Lima, Peru - Mexico, Peru and Ecuador were among the big names to emerge victorious during the World Travel Awards South & Central America Gala Ceremony 2013, held at the Huacca Pucllana Temple, Lima on July 20th 2013.

The industry elite, including chief executives of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourism board chiefs from across the continent attended the magnificent gala event hailed as 'the Oscars of the travel industry.'

World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those brands which are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.

Quito, Ecuador was one of the shining stars on the night, capturing the title of 'South America’s Leading Destination,' while other winners from across the region saw 'South America’s Leading New Hotel' go to Hilton Miraflores Lima and 'South America’s Leading Business Hotel' went to Swissotel Lima.

'South America’s Leading Hotel Suite' went to the Penthouse Suites at the Copacabana Hotel. 'Mexico & Central America’s Leading Family Resort' went to Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Mexico, while 'South America’s Leading Cruise Line' was awarded to Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Awards also went to Marriott for 'South America’s Leading Hotel Brand' and 'Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel Brand' and JW Marriott Hotel Lima won 'South America’s Leading Hotel.'

Peru continued its rise to tourism stardom, taking home top honours for 'South America’s Leading Airport,' awarded to Jorge Chavez International Airport, and 'South America’s Leading Culinary Destination.'

Officials at PromPeru will also be celebrating tonight, with World Travel Awards presenting them with the title of 'South America’s Leading Tourist Board.'

Ritz Carlton Santiago took the award for 'Chile’s Leading Hotel,' Venezuela’s Leading Resort went to Laguna Mar Hotel Resort & Spa, and Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa were double winners having been voted 'South America’s Most Romantic Resort' and 'Argentina’s Leading Spa Resort.'

Graham Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards, said: "The Central & South American region continues to serve as an example of innovative and passionate tourism promotion as well as offering the most unique hospitality products and services. Peru strives to set the highest possible bar to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism and it has been an honour to hold the Central & South America World Travel Awards here for the first time."