Opodo travel news: Opodo travel news

Etihad Airways was one of the big winners at the grand final of this year's World Travel Awards, picking up the accolade for the world's leading airline.

Qatar Airways was recognised for its business class services and TAP Portugal was named the leading provider of flights to South America, while Virgin Atlantic topped the category covering transatlantic airlines.

London won the award for the world's leading destination this year and is also home to the recipient of the city hotel award - the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Park Lane.

Dubai's Burj Al Arab was voted the world's best hotel and Bondi Beach in Sydney attracted the most votes in the 'best beach' section.

The World Travel Awards final in London was the conclusion of a regional tour that included events in Dubai, South Africa, Mexico and Portugal.

Graham Cooke, the awards' president and founder, said: 'Today's winners have not only been recognised as the best in their region, but they have proved themselves to be the best in the world and the number one choice of travel professionals and consumers alike.

'They have remained focused on their long-term objectives and continued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty, setting an industry example.'