Many of the world’s best chefs and culinary media have experienced Etihad Airways’ award-winning hospitality on their way to Australia for the announcement of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

As the Official Airline Partner of the 2017 event, Etihad Airways has had the honour of flying some of the biggest names in global gastronomy to Melbourne – the widely-acclaimed food and wine capital of Australia – to participate in the week-long programme.

The airline has also co-hosted hundreds of international and Australian chefs, sommeliers, food media and influencers at a range of culinary events held in the Victorian capital, including a pop-up ‘Sky High Bar’ at Official Hotel QT Melbourne where guests have enjoyed beverages normally served exclusively in Etihad Airways’ Premium Lounges.

At the finale – The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards gala event – guests were given a taste of flying on board an Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 aircraft through an innovative interactive 360-degree technology platform. Guests were also invited to #TasteTheWorld, removing pieces of chocolate from a specially made edible map of the globe, for a chance to win two Business Class tickets to anywhere on the airline’s global network.

Patrick Pierce, Etihad Airways’ Vice President of Marketing Partnerships, said the airline’s partnership with Tourism Australia and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants had proven to be a valuable investment.

“The World’s 50 Best Restaurants program has given us an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the quality of our food and beverage offering and unique approach to hospitality to some of the biggest names and influencers in the culinary world today.

“Their feedback about the experience has been extremely positive, which is a huge inspiration for the airline’s hospitality team to continue the current momentum.

“The partnership has also shone an international spotlight on the richness of Australia’s extraordinary culinary tourism offering. Already one of the most popular destinations in our network, the worldwide exposure generated by The World’s 50 Best program will enhance its already-great appeal and strengthen our position as the airline of choice to and from Australia.”

John O’Sullivan, Tourism Australia Managing Director, said: “Etihad Airways has been an incredibly enthusiastic supporter of our Restaurant Australia program and the natural choice as our international airline partner for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

“The airline clearly shares the same ethos as ours when it comes to world-class food and wine. Many of the chefs and media whom Etihad Airways flew to Australia for this event have commented on the quality of the airline’s dining experience, both on board the aircraft and on the ground in its airport lounges.”

Etihad Airways offers its guests an onboard dining experience which is unique among the world’s airlines. Its innovative approach to hospitality is inspired by the world’s best restaurants and cutting-edge culinary and beverage trends.

In its First Class cabins, Etihad Airways’ professional Inflight Chefs, many with fine-dining experience, use their expert culinary skills to deliver a highly personalised à la carte dining experience, tailored to each guest’s taste. With an onboard pantry of fresh ingredients, they are able to go ‘off menu’ to offer guests a sumptuous made-to-order meal.

In Business Class, specialist Food and Beverage Managers oversee the preparation and service of a contemporary, healthy à la carte and dine anytime menu. They can also recommend the perfect beverage from the airline’s boutique inflight cellar.

Etihad Airways currently has 235 Inflight Chefs and 495 Food and Beverage Managers, offering its premium cabin guests a hospitality experience for which the airline is widely considered the world’s best.