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Middle East travel and tourism companies swept the board at the World Travel Awards in London.

The region scooped 17 of the 90-plus awards presented at a glittering ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on November 8, the eve of World Travel Market (WTM).

World's Leading Airline and World's Leading First Class were awarded to Etihad Airways paving the way for more Abu Dhabi accolades - World's Leading Tourist Board went to Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; World's Leading Conference Hotel to Emirates Palace; and World's Leading Tourism Development Project for Aldar's Yas Island.

Qatar Airways scooped World's Leading Airline - Business Class for the second year running, while two Dubai hotels - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai and The Monarch were recognised for World's Leading Beach Resort and World's Leading Suite respectively.

Travel agencies did well with Dnata, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, recognised as World's Best Travel Management Company and Qatar's Regency Travel & Tours winning World's Leading Travel Agency.

In the realms of travel technology, Dubai-based solutions provider Illusions Online took the coveted World's Leading Travel Technology Provider, which is usually awarded to a GDS.

Almost 1000 decision makers from the global travel and tourism industry attended the 16th World Travel Awards with results voted in by travel agents worldwide.

MIDDLE EAST AWARD WINNERS

World's Leading Airline: Etihad Airways

World's Leading Airline Business Class: Qatar Airways

World's Leading Airline First Class: Etihad Airways

World's Leading Beach Resort: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai

World's Leading Conference Hotel: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

World's Leading Emerging Business Destination: Doha, Qatar

World's Leading Hotel: Burj Al Arab, Dubai

World's Leading New Hotel: InterContinental Residence Suites, DFC, Dubai

World's Leading New Resort: Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay

World's Leading Private Jet Charter: Royal Jet Group

World's Leading Suite: The Monarch Suite, The Monarch Dubai

World's Leading Tourism Development Project: Yas Island, Aldar

World's Leading Tourism Property Development Company: IFA Hotels & Resorts

World's Leading Tourist Board: Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

World's Leading Travel Agency: Regency Travel & Tours, Qatar

World's Leading Travel Management Company: Dnata

World?s Leading Travel Technology Provider: Illusions Online, Dubai

by Gemma Greenwood