The Duke, who is the founder of sustainable travel coalition Travalyst, called on guests to work together to protect the very places they sell, while also announcing that Wanderlust has joined Travalyst’s Affiliate Network.

“I started Travalyst because I believe deeply in travel as a force for good," he said. "But if tourism stops working for the people who call these destinations home, eventually it stops working for everyone.

“By collaborating as an industry, we can ensure nature survives and destinations thrive, while travel remains a source of prosperity, connection and exploration for generations to come.”

The 25th Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards was held in the Painted Hall of Old Royal Naval College, at the heart of the Maritime Greenwich Unesco World Heritage Site, with more than 500 travel industry guests.

Top award winners included Costa Rica, named Most Desirable Country in the World category, and Spain, named Most Desirable Country in the Europe category, while Wanderlust readers named Athens their most desirable European city and Tokyo their most desirable city beyond Europe.

Egypt received the accolade of Most Desirable Destination for Culture & Heritage while South Africa took the gong in the nature and wildlife category and Thailand in the gastronomy category. Tour operators Intrepid Travel, Audley Travel, Journey Latin America, Cox & Kings and Exodus all took home trophies too.

Broadcasters Kate Humble and Julia Bradbury helped host proceedings, alongside sponsors including WTM and TTG Media, which was trade media partner for the event. More than 250,000 Wanderlust readers took part in the voting process, and the ceremony was held on the Wednesday night of WTM London (4 November).

“Twenty-five years ago, our readers voted in the very first Wanderlust awards, and ever since they have been telling us where the most rewarding journeys on Earth are to be found," said Wanderlust Editor-in-Chief George Kipouros.

"What strikes me about this year’s winners is how many of them treat travel as a privilege rather than a product. Once again, our readers have chosen depth and authenticity over the obvious, and I could not be prouder of them,” he added.