Photo: Sofitel
As part of our 2026 Hotel and Travel Awards, we invited our seasoned travellers to cast their votes across three People’s Choice categories: Best Airline, Best Hotel Brand and Best Tour Operator. The goal of these reader-voted awards is to celebrate the breadth, calibre and innovation of Australia’s travel industry, as recognised by you.
This year’s shortlist revealed an uncurbed desire for experiential travel that goes hand in hand with luxury. Here are the clear winners of 2026 People’s Choice Awards for Best Airline, Best Hotel Brand and Best Tour Operator.
2026 Airline of the Year: Qantas
For more than a century, Qantas has been carrying Australians across the country and around the world. Voted Best Airline by our readers, the national carrier continues to set the benchmark for reliability, service and network reach in an increasingly competitive aviation landscape. From its extensive domestic schedule to its growing portfolio of international routes, Qantas remains the airline many Australian travellers instinctively choose when planning a journey. Its appeal extends beyond convenience. Comfortable cabins, attentive service and a strong frequent flyer program have helped foster remarkable customer loyalty across generations.
The airline has also embraced innovation, investing in new aircraft, upgraded lounges and enhanced onboard experiences while maintaining a reputation for operational excellence. The much-anticipated Project Sunrise initiative, which will introduce non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York, represents the next chapter in that ambition and promises to reshape long-haul travel for Australians.
2026 Best Hotel Brand: Sofitel
For travellers, consistency is one of the most prized qualities when it comes to hotels, and no brand delivers it quite like Sofitel. Voted Best Hotel Brand by Gourmet Traveller readers, the French-born collection has built its reputation on a distinctive blend of elegance, attentive service and a genuine sense of place. From landmark city addresses to resort destinations, Sofitel properties combine contemporary comfort with a refined Gallic sensibility that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Signature touches – from thoughtfully designed interiors and memorable dining experiences to warm, highly personalised service – ensure guests know they are staying with Sofitel, wherever they are in the world.
Yet the brand’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance international standards with local character. Whether overlooking a bustling metropolis, a tropical beach or a historic waterfront, each hotel reflects its destination while remaining unmistakably Sofitel.
2026 Best Tour Operator: Luxury Escapes
High-end travel was once the domain of specialist agents and seasoned insiders. Luxury Escapes changed that. Voted Best Tour Operator by our readers, the Australian company, founded by Adam Schwab and Jeremy Same in 2013, has built a loyal following by making premium holidays more accessible, more transparent and far easier to book. What began as a curated collection of luxury hotel deals has evolved into a comprehensive travel platform encompassing hotels, tours, cruises, flights and experiences. The company has also grown from being a pure e-commerce booking site to having bricks-and-mortar stores in Sydney’s Bondi Junction and Chadstone in Melbourne. The appeal of Luxury Escapes lies not only in the value of its deals but also in the simplicity of the experience. Exclusive inclusions, clear pricing and carefully selected properties remove much of the guesswork from holiday planning.
In an increasingly crowded travel marketplace, Luxury Escapes has succeeded by understanding what modern travellers want: convenience, confidence and memorable experiences.
All winners in the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards have been determined by Gourmet Traveller editor David Meagher, deputy editor Ceri David and digital editor Georgia Condon. We also sought input from our team of luxury food and travel industry experts including our Victoria state editor Michael Harden, Queensland state editor Elliot Baker, New South Wales state editor Alexandra Carlton and travel writer Carrie Hutchinson.
How we pick the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards winners
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