British Airways and Barcelona win big at NatGeo Traveller UK reader awards
Barcelona beat out Paris and Rome to take the title of favorite short-haul city destination among readers of National Geographic Traveller UK.
In their inaugural reader awards 2015, the British edition of NatGeo asked readers to vote for their favorite destinations, airlines, hotel groups, attractions and travel website.
The arresting, surreal and whimsical architecture of Gaudi; Barcelona's sun-soaked beaches and boardwalks, and local gastronomy outranked the likes of traditional tourist stalwarts such as Paris and Rome in the poll.
The outcome is different, however, when it comes to short-haul countries with Italy beating France and Spain to take that title.
British Airways also emerged a big favorite, taking the title of best short-haul and long-haul airline.
American travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux, best known for his 1975 travelogue "The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia" was given the award for outstanding contribution to travel.
Here are the winners of the NatGeo Traveller's inaugural Reader Awards 2015:
Short-haul city: Barcelona
Short-haul country: Italy
Short-haul airline: British Airways
Long-haul city: New York
Long-haul country: USA
Long-haul airline: British Airways
Overseas hotel group: Marriott International
UK Hotel group: Premier Inn
Overseas attraction: Grand Canyon
UK attraction: Tower of London
Tour operator: Virgin Holidays
Digital: TripAdvisor
Green: The Eden Project
TV program: The Mekong River with Sue Perkins
Book: National Geographic: World's Best Cities
Outstanding contribution to travel: Paul Theroux
