More than 100 members of the travel industry elite gathered at the elegant Hotel Bel-Air on a starlit California night to celebrate the cream of the crop, as voted by the readers of Global Traveler. Guests mingled on the front lawn of the luxury hotel in a secluded garden setting where flowing white canopies, soft lantern lighting and music by the John Brown Band set the tone for an elegant evening.

In January of each year, Global Traveler hosts a gala awards ceremony in New York City honoring all of the GT Tested Award winners. Last year, GT publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher added a second reception — also at Hotel Bel-Air — to honor award winners from Asia and the West Coast.

“As avid supporters of Global Traveler, we are honored that they chose the Bel-Air as their venue for this event for the second year in a row,” said Carlos Lopes, Hotel Bel-Air managing director. “Our job at the Bel-Air is to create memorable events with our unique and special setting, and we always look forward to supporting such a wonderful publication. There is great synergy between the audience of Global Traveler and the guests of Hotel Bel-Air, making this an ideal relationship between two luxury brands.”

Among the honored attendees were Bill Driscoll for Singapore Airlines (Best Airline for Premium Economy), Wally Mariani for Qantas Airways (Best Airline in Australia, the South Pacific and New Zealand), Steve Myer for Thai Airways (Best Trans-Pacific Airline), Kyung Chool Park for Asiana Airlines (Best Airline for Onboard Service and Flight Attendants), Will Cosby for Hertz Prestige Collection (Best Rental Car Program), and Carlos Lopes for the Hotel Bel-Air, (Best Hotel in the United States).