The 14th edition of India’s Best Awards (IBA), hosted by Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, was held on the evening of December 16, 2025. This prestigious event is widely considered the ultimate benchmark for travel and hospitality in the region.
1. Event Overview
- Date: December 16, 2025.
- Location: Nandiya Garden at ITC Maurya, New Delhi.
- Theme: “Passports to Possibility” — celebrating transformative travel and the endless possibilities unlocked by global exploration.
- Partners: Arthaus, Zoya Glassware, and Schueco India.
- Methodology: Winners are chosen through a democratic online voting process by readers, making the awards a direct reflection of traveller preferences.
2. Key Winners: Airports & Airlines
The aviation sector saw major players maintaining their dominance through innovation and fleet upgrades.
| Category | Winner (2025) |
| Best Domestic Airline | Air India (Second consecutive year) |
| Best International Airline | Singapore Airlines & Emirates (Multiple Honors) |
| Best Domestic Airport | Terminal 2 (T2), Kempegowda Intl Airport, Bengaluru |
| Best International Airport | Singapore Changi Airport |
| Best In-Flight Menu | Singapore Airlines |
3. Key Winners: Destinations
India’s domestic tourism landscape has shifted toward experiential and wellness-focused travel.
- Best State: Gujarat (Cited for its blend of history and contemporary development).
- Best Wellness Destination: Kerala (Recognised for its global leadership in Ayurveda).
- Best Cultural Destination: Punjab.
- Best Wildlife Destination: Madhya Pradesh.
- Best Wedding Destination: Rajasthan.
- Best International Country: Switzerland.
- Best International City: Cairns, Australia.
4. T+L Champions (Editor’s Choice)
Unlike the voted categories, “Champions” are curated by the T+L editors to honour pioneers in the industry.
- Innovative Hospitality Design: Ambrish Arora.
- Conservation & Wildlife: Suyash Keshari.
- Community Empowerment: Nand Kishore Chaudhary.
- Diversity & Culture: Mo Naga.
5. Notable Guests & Performance
The event was attended by royalty, celebrities, and industry titans:
- Royalty: HH Maharajah of Udaipur, Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, HH Yuvraj Janmejay Raj Singh of Jaisalmer.
- Hosts: Björn Rettig (CEO, BurdaLuxury) and Akshita M. Bhanj Deo (Editor-in-Chief).
- Entertainment: A live performance by Lipshtick, a band curated by The Piano Man, New Delhi.