ABTA magazine March 2010 issue - Winners Special Report

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Winners Special Report

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About Us

The World Travel Awards acknowledges and celebrates those organisations that have made the greatest contribution to the global tourism and travel industry. It also recognises those brands that are driving the industry to greater heights and innovation in travel.

Celebrating its 17th anniversary this year, the awards has grown into a truly global search for the very best travel and tourism brands, with winners from six regional ceremonies then progressing to the World Travel Awards Grand Final.

Last year, 183,000 travel professionals registered to vote and participate in the prestigious World Travel Awards programme – a phenomenal 10% rise in registrations compared to the year before.

This record number is conclusive evidence that World Travel Awards has become the “Oscars” of the global travel industry.

Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President, World Travel Awards, said: “World Travel Awards is a

unique benchmark for industry quality and business excellence in every region and sector.”

“The increase in registered voters, despite a global recession, demonstrates the vital role of performance delivery in a challenging and highly competitive marketplace,” he added.

This level of accountability makes the World Travel Awards one of the highest accolades in the travel business and is why the award ceremony is broadcast by BBC World News and other networks to over 254 million households worldwide and attended by the industry’s global decision makers.

For the tourism trade, winning a World Travel Award is more than an award – it is an endorsement from the thousands of

professionals from around the globe, as well as gold seal to the consumer of travel excellence guaranteed.

The World Travel Awards has continuously evolved, expanding the number of awards as the industry has grown. There are now over 1,000 different categories – an understandable number seeing how the industry has diversified and given the fact that there were over 3,600 different nominees last year.

And as confidence returns to the global economy, the World Travel Awards will be there to reward those travel and tourism players that spearhead the recovery.

“The Oscars of the Travel Industry ” Wall Street Journal

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Grand Final 2009 After a year-long search covering seven continents, 166 countries, and over 3,600 travel organisations, the winners of the 2009 World Travel Awards Grand Final were unveiled.

The glittering gala ceremony took place on 8 November 2009, in Mayfair's Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel, and featured the very cream of the global travel and tourism industry.

Over 183,000 travel professionals across the world registered their votes, with their entries whittled down to an elite few brands, which included Abu Dhabi Tourism, American Express Travel, Etihad, Europcar, Royal Jet, Tui Travel and Virgin Atlantic.

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab won “World’s Leading Hotel”, whilst the rapidly-expanding Etihad collected two blue riband awards – “World’s Leading Airline” as well as “World’s Leading First Class”.

Also in the airline category, easyJet scooped “World’s Leading Budget Airline”; oneworld

picked up “World’s Leading Airline Alliance”; and Virgin Atlantic won “World’s Leading Transatlantic Airline”, as well as collecting “World’s Leading Travel Commercial” for its eyecatching 25 Years Still Red Hot campaign.

Australia’s Bondi picked up “World’s Leading Beach”, and Dominican Republic luxury resort Casa de Campo won “World’s Leading Golf Resort”.

Attendees included the winners from each of the World Travel Awards 2009 regional events – the Middle East Ceremony at The Monarch Dubai on 5 May, the Africa Ceremony at the ICC Durban on 12 May, the North & Central America Ceremony at the Hacienda Tres Ríos in Mexico on 21 September, and the Europe Ceremony at the Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf &

Beach Resort in Portugal on 17 October.

Winners from the 7 November event – featuring the South America Ceremony, the Caribbean Ceremony, as well as the Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony – were also out in force, eager to become a world winner.

Since bursting on to the international travel and tourism scene 17 years ago, the World Travel Awards has been making steady and significant, long-term impact on the industry and encouraging it to raise the bar of excellence.

It has taken a global lead on one of the most important aspects of travel and tourism – the quality customer experience.

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Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The 2009 Winners Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

Europcar

World’s Leading Airline World’s Leading Airline First Class James Hogan, Chief Executive

World’s Leading Tourist Board His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General

World’s Leading Car Hire Company, World’s Leading Leisure Car Rental Company Jehan de Thé, Global Marketing Director

“

“

“

Three years ago Etihad set itself one clear and simple goal – to be the best airline in the world. I am proud of the way Etihad people all over the world have embraced that vision, backing our investment in state of the art product with the highest levels of service.

We regard this award as a great honour, and a testament to the commitment of our staff.

We are delighted, also, that our continued attention to the needs of our premium travellers has been rewarded with the top award for first class for the second consecutive year.

As we move into 2010, we have no intention of resting on our laurels.

We will continue to reinvent premium air travel as we cement our place as the world’s best airline, opening up new routes, taking delivery of new aircraft, investing in new products in the air and on the ground, and rolling out an exciting range of online initiatives.

