For the 15th consecutive year, Global Traveler honors the best of the best in the industry with the Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year awards. Looking back at 2025, we recognize Turkish Airlines as Airline of the Year and Marriott Hotels & Resorts as Hotel of the Year.

The process includes a select group of Global Traveler staff and Advisory Board members choosing the winner by combing through a series of considerations and factors. They take a look at each nominee’s financial information, performance records, loading and boarding time, safety procedures, onboard menus, and overall image as a brand.

TURKISH AIRLINES
AIRLINE OF THE YEAR
Turkish Airlines got its start back in 1933 as State Airlines Administration with just five airplanes and fewer than 30 employees. Proudly sporting the Turkish national flag, in 1947 it flew its first overseas flight from İstanbul to Athens. A few years later, in 1951, the airline added new aircraft to its fleet, bringing its total to 33.

© Turkish Airlines

This made it easier to fly to new destinations such as Nicosia, Beirut and Cairo. The airline officially became Turkish Airlines in 1955 and gained its rank among the members of the International Air Transport Association. In 1959 it all came together when Mesut Manioğlu designed the signature wild goose emblem.

Turkish Airlines made history in 1961 when captains Zihni Barn and Nurettin crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a Fokker F27 for a 30-hour flight from the United States to İstanbul. Afterward, Turkish Airlines continued to make further strides to provide better flights and more destinations for its passengers.

Flash forward to the early 2000s, when Turkish Airlines made it easier for passengers to book flights with the launch of a call center and eventually the arrival of e-tickets and online check-in. Currently it can take travelers less than a minute to book a flight on the user-friendly mobile app. The early 2000s proved a pivotal time for the airline as it also introduced Miles&Smiles, the first rewards program with exclusive perks and upgrades to catering services, and joined Star Alliance.

Today Turkish Airlines continues to put its passengers first. While on board, customers can enjoy meals made by flying chefs through the airline’s partnership with Turkish DO & CO, as well as take advantage of the jam-packed in-flight entertainment options, including the latest movies, music, games and in-flight WiFi service.

Recently, Turkish Airlines claimed the Guinness World Record of “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline.” Passengers can book flights to 130 countries from its home at Istanbul Airport, all on a young and modern fleet of 506 aircraft. While keeping up with the latest travel trends, Turkish Airlines also commits to social responsibility programs.

© Turkish Airlines

Through its Tomorrow On-Board initiative, the airline takes steps toward valuing society and nature in every destination it serves. It works hard to create a sustainable world to shape the future and make it a better place for generations to come. For example, when cabin crew luggage gets damaged, the airline transforms bags into children’s shoes to be distributed throughout the country. On behalf of each Turkish Airlines employee, the airline makes a sustainable contribution to their home country and local farmers. To celebrate its 91st year, the airline donated 91,000 saplings, including olives and pistachios, in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, and surrounding villages. Once the trees grow and start producing, the income from the harvest will benefit the farmers taking care of the saplings.

Not only does Turkish Airlines care about the environment, but it also cares about the people who inhabit it. Education sits at the heart of its social responsibility. One main focus is encouraging people to explore the fields of science, technology and aviation. Employees can participate in training programs led by experts in their fields to help understand the concepts and value of field experiences.

NOMINEES:

Qatar Airways
United Airlines

MARRIOTT HOTELS & RESORTS
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Did you know Marriott International technically got its start in 1927 as an A&W Root Beer franchise in Washington, D.C.? Let’s take a look at how it has evolved since into one of the biggest hotel chains in the world. J. Willard and Alice Sheets Marriott started their business as a soda store to help satisfy people’s thirsts during the hot Washington, D.C., summers. The restaurant soon expanded its options, featuring food with good prices under the name Hot Shoppes. After continuing to grow as a restaurant and even serving its food on aircraft, 30 years later Marriott decided to take its services to the next level by adding lodging onto an already existing Hot Shoppes in Arlington, Virginia, and called it Twin Bridges Motor Hotel.

After seeing success in the hotel industry, Marriott opened a second property, Key Bridge Motor Hotel in Rosslyn, Virginia, in 1959. Throughout the years, Marriott continued to grow, opening its first international property in 1969 in Acapulco Bay in Mexico, which was soon followed by its second in 1975, this time across the pond in Amsterdam.

By 1981 Marriott opened its 100th property in Maui, Hawai‘i. Two years later it created the first of its many hotel branch brands — Courtyard by Marriott. The Courtyard brand was marketed as a hotel for business travelers designed by business travelers.

© Marriott

Throughout the next couple of years, Marriott continued on a roll of firsts, including its first rewards program, first JW Marriott property and first Fairfield Inn. These were followed by the first luxury brand, The Ritz-Carlton; the first extended stays at TownePlace Suites; the first SpringHill; and so on.

That takes us to the 2000s, with Marriott continuing to expand with the addition of brands such as Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, EDITION Hotels, the Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott and Moxy Hotels, as well as the acquisition of already-existing brands such as Gaylord Hotels, Protea Hospitality, and Delta Hotels and Resorts. Its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts brought 11 new brands including W Hotels, Westin Hotels and Resorts, and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.

In 2019 Marriott Bonvoy was introduced to replace all the brands’ existing rewards programs to make it easier for travelers to earn and use rewards across the company’s global portfolio of hotels and resorts.

Marriott Bonvoy proves to be a factor in keeping customers loyal to its brands. Not only can members use their points on future stays, they can also redeem them for water experiences, culinary experiences, Starbucks Stars, airline points and even the chance to win unique experiences like intimate concert experiences and more.

Even though Marriott has multiple brands under its umbrella, it still puts the time and effort into creating a one-of-a-kind experience for both guests and employees across the world. Marriott takes pride in welcoming travelers of all races, abilities and ages. All properties offer unique and engaging experiences to help connect people through the power of travel.

Marriott employees are essential to the company’s operations and success, where all levels and backgrounds are considered for all opportunities. The brand encourages all employees to be a part of something bigger than themselves and be inspired by travel.

© Marriott

The word “Be” also encourages them to begin, become and belong throughout their journey within the company. Marriott’s sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, outlines its commitment to creating a positive and sustainable environment around its properties. The platform is built upon four pillars: Nurture, Sustain, Empower and Welcome.

“Nurture” focuses on contributing to local communities to help make them a better place to live, work and visit. To do this, Marriott invests in the children and environment while also delivering aid and support in times of need. “Sustain” helps Marriott stay on top of integrating new sustainability initiatives and techniques across all platforms as well as working to reduce its environmental impact. “Empower” builds on being part of solutions by partnering with leading nonprofits to help provide opportunities for all, including youth, people with disabilities, those less fortunate and veterans.

Lastly, “Welcome” highlights the company’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all travelers. Marriott maintains this tenet by partnering with nonprofits, creating diversity training for its employees, being an advocate for employees and travelers alike, and holding suppliers and employees accountable. Marriott affirms the idea that travel is one of the most powerful tools for fostering peace and cultural understanding.

NOMINEES:
One&Only
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts