Malaysia Makes Top 5 in Agoda's 16th Gold Circle Awards
29 January 2025
SINGAPORE: Malaysia secured the fifth spot with 311 hotels, rounding out the top 5 for 2024 in the prestigious 16th Gold Circle Awards, which celebrate Southeast Asia's exceptional hospitality.
The Agoda Gold Circle Awards, now in their 16th year, continued to shine a spotlight on Southeast Asia's outstanding hospitality industry. Thailand retained its top position, while Vietnam made a breakthrough into the top five for the first time.
The awards highlighted Southeast Asia's exceptional performance, with four out of the top five accolades going to markets within the region, a feat last achieved in 2021. The ranking is based on the number of hotels that win a prestigious award within each market.
Japan came in second with 432 hotels, followed by Indonesia in third place with 365 hotels, Vietnam in fourth place with 315 hotels, and Malaysia in fifth place with 311 hotels.
This year's awards saw a remarkable 53% increase in Gold Circle Award winners compared to 2023, recognising a record-breaking 3,545 exceptional properties globally in 2024. Notably, nearly 50% of the awards went to independent hotels, underscoring the growing appreciation for unique, personalized guest experiences that emphasize creativity and individuality.
Vietnam's remarkable rise from ninth place in 2023 to securing a spot within the top 5 this year was a testament to the hard work of accommodation providers across the market in delivering exceptional service to their customers. Their 209% increase in award-winning accommodations was a significant achievement.
"Vietnam's entry into the top five showcases its efforts to enhance service quality, reflecting the growing potential of Southeast Asian hospitality."
Meanwhile, Thailand's retention of its top spot from 2023 is testament to its enduring excellence. The adaptability of Thailand's hospitality sector to shifting traveller expectations demonstrates strong reliability and leadership within the industry.
Over the past five years, Agoda has celebrated more than 2,500 unique winners, cementing its reputation for recognizing unparalleled service across the hospitality sector.
The Agoda Gold Circle Awards are presented to properties that excel in several key areas, including offering value-based pricing for customers, providing outstanding traveller experience, and engaging with Agoda's programs and campaigns.
These criteria ensure that the winners represent the best in the industry, offering guests an outstanding experience. Agoda's vast network continues to support travellers worldwide in discovering diverse accommodations, flights, and activities.
The awards ceremonies for the 16th Gold Circle Awards will take place in 9 Asian markets across February and March 2025, with celebrations happening in Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, India and Thailand.
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