WTM Virtual has named this year’s World Travel Leaders, the annual recognition of companies and individuals from around the globe which have had a positive impact on a specific region or sector.
The virtual event took place on November 2, where businesses were nominated by WTM Official Media Partners, a group of the world’s leading travel trade media organisations, with a panel of industry experts and WTM executives deciding the winners. The entry criteria were geared towards businesses, which have embraced the key themes of this year’s WTM Virtual – recover, rebuild, innovate. A number of inbound operators and destination management companies were chosen by the media partners, with hotel chains, airlines, tour operators and entrepreneurs also making the grade. Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, was nominated by TTN Middle East. It has devised a specific Covid-19 insurance policy for all passengers, free of charge, placing this at the heart of its immediate recovery plans. Passengers, even in economy, will be covered to the tune of $174,377 in medical expenses and €100 per day quarantine costs for 14 days, should they be diagnosed with Covid-19 during their travel. The insurance applies for 31 days after the first leg on any journey, giving customers added reassurance that the policy is valid even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination. "We have always tried to be an innovative, forward-thinking airline and our dedicated Covid-19 insurance for passengers is an example of how we are finding ways to persuade passengers to take to the skies," said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. Other winners included Carrani Tours, nominated by Italy’s L’Agenzia di Viaggi; B2B operator GRNConnect, nominated by Trav Talk India; Jet2.com, a tour operator with direct and third-party distribution, was nominated by TTG Media, and more.