The Best of Business and Luxury Travel; Global Traveler Magazine Reveals Winners of Its Annual Reader Survey.

YARDLEY, Pa., Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The results of Global Traveler's annual reader survey, published in the magazine's January 2006 issue, cover the best products the industry has to offer. The survey reveals readers' picks for the best in business and luxury travel in categories ranging from Best Airport in the World, Best Airline in the World and Best Frequent Flyer Program.

"Global Traveler readers are unparalleled when it comes to their frequency of travel and their broad range of travel products they utilize," said GT Publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher. "No magazine's readership is more qualified to vote in these categories. Our readers are eclectic and diverse and travel on more airlines and rack up more hotel nights than any other magazine."

Among the winners, InterContinental Hotels - Priority Club Rewards took top prize for Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World beating out Marriott Rewards who won last year and United Mileage Plus earned Best Frequent Flyer Program for the second year in a row.

"People who fly a lot for business and pleasure rack up an enormous number of points and miles," said Gallagher. "Points for this segment of the population are not a novelty; they're a commodity."

Looking skyward, Thai Airways took Best Trans-Pacific Airline while Asiana earned top kudos for Best In-flight Service and Cabin Staff. Singapore Airlines earned top honors as Best Airline in the World and British Airways beat out Virgin Atlantic as Best Business Class. Emirates Airlines, new to the North American market, took Best First Class away from British Airways, and in the regional category Czech Airlines was named Best Airline in Eastern Europe for the second year in a row.

"As a frequent flyer to Asia, I know that Singapore Airlines and Asiana have top service," said Alexandra Young, Global Traveler vice president. "As business travelers, we want to feel welcome and these carriers understand that."

United Airlines was the big winner in this year's survey taking three major awards as Best Domestic First Class, Best Frequent Flyer Program and Best Premium Economy Class. United Airlines also took Best Business Class Wines and Best White Wine served in the GT annual Wines on the Wing awards earlier this year.