April marks the halfway point for the 2016 GT Tested Reader Survey awards voting. The open-ended ballot runs yearly in the magazine and online from January to August, and you, our valued readers and true travel experts, can vote for your favorites in a number of industry-related categories, from airlines and hotels to reward programs and products.
With only a few months left to cast your vote for your favorites, Global Traveler is taking a look at those winners on the cusp of achieving milestone status in our survey — including entering the 10-Year Hall of Fame and earning Quint Status.
Hall of Fame
In 2013, as Global Traveler celebrated the 10th anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, we recognized those winners who dominated their respective categories for the entirety of our survey. Our inaugural Hall of Fame winners included Singapore Airlines (Best Airline in the World), Asiana Airlines (Best Airline for Onboard Service and Best Airline for Flight Attendants), United MileagePlus (Best Frequent-Flyer Program), South African Airways (Best Airline in Africa), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (Best Airport in North America) and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts (Best Hotel Chain in Latin America).
Subsequent inductees into the Hall of Fame included Incheon Airport (Best Overall Airport in the World), Air Canada (Best Airline in North America) and IHG Rewards Club (Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World).
The esteemed companies looking to claim their titles for the 10th time and earn Hall of Fame status in 2016 include
EL AL Israel Airlines
Best Airline for Security
Dubai Duty Free
Best Duty-Free Shops
The Address Downtown Dubai
Best Individual Hotel in the World
Quint Status
To recognize those achieving five consecutive years at the top of their categories, Global Traveler introduces Quint Status. Past honorees include oneworld (Best Airline Alliance), Alitalia (Best Airline Cuisine), Aeromexico (Best Airline in Mexico), TAP Portugal (Best Airline in Europe), Andaz (Best Lifestyle Hotel), The Peninsula Beverly Hills (Best Hotel in the United States), Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts (Best Hotel Chain in Mexico), Boingo Wireless (Best WiFi Service) and Briggs & Riley (Best Luggage Brand).
The esteemed companies looking to claim their titles for the fifth time and earn Quint status in 2016 include
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Best Hotel in South Korea
Ireland
Best Tourism Destination
United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase
Best Credit Card
Best Credit Card Rewards Program
Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase
Best Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America
Best Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card
How to Vote
To vote for the 2016 GT Tested Reader Survey awards and help your favorites win or earn milestone Hall of Fame and Quint Status positions, turn to page 57 and complete the ballot or visit our website at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards-ballot.
Airline and Hotel of the Year
Also in 2016, we award our sixth annual Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year. To which airline and hotel will last year’s winners, Turkish Airlines and The Ritz-Carlton, pass the torch?
The Airline and Hotel of the Year awards are not reader-voted but are selected by a panel of Global Traveler employees and Advisory Board members. Winners are selected based on experience and independent research on financial data, occupancy rates, load factors, on-time figures, safety records, brand image and menus.
The 2016 Airline of the Year nominees, as voted by the well-traveled Global Traveler team, are
Aer Lingus
Aeromexico
Alitalia
American Airlines
Brussels Airlines
China Airlines
Delta Air Lines
EVA Air
LATAM
Lufthansa
Singapore Airlines
Swiss International Air Lines
The 2016 Hotel of the Year nominees, as voted by the well-traveled Global Traveler team, are
Aman Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Hyatt Hotels
InterContinental Hotels
Langham Hotels
Meliá Hotels
The Peninsula Hotels
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Latin America
The winners will be revealed in our December 2016 issue.
Read This Next
Women in Travel
2016
Sep 22, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 6, 2025Have a “The Devil Wears Prada”-Inspired Afternoon Tea at This London Hotel
Heading to London with plans to catch a performance of The Devil Wears Prada on stage at Dominion Theatre? Be sure to make reservations for an afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury, perfectly positioned in the theater district. The hotel partnered with Dominion in the conception of a themed afternoon tea and cocktail menu, using the show as inspiration.
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
Daily
Jun 6, 2025Key West’s Most Exclusive New Retreat Opens for Summer Season
Lunara Bay now accepts bookings for its July 1 opening. The property is the island's largest oceanfront accommodation with 26 luxury waterfront estates, redefining the Key West experience thanks to coastal residence comforts with the elevated service of a 5-star resort.
Destinations / North America
Jun 6, 2025Take the Family Along for Wilderness Adventures
Imagine waking up in the morning, enjoying breakfast within a rustic lodge and looking out the windows to see grizzly bears scooping live salmon out of the river. That’s just one of the many once-in-a-lifetime tableaux you’re bound to see during a stay within Great Bear Rainforest. Even if you’re visiting for business, you’ll find plenty of pleasure to partake in during your stay; and it’s super family-friendly, so why not bring the whole crew along for the adventure?
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Airlines
Jun 6, 2025Royal Air Maroc, The New Terminal One Partner
Royal Air Maroc will begin operations at The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2026. The partnership aids in the carrier’s strategy to strengthen trans-Atlantic ties between Africa and the Americas.
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Review
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 4, 2025eFlyer News
Jun 4, 2025American Airlines Now Offers Touchless ID Screening at These Airports
American Airlines implemented a streamlined process at TSA airport security checkpoints through TSA PreCheck Touchless ID on May 29 at several airports across the United States. AAdvantage members traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport will be eligible.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
June 2025
Jun 4, 2025Enrich Your Skincare Routine with Luxurious Formulas
The Rich Eye Cream For the discerning eye in every sense, Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Eye Cream is the kind of targeted indulgence that elevates any regimen. The formula is driven by the brand’s patented TFC8 technology, designed to guide key nutrients where your skin needs them most. Wild gentian root extract and a matrikine antiwrinkle complex combine skin-soothing botanicals and advanced peptides to deliver deep hydration and visible firming. Rich but not heavy, it melts in smoothly and wears well under makeup for a refreshed look, from morning meetings to late-night galas. $205.
ShareThis