The Best of Show for The Business Travel Industry

At an awards ceremony this week at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles, Business Traveler magazine announced the winners of the 2008 "Best in Business Travel" Awards, chosen by the readers of Business Traveler for the 20th consecutive year.

At the top of the list was Emirates, named the "Best Overall Airline in the World," giving the Dubai-based carrier the nod over perennial winner Singapore Airlines. Park Hyatt won for "Best Hotel Chain in the World."

The Airline Winners Were:

    Best Overall Airline in the World: Emirates
    Best Airport in the World: Changi Airport (Singapore)
    Best First-Class Service in the World: Jet Airways
    Best Business-Class Service in the World: Qantas
    Best Premium Economy Class in the World: Virgin Atlantic
    Best Economy-Class Service in the World: Singapore Airlines
    Best Airline in Mexico: Aeromexico
    Best Airline in Western Europe: British Airways
    Best Airline in Central and Eastern Europe: Czech Airlines
    Best Airline in the Middle East: Qatar

The Best Airline in Asia; Best Business Class to Asia/Trans-Pacific; Best Airline Advertising Campaign: Korean Air

Best Flight Attendants in the World; Best In-Flight Services in the World; Best Overall Airline Customer Service: Asiana

Best Airline for First-Class Service in North America: American Airlines

Best North American Airline for International Travel; Best Airline for Business-Class Service in North America; Best In-Flight Services in North America: Air Canada

Best Airline for Business-Class Service to South America: LAN

Best Airline for Business Class to Europe/Trans-Atlantic: Air France

Best Business Class to Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific: Air New Zealand

    Best Business Class to the Middle East: Etihad Airways
    Best Business Class to Africa: South African Airways
    Best All-Business-Class Airline: All Nippon Airways
    Best Airline Cuisine/Meals: bmi
    Best Airline Alliance Program: Star Alliance
    Best Low-Cost Airline in North America: Virgin America
    Best Airport Clubs/Lounges; Best Frequent-Flyer Program; Best Airline Web Site: Delta Air Lines

    Best Airport in North America: Denver International Airport

The Hotel Winners Were   

     Best Hotel Chain in the World: Park Hyatt
     Best Hotel Chain in North America: Marriott
     Best Hotel Chain in Asia; Best Overall Hotel Chain Customer Service: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

      Best Hotel Chain in Europe; Hotel Chain with the Most Comfortable Beds: Sofitel

     Best Hotel Chain in Latin America: Starwood’s Sheraton brand
     Best Hotel Chain in Eastern Europe: Hilton
     Best Hotel Loyalty Program: InterContinental Hotel Group

Business Travel-Related Industry Winners Were:

    Best Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony
    Best Mobile Phone Coverage in the World: AT&T
    Best Wireless Data Service Provider in the World: Verizon Wireless
    Best International Courier Service: DHL
    Best Web Site for Booking Travel: Orbitz
    Best Credit Card for Business Travel: American Express
    Best Credit Card Rewards Program: American Express Rewards

"The December/January issue of Business Traveler will feature more details on the winners," says Eva Leonard, the editor.