”

The World Travel Award is most valued by the authority as it comes from peers within the industry we serve, manage and promote. It is also very timely as this year marks the fifth anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the award, if you like, represents our ‘coming of age.’

We plan to significantly build upon it and to live up to the confidence our valued trade partners have placed in us by voting for us.

This year has been one of numerous milestones for the authority. We have implemented an accommodation classification system which is acknowledged as world-class. We have also rolled out our first generation stakeholder programme to form a more unified approach to destination development and promotion.

Abu Dhabi has pushed the boundaries – with the opening of many significant resorts, the Qasr Al Sarab desert retreat and seven hotels on Yas Island. The staging of the 2009 Etihad Airways’ Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was obviously a high point.

In the coming year we will welcome additional attractions to Abu Dhabi including the planned Ferrari World indoor theme park on Yas Island. We are also targeting 10% additional hotel guest arrivals during 2010.

I would like to thank those among the 187,000 travel professionals who voted for Europcar. It is an honour for us to win this prestigious award once again.

At Europcar, our priority is to offer business and leisure customers a consistently good experience and a broad range of services spanning five continents.

In keeping with that, we have progressed in three main areas: our geographic reach, innovations to benefit customers, and partnerships with other leading travel industry players.

We are established in all European markets, but have also continued to pursue our strategy of expanding around the world, especially in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

We are deploying our “click4Wheels” B2B site. We have also recently launched a new mobile phone service for consumers (http://mobile.europcar.com).

We have renewed agreements with easyJet and TUI, launched a new service in the context of our relationship with Accor, and have renewed our partnership agreement with Swiss.

”

”

James Hogan

Jehan de Thé His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi

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Regency Travel and Tours

The Yachts of Seabourn

Virgin Atlantic

World’s Leading Travel Agency Tareq Abdullatif Taha, Chief Executive Officer,

World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line Pamela C. Conover, President & CEO

World’s Leading Travel Commercial Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive

“

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Winning a world travel award is a great achievement and an appreciation for the excellence of service provided. And that makes our responsibility bigger in maintaining being the world’s leading travel agency.

It is so important to be recognized as the leader because reaching the top is much easier than staying on the top.

This year we have expanded our operation and our network to 30 branches and implants in the State of Qatar.

In our state-of the-art head office, we have innovated a unique concept – housing airlines, hotel, car rental, banks, courier and cargo services, plus a host of other services all under one roof.

”

Tareq Abdullatif Taha

Seabourn Odyssey

Seabourn Odyssey is the first new vessel to enter the luxury segment in over six years, and she has brought a new excitement to the market. Along with Seabourn Sojourn next year and a third new sister in 2011, she represents Seabourn's commitment to the small-ship, ultra luxury cruising style for guests who prefer sailing with fewer than 500 others.

These new Seabourn yachts provide us with the opportunity to introduce more and more people to the intimate, personalised style that has earned Seabourn this award, and a loyal following among discerning travellers.

”

“We are still red

hot after 25 years and we are all over the moon that we have scooped this World Travel Award. Thank you to everyone who’s backed us since 1984.

”

Pamela C. Conover

Steve Ridgway

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Image: NASA

Revealed – the triumphs that have changed the way we travel The World Travel Awards has polled a number of top industry insiders to find out the biggest travel creations of the Noughties – those phenomena that have changed the way we travel. Let’s cut to the chase…

Dawn of space tourism (2001)

Image: Virgin

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As the Sixties witnessed the race to space, the Noughties must go down as the decade of the race to space tourism. The dream took one giant step in 2001 when a billionaire businessman from California became the first paying passenger to go to outer space.

At the grand old age of 60, Dennis Tito set off from Kazakhstan for an eight-day holiday on board the International Space Station, paying $20 million to fulfil his trip of a lifetime.

His maiden voyage, brokered by Virginia-based Space Adventures, has been followed by six other high-net worth individuals. Passengers typically “conduct research” on the Soyuz spacecraft to keep costs below the $20 million mark, and must go through 900 hours of training.

Space Adventures remains the only company to have sent paying travellers into orbit. On its next voyage to the International Space Station, potential clients are invited to become the first private citizen to walk in space. Anyone interested

would be required to pay an additional $15 million for the privilege of spending 90 minutes outside the station.

But for us would-be astronauts without such mega resources, Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic remains the most serious contender yet to bring space tourism to the masses.

The initial seat price will be $200,000, but that price is expected to eventually fall to $20,000.

Over 300 people have made down payments on bookings, for which they also get to meet Sir Richard on his exclusive Necker Island.

