The World Travel Awards (WTA) Latin America Gala Ceremony 2025 took place at the AVA Resort Cancún on 27 September 2025, bringing together the region’s leading brands in travel and hospitality.
Judges recognized standout achievements across destinations, airlines, hotels, resorts, attractions and sustainability—confirming Mexico, Peru, and Chile as this year’s headline performers.
Mexico’s Big Night
Mexico cemented its regional leadership with multiple marquee titles.
Cancún swept high-profile urban and beach categories, reflecting the city’s blend of leisure and meetings appeal, while Cancún International Airport (CUN) was celebrated for connectivity and passenger growth.
Isla Mujeres earned top island honors, underscoring the Caribbean-side surge in boutique luxury.
In hospitality, Chablé Yucatán captured a country-level hotel crown and Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres was highlighted among the year’s most notable new openings.
Together, these wins position Mexico as Latin America’s most complete proposition—sun-and-sand getaways, robust air access, and a strong luxury pipeline.
Peru’s Cultural And Culinary Crown
Peru reclaimed the region’s cultural spotlight with titles that speak to its unique blend of heritage and gastronomy.
Machu Picchu once again stood out as a bucket-list tourist attraction, while Peru’s national accolades in cultural and culinary categories reinforce Lima’s stature as a dining powerhouse.
For travelers, the takeaway is clear: Peru remains Latin America’s top choice for deep cultural immersion paired with world-class restaurants and iconic archaeology.
Chile’s Adventure And Sustainability Edge
Chile extended its dominance in adventure and nature tourism, adding recognition for green credentials and cruise potential along its dramatic coastline and fjords.
The Atacama Desert earned romantic-travel praise, proving Chile can be rugged and refined at once—stargazing, luxury lodges, and cinematic landscapes.
With Patagonia’s trails, Atacama’s night skies, and a growing sustainable ethos, Chile is the region’s definitive pick for eco-conscious, outdoors-first travelers.
Key 2025 Wins At A Glance
| Country | Headline Wins (2025) | Star City/Attraction | Traveler Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Multiple destination crowns (urban, beach, business/meetings), CUN recognized for excellence, Isla Mujeres island honors, standout hotel & new resort wins | Cancún, Isla Mujeres | Convenience + variety: top air access, award-winning beaches, and a maturing luxury scene |
| Peru | Region-leading cultural and culinary titles; Machu Picchu again top tourist attraction | Machu Picchu, Lima | Culture + cuisine: ancient sites, modern gastronomy, and well-developed visitor services |
| Chile | Adventure, nature, green, and cruise accolades; Atacama romantic-travel recognition | Atacama Desert, Patagonia | Outdoors + sustainability: world-class trekking, dark-sky stargazing, and eco-luxury options |
Why These Results Matter For 2025–26 Travel
- Demand Signals: Awards often precede capacity increases. Expect more routes, lift, and packages into Cancún, Lima, and Santiago gateways.
- Product Refresh: New luxury entries like Almare and celebrated stalwarts such as Chablé Yucatán broaden choices for premium travelers.
- Diversified Itineraries: Pair Cancún with Isla Mujeres for a beach-plus-boutique mix; combine Lima’s restaurants with Machu Picchu; and stitch Atacama and Patagonia for an epic Chile loop.
- Sustainability: Chile’s “green” recognition reflects a wider Latin American pivot to responsible tourism, from lodge design to on-the-ground conservation.
How To Plan Around The Winners
- Best For Families: Mexico (resort variety, nonstop flights, kid-friendly attractions).
- Best For Culture Lovers & Foodies: Peru (iconic sites plus culinary itineraries).
- Best For Adventure & Stargazing: Chile (desert astronomy, glaciers, trekking).
- Booking Tip: For peak seasons, lock flights at least 8–12 weeks ahead and consider shoulder months for value without losing award-winning quality.
The 2025 World Travel Awards confirmed what savvy travelers already sense: Mexico rules for breadth and access, Peru leads with culture and cuisine, and Chile sets the bar for adventure and sustainability.
Whether you want a seamless resort escape, an immersive culinary-history circuit, or a once-in-a-lifetime desert-to-glacier expedition, these three winners deliver the region’s most compelling—and future-ready—experiences.
