The Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards has expanded its hotel ratings into new destinations for 2024.

The 66th annual list spans more than 2,000 properties worldwide, featuring 340 five-star, 600 four-star and 503 recommended hotels.

Hotels in the Middle East score big

Dubai gained five new five-star hotels on the list, which are Address Beach Resort, Armani Hotel Dubai, Atlantis The Royal, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, and The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. Forbes has recognised 12 five-star hotels in the city which is the most of any market.

Beyond Dubai, the Middle East saw additional new top-rated winners in Doha (Four Seasons Hotel Doha and Raffles Doha) and Kuwait (Waldorf Astoria Kuwait), making it the region with the most new five-star awards.

Travel trends highlighted by Forbes 2024 awards

The Forbes Star Awards has identified that luxurious adventure travel is on the rise. Rwanda debuts on the list with two five-star hotel winners and Kenya makes its first appearance featuring animal-centric hotel experiences.

GlobalData analysis of the global luxury travel sector corroborates this, noting a growing demand among luxury travellers for travel packages that are tailored to individual preferences and offer one-of-a-kind experiences specific to the people.

According to Forbes, travel is also thriving in smaller metro areas like Nashville, Charleston, and New Orleans.

Forbes Travel Guide president of ratings Amanda Frasier commented: "Travel was highly anticipated to have a strong year. The new winners reflect the increased efforts properties are making to deliver elevated guest experiences, the evolving focus the discerning traveller has on well-being and the desire for authentic destination-centric itineraries.”

In late 2023, Forbes highlighted major hotel industry leaders in its World’s Top Companies for Women list.