Business & Finance Club Magazine - Tourism Sector - MANAMA: The Gulf Hotel, which debuted at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, won the prestigious World Travel Award for the Leading Hotel in Bahrain. Votes for the World Travel Awards were cast by 180,000 travel industry professionals from more than 175 countries.

"It is indeed a great honour to accept this award and marks a tremendous achievement for us as it is voted for by members of the travel industry across the world," said Gulf Hotels Group chief executive officer Aqeel Raees.

"The Gulf Hotel and Gulf Convention Centre established itself as Bahrain's original five-star hotel when it opened its doors in October 1969.

"Today, the hotel has secured its presence as the kingdom's first and most luxurious property, providing our guests with exceptional service and outstanding quality standards for more than 40 years," he added.

"All of our Middle East winners have shown remarkable resilience to overcome the challenges of recent times, with an exceptional focus on excellent customer service and facilities that are simply second to none," said World Travel Awards president and founder Graham Cooke.

"Those companies that hold aloft their trophies are an example to the world, raising standards with determination, creativity and innovation.

"I congratulate the team at The Gulf Hotel in Bahrain on their valued contribution to the global tourism industry. Winning a World Travel Award is the ultimate accolade, and they can be justly proud of their outstanding achievement," he added.