Hosted at AVA Resort Cancún, the gala brought together key stakeholders and dignitaries from across the industry, reinforcing Cancún’s role as a leading tourism hub for the region.
Mexico secured a series of major titles, including “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination”, while Isla Mujeres was recognised as “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Island Destination”. Cancún itself collected multiple awards, among them “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Beach Destination” and “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination”.
Peru also emerged as one of the evening’s standout winners, receiving awards for “South America’s Leading Destination”, “Leading Culinary Destination”, “Leading Cultural Destination”, and “Leading Adventure Tourism Destination”. Machu Picchu was named “South America’s Leading Tourist Attraction”. Chile claimed victories including “South America’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination” and “Leading Cruise Destination”.
In the hospitality sector, highlights included:
- Chablé Yucatán named “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel”
- Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Costa Rica recognised as “Leading Resort”
- Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Colombia awarded “South America’s Leading Hotel”
- Termas Papallacta, Ecuador honoured as “South America’s Leading Resort”
- Almare Isla Mujeres named “Central America’s Leading New Resort”
- GO Quito Hotel, Ecuador awarded “South America’s Leading New Hotel”
In aviation, Aeromexico was voted “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Airline”, while LATAM took the title of “South America’s Leading Airline”. Cancún International Airport was recognised as “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Airport”, and W Premium Lounge Recife Frevo won “South America’s Leading Airport Lounge”.
During the event, Governor Mara Lezama was honoured by Mexico’s Federal Ministry of Tourism as Tourism Ambassador of Mexico, acknowledging her efforts in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism in the Mexican Caribbean.
Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Latin America to this extraordinary celebration in Cancún. The warmth and vibrancy of the local hospitality made this night unforgettable. Our winners represent the very best of our industry, and we salute their achievements in helping shape the future of travel across the region.”
Regional tourism boards were also recognised, with ProColombia named “South America’s Leading Tourist Board”, Quito awarded “South America’s Leading Cultural City Destination”, Buenos Aires voted “South America’s Leading City Destination”, and Rio de Janeiro securing titles including “South America’s Leading Beach Destination”.
The evening underlined the strength of Latin America’s tourism and hospitality sector, celebrating destinations, airlines, hotels, and operators that continue to drive innovation, connectivity, and sustainable growth across the region.
