Strong players in travel & tourism retain lead at AsiaOne PCA 2015

SINGAPORE - Last year's winners proved their mettle once again by coming in tops in their respective travel and tourism categories at the AsiaOne People's Choice Awards (PCA) 2015.

Started in 2008, PCA seeks to honour companies by having AsiaOne readers vote for their favourite brands and services.

This year, over 250,000 were cast by AsiaOne readers and 81 companies were named top brands and services at a ceremony held on April 30 at upscale business hotel, M Hotel.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) edged out nine strong competitors including runners-up Cathay Pacific Airways and Emirates to clinch the award.

SIA also received top honours by being inducted into PCA's hall of fame for winning the award for Best Full-service Airlines five times in a row since 2011. The only other company inducted into the Hall of Fame this year was DBS Bank.

Budget carrier Jetstar Asia Airways also looks to be following the successful path as SIA.

Jetstar was named the People's Choice for Best Low-cost Carrier for the third time in a fierce race between four airlines. They have won this award since the category started in 2013.

Over in the hotel categories, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) won Best Full-service Hotel at the awards, firmly holding on to their reign for three years consecutively since the category was introduced in 2013.

First-time awardee Grand Hyatt Hotel and The Fullerton Hotel were also named in the top three.

Loft-style Studio M Hotel retained their title as the Best Boutique Award for the second time running.

Naumi Hotel, also made its debut at the awards, coming in as the runner-up in the Best Boutique Hotel category, together with The Quincy Hotel.

Universal Studios Singapore (USS) came as the favourite for Best Local Attraction in Singapore. This is their second time winning the award which was introduced in 2014.

Ms Lena Lee, director of Operations at USS, said they are very proud of winning the award.

"By winning all these awards, it proves to us that we are the people's choice and we are the best attraction in Singapore," Ms Lee added.

S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world's largest aquarium and maritime museum, also made its debut at the awards and was named runner-up, together with Gardens by the Bay. 

wjeanne@sph.com.sg