Last December Virgin Galactic unveiled the space craft to fulfil that mission. SpaceShipTwo plans to offer suborbital flights. Passengers will be able to release themselves from their seats during six minutes of weightlessness, and float around the cabin.

Space as our summer holiday destination may seem so far yet it is nearer than we think. What’s more, with every square centimetre of our planet now conquered, it remains the only true unchartered destination for the hardcore adventure tourist.

TripAdvisor (2000) During the Noughties, one website managed to rise above the chatter of cyberspace by providing a forum for every would-be travel journalist.

Instead of relying on glossy brochures and puffed-up guidebooks, travellers were granted access to real accounts, written by real people, paying real money.

TripAdvisor certainly grabbed the hospitality industry by the scruff of the neck, and represented citizen journalism at its democratic finest. Hoteliers no longer had to roll out the carpet just to travel hacks, nor did the annual arrival of the AA inspector need to induce a cardiac arrest. But what mattered most was every single guest, every day of the year.

However TripAdvisor is now at risk of becoming a victim of its own success. With over 25 millionplus a month, it wields immense power; and the industry knows it. Accusations of hotels posting upbeat anonymous reviews are now rife, and there are now calls for the EU Commission to overhaul the rules governing website reviews to ensure that they have been posted by genuine guests.

budgets and all ages.

If you had to credit one man for fuelling the low-cost revolution it would be Mr. Ryanair himself, Michael O’Leary. Amoral motormouth he is often labelled, but you have to take your hat off to the way that he has honed the lowcost model to absolute perfection, stripping out every ounce of fat, and introducing pricing that legacy carriers the world over are now copying to survive these recessionary times. But most importantly, he is responsible for making flying as affordable as a pair of non-designer jeans.

Dubai Goldrush (2002-2009)

Ryanair and the low-cost revolution (2000 onwards) In the Noughties, the world became a distinctly smaller place. Budget airlines, mushrooming route networks and rising disposable income opened up all sorts of possibilities. From weekends skiing in off-beat Tyrolean resorts to stag parties in Tallinn, the short break became a phenomenon that appealed to all tastes, all

When news of England captain John Terry’s serial philandering hit the front pages, his long-suffering wife Toni did as ever self-respecting WAG would to peck up a bruised ego – jet off to Le Royal Méridien Dubai for some serious sun, sea and shopping… as well as the obligatory paparazzi photo looking hot on the beach.

For over the past decade, the tiny Emirate has transformed itself from an unknown pearl-trading town into the ultimate temple of consumer excess, with attractions ranging from the world’s biggest shopping centre (complete with giant aquarium) to the only seven-star hotel in the world (where suites go for £12,000 per night).

Dubai, as we know it, began in May 2002 when supreme ruler Sheikh Mohammed issued a decree allowing foreigners to buy property. An avalanche of investment ensued as a city of jaw-dropping sky-scrapers, luxury hotels and astounding affluence was created in the middle of the desert almost overnight.

Dubai became the biggest construction programme in the history of mankind, with a third of the world’s cranes operating there in 2008. But the scale and breakneck speed of the boom has left the emirate with a tab that it can not afford to pick up.

Things hit rock bottom in 2009 when fears of debt-default by state conglomerate Dubai World sent stock markets into freefall, and prices of its once-booming real estate market collapsed by up to 50 percent. The brakes have also been slammed on some of its most daredevil projects, including plans to create the world’s biggest theme park.

But it’s not all Dubai doom. As the world emerges from financial meltdown, this ambitious

Burj Khalifa - Image: Emaar

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emirate is already dusting itself down and getting on with what it does best – launching the craziest developments on planet earth, kicking off this year with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building by a very, very long way.

The BRIC phenomenon – growth of middle class (2000 onwards) Following political changes that have embraced global capitalism, the past ten years have seen a new global middle class rising out of poverty in emerging economies across the world.

Spearheaded by China, Russia and India, and now being mirrored in Brazil, this new breed of consumer is equipped with a disposal income, including a budget not only to discover their own country but the rest of the world.

A look at the geographic distribution is striking.

In 2000, developing countries were home to 56% of the global middle class, but by 2030 that figure is expected to reach 93%. China and India alone will account for two-thirds of the expansion, with China contributing 52% of the increase and India 12%, according to research from the World Bank.

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for the skies is won on the ground. By focussing on how to make it easier and quicker to get through the airport will make an airline the market leader. easyJet, for example, was the first low-cost airline that allowed customers to change bookings online, as well as let them check in via the internet and print their tickets at home.

New developments include mobiles equipped with optical readers, and when combined with biometric fingerprinting will eliminate security queues.

