South Korea Named Asia’s Best Destination at Travel Weekly Asia Awards 2026
South Korea has been named Asia’s Best Destination at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, while the Maldives and Singapore secured top honours in island tourism and destination marketing, respectively. The awards recognise leading organisations across the travel and tourism industry, highlighting excellence in hospitality, aviation, cruise tourism, attractions and travel services. The awards ceremony was held at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, on October 1, 2026, where 46 awards were presented across seven categories. Based on votes from travel trade professionals across Asia, this year’s results saw 23 previous winners retain their titles, while 23 new winners emerged, reflecting both continuity and changing competition within the regional tourism market.
South Korea, Maldives and Singapore Lead Destination Awards
South Korea received the Best Destination (Asia) award, while the Maldives was recognised as Best Island Destination (Asia). The Philippines won Best Dive Destination (Asia), and Singapore secured Best Destination Marketing (Asia), highlighting the region’s diverse tourism products and the importance of effective destination promotion. The South Korea awards showcase Asia’s broad tourism appeal, from cultural experiences and city breaks to island holidays and marine adventures. Recognition from travel trade professionals can also help destinations strengthen their visibility among tour operators, travel planners and other industry stakeholders.
Complete List of Travel Weekly Asia Awards 2026 Winners
The following tables present the winners across all seven categories, based on the results published by Travel Weekly Asia.
1. Hotel and Resort in South Korea Awards
Award Category
Winner
Best International Hotel Chain
Marriott International
Best Regional Hotel Chain
Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Best Midscale Hotel Chain
Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Best Luxury City Hotel (Asia)
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Best Luxury Beach Resort (Asia)
AYANA Resort Bali
Best Lifestyle Hotel (Asia)
M Social Resort Penang
Best Upscale Hotel (Asia)
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Best Midscale Hotel (Asia)
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
Best Contemporary Lifestyle Hotel (Asia)
Aloft by Marriott Singapore Novena
Best Independent Hotel (Asia)
One Farrer Hotel
Best Sustainable Hotel (Asia)
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore
Best Business Hotel (Asia)
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok
Best Integrated Resort (Asia)
Sands Resorts Macao
2. Serviced Residence
Award Category
Winner
Best Serviced Residence Group
The Ascott Limited
Best Serviced Residence Property (Asia)
Great World Residences, Singapore
3. Airline and Airport in South Korea Awards
Award Category
Winner
Best Airline (Asia)
Singapore Airlines
Best Airline (Europe)
Lufthansa
Best Airline (North America)
Delta Air Lines
Best Airline (Middle East)
Emirates
Best Low-Cost Carrier (Asia)
Scoot
Best Airline (Business Travel)
Cathay Pacific
Best Airport (Asia)
Singapore Changi Airport
4. Cruise in South Korea Awards
Award Category
Winner
Best Cruise Line (Asia)
StarDream Cruises
Best Cruise Line (Europe)
Royal Caribbean
Best Cruise Line (Alaska)
Silversea
Best Cruise Line (Antarctica)
Scenic Cruises
Best Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best Luxury Cruise Line
Crystal Cruises
Best Cruise Line (Upper Premium)
Oceania Cruises
Best Cruise Line (Expedition)
Silversea
Best Cruise Line (Cuisine)
Royal Caribbean
Best Cruise Line (Entertainment)
StarDream Cruises
Best Cruise Line (Family)
Disney Cruise Line
Best River Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
Best Cruise Terminal (Asia)
Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore
5. Destination
Award Category
Winner
Best Destination (Asia)
South Korea
Best Island Destination (Asia)
Maldives
Best Dive Destination (Asia)
The Philippines
Best Destination Marketing (Asia)
Singapore
6. Attraction
Award Category
Winner
Best Attraction (Asia)
Mandai Wildlife Reserve
7. Travel Agency
Award Category
Winner
Best Travel Agency (Asia)
Apple Vacations
Best Luxury Travel Agency (Asia)
Prestige by Chan Brothers
Best Inbound Travel Agency (Asia)
Smailing Tour DMC
Best Outbound Travel Agency (Asia)
EU Holidays
Best Corporate Travel Agency (Asia)
FCM Travel
Best Online Travel Agency (Asia)
Trip.com
Awards Highlight Asia’s Competitive Tourism Industry
The 2026 results recognise organisations operating across a wide spectrum of tourism services, from accommodation and air connectivity to cruise experiences, visitor attractions and travel distribution. Singapore featured prominently, with honours for its airport, destination marketing, hotels and cruise infrastructure, while South Korea, the Maldives and the Philippines received recognition in major destination categories.
According to Irene Chua, vice president and group publisher for Asia at Northstar Travel Group, the awards recognise organisations that have earned the confidence of travel trade professionals through their performance, innovation and service. The annual awards provide an overview of the travel brands and destinations gaining recognition across Asia. For tourism stakeholders, the results also offer insights into regional competition, emerging preferences and the importance of maintaining high standards in hospitality, visitor experiences and destination promotion.
