NEW YORK, Dec 8 — Etihad Airways, Royal Caribbean International and an ultra-luxurious hotel in Turkey, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, were among the big winners of an event known as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel world.

At the 21st annual World Travel Awards, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates held tight to its stronghold as the world’s leading airline for the sixth consecutive year, while the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, managed to break the Burj Al Arab’s nine-year winning streak to take the title of world’s leading hotel.

The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul in Turkey managed to break the Burj Al Arab’s incredible nine-year winning streak to nab the coveted title of world’s leading hotel. — AFP pic

Here some of the major winners of the World Travel Awards, as decided by members of the travel industry and the voting public:

World’s leading airline: Etihad Airways Leading business class: Hainan Airlines  Leading economy class: Oman Air Leading first class: Etihad Airways Leading in-flight entertainment: Virgin Atlantic Airways Leading low-cost airline: AirAsia Leading airport: Changi Airport, Singapore Leading hotel: Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Turkey Leading boutique hotel: Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa Leading beach destination: Turks and Caicos Islands Leading culinary destination: Peru Leading luxury hotel: Burj Al Arab, Dubai Most romantic resort: Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua Leading classic hotel: Dukes Hotel, London, England Leading cruise brand and cruise line: Royal Caribbean International Leading luxury train: Maharajas’ Express Leading green destination: Ecuador Leading green hotel: Finch Bay Eco Hotel, Ecuador Leading honeymoon destination: Mauritius Leading honeymoon resort: Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

For the full list, visit http://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2014-1. — AFP-Relaxnews