World's leading destinations unveiled

London has been voted the world's leading destination at the World Travel Awards.

It beat off competition from a host of other destinations, including Paris and last year's winner New York, to take the award for the first time since 2001.

London also possesses the world's leading tourist attraction with the London Eye taking the mantle from the Eiffel Tower Paris.

And there was good news for Britain's airlines, with British Airways voted the world's leading airline, while rival Virgin Atlantic won the award for world's leading in-flight entertainment system.

But despite being the world's leading destination, London's reign as Europe's leading destination has been ended by Barcelona.

It is only the second time since the category was created in 1998 that London has not been voted Europe's leading destination – the other being when Paris won it in 2002.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, who has overseen a year in which adulation turned to grief when winning the Olympic Games was followed by the London bombings, welcomed the award.

"I am pleased that the capital can claim yet another feather in its cap this year, on top of our Olympic success in July," he said.

"London is the most diverse, globally inclusive tourist destination in the world and this award recognises how far we’ve come in promoting the city."

Visit London chief executive James Bidwell said: "We have made tremendous strides in our reputation for good food, good value and high quality events. I’m delighted that the worldwide travel industry has recognised these achievements on behalf of the visitors and businesses that they represent."

Over two million votes were made in the awards, now in their 12th year, by travel professionals across the world.

Awards were made on a global and a regional basis. The leading destinations by region are as follows:

Africa: Cape Town, South Africa

Asia: Bangkok, Thailand

Australasia: Sydney, Australia

Caribbean: Barbados

Central and Latin America: Cancun, Mexico

Indian Ocean: Maldives

Middle East: Dubai

North America: Orlando, US

South America: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

For more information on the World Travel Awards see: www.worldtravelawards.com