Le Meridien's Middle East hotels voted number one for third time

Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts has regained its top ranking in the region, voted Leading Hotel Group in the Middle East at the recent World Travel Awards ceremony in St Lucia.

Winner in the category in three of the past four years, Le Meridien came out top again in the industry poll, which is carried out online to enable up to 500,000 travel agents worldwide register their votes.

"We are delighted at this recognition from those in the know, our partners the travel agents that recommend our properties and make our guest bookings," said Sami Zoghbi, managing director, Middle East and West Asia for Le Meridien. 

Russel Sharpe, regional vice president of sales, added: "The hotel sector in the region is highly competitive, with both local and international brands continually setting new benchmarks of excellence - to come out top among such high-regarded names is a great accolade for us and one of which we are very proud."

The hotel chain also won the World Travel Award as Europe's Leading Hotel Group, while its Forte Village resort in Sardinia was recognised as the World's Leading Resort and the World's Leading Spa Resort.

The spate of awards rounds off a highly successful year for the UK-based hotel group which was the TTG Reader's Choice as Best Business Hotel Chain, while individual hotels won awards for everything from renovation projects to concierge staff, best penthouse suit and best golf resort.