costa Rica’s Parador Nature Resort & Spa secured “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Resort.” Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena in Colombia won “South America’s Leading Hotel,” and Termas Papallacta in Ecuador was honored as “South America’s Leading Resort.”

Newcomer categories highlighted emerging luxury properties, with Almare Isla Mujeres named “Central America’s Leading New Resort” and GO Quito Hotel in Ecuador awarded “South America’s Leading New Hotel.” These recognitions reflected the region’s strong investment in high-end hospitality.

In aviation, Aeromexico was recognized as “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Airline,” while LATAM Airlines won “South America’s Leading Airline.” Cancún International Airport received the title of “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Airport,” and W Premium Lounge Recife Frevo was named “South America’s Leading Airport Lounge.”

“It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Latin America to this extraordinary celebration in Cancún,” said Graham Cooke, President & Founder of World Travel Awards. “Our winners represent the very best of our industry, and we salute their achievements in helping shape the future of travel across the region.”

Juan Pablo de Zulueta, Municipal Secretary of Tourism of Cancún, said: “It has been an honour for Cancún to host the World Travel Awards Latin America Gala Ceremony 2025 for the first time, an event that recognises excellence in the global tourism industry. This inspires us to continue working with passion and commitment to further consolidate our destination as an international benchmark for tourism diversification.”

The ceremony featured the participation of Governor Mara Lezama, who was recognized by Mexico’s Federal Ministry of Tourism as Tourism Ambassador of Mexico. The distinction highlighted her efforts in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development in the Mexican Caribbean. The governor’s recognition underlined Cancún’s growing role as a tourism leader in both Latin America and the wider global market.

Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña, Municipal President of Benito Juárez, emphasized the importance of tourism to local prosperity. “The numbers speak for themselves: more than 5 million visitors, more than 20 million passengers at our airport this year. But for us, the most important thing is that behind every number there is well-being for thousands of families, there is shared prosperity for our communities, there are dreams being fulfilled.”

Andrés Martínez Reynoso, Director General of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, added: “WTA has contributed significantly to promoting the cultural, culinary, and natural wealth of Cancún and the Mexican Caribbean, positioning them as a benchmark for visitors and industry professionals.”

The event further cemented Cancún’s leadership in regional tourism and reinforced its role as the “tourism capital of Latin America.” With strong recognition across hospitality, aviation, and destinations, the city and its partners aim to continue expanding their influence as drivers of economic growth and cultural exchange.

The AVA Resort Cancún served as the official host venue, reflecting the luxury and service standards associated with the awards. The resort, set against the Caribbean’s white sands and turquoise waters, offered a fitting backdrop for a night celebrating the achievements of Latin America’s tourism and hospitality elite.

The complete list of winners is here.

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are regarded as one of the highest honors in global travel and tourism. By highlighting the achievements of leading destinations, hotels, airlines, and industry innovators, the awards serve to inspire excellence while showcasing the strength and diversity of tourism across Latin America.