Electronic tags on baggage will allow passengers to load bags automatically by themselves, working

Online check-in (2000) Strictly speaking, online check-in shouldn’t feature in the World Travel Awards Travel Triumphs of the Noughties, for first bagging rights belongs to Alaska Airlines back in 1999. However it was during the past decade that online check-in has gone mainstream. Now 80% of passenger check-in offairport, which means online or via their mobile.

Airlines have also acknowledged that the battle Image: exm / H. Goussé

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in tandem with biometric machines that match a passenger’s bags with their fingerprint.

Superjumbo maiden flight (2007) On 25 October 2007, the world’s largest passenger plane made its maiden commercial voyage. Singapore Airlines, proud owner of the first Airbus A380, auctioned most of the seats on eBay, raising £650,000 for charity. The highest bidder paid more than £50,000 for two seats, and the privilege of “being part of history”.

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Oasis of the Seas

Dubbed the “superjumbo”, it boasts 50 per cent more floor space than the Boeing 747, and can carry 853 people in an all-economy configuration.

Airbus, which was 18 months late delivering the plane, claimed the A380 would herald a new era in air travel, offering the quietest and most fuel efficient passenger jet ever built.

Growth of the mid-haul (2000 onwards) As our travel patterns have shifted to more adventurous pastures, mid-haul has become the new short-haul. The likes of Marrakech and Cairo offer an entirely different experience yet are only an hour or two further than traditional European destinations.

Whilst the global downturn hit all destinations hard, the likes of Turkey and Egypt have remained buoyant. The shift to mid-haul has also created tourism economies out of virtually nothing. Take Antalya in Turkey – a sleepy ancient city that has been transformed into the country’s main holiday resort, complete with palm-lined boulevards, glitzy marina and summer home to affluent Germans and British.

for cruise travel.

It wasn’t just its sheer size (40 per cent larger than any other cruise liner out there), but the breadth of facilities that have taken the cruise experience to an entirely new level.

More floating city than floating hotel, Oasis of the Seas has transformed the cruise experience into an action sports holiday, wellness break, dive safari, West End theatre trip, and X Factor style auditions, all rolled into one.

And then there’s also the English pub experience, the beach experiences, Abba experience, multiple shopping experiences, champagne experiences, fairground experience, Vegas casino experience complete with row upon row of glassy-eyed slot machines, and more gastro-dining experiences than you could possibly ever manage to experience in a month.

Royal Caribbean’s goal, said Chairman Richard Fain, was a ship that’s one-third familiar, one-third evolutionary and one-third revolutionary. And Oasis of the Seas certainly hits the mark.

Social Media (2000 onwards) If you had to credit Facebook with one travel phenomenon, it would be for confining to history those awful evenings wading through a friend’s holiday snaps, trying desperately hard not to nod off.

The social media revolution now means you can trot the globe whilst keeping friends and family updated minute-by-minute via Twitter; meet travel buddies using WAYN; or if you’re away on business then find out which fellow professionals are in town using Dopplr.

And, most importantly, for the travel industry it has made us improve the travel experience. For a social media world means that brands no longer control what consumers say about them. Take the American musician who created a YouTube hit about United Airlines breaking his prized guitar. It went viral and has notched up almost eight million hits to date.

Ocean bling – Oasis of the Seas (2009) There was no shortage of ocean bling over the past decade, with cruise companies racing to outdo each other in the size and extravagance stakes. But when Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage in November 2009, it ushered in a whole new era Image: Francois Bouly

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Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The 2009 Winners Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

OneWorld

World’s Leading Hotel Brand Website Brian Richardson, Vice President, Brand Marketing & Communications

World’s Leading Airline Alliance Michael Blunt, Vice-President Corporate Communications

“

“

Receiving awards and accolades is always a great honour, but to have our brand and so many of our hotels recognised by respected industry professionals is truly an outstanding achievement.

The World Travel Awards is an excellent mark of distinction and serve as another independent testament to Fairmont’s unyielding commitment to quality and service.

”

The year ahead promises to be very exciting for oneworld and its member airlines.

Mexicana, voted Mexico and Central America’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards, joins us on 10 November, adding another quality carrier to our line-up and extending our leadership in Latin America.

Next year, we bring on board Russia’s leading domestic airline, S7, expanding our network considerably throughout the CIS. We will continue to focus on delivering quality service to our customers – with the aim of ensuring that the title of World Travel Awards’ “Leading Airline Alliance” stays in the hands of oneworld – a title it has held ever since the award was first presented seven years ago.

”

Michael Blunt

Brian Richardson

Fairmont Zimbali

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Etihad - First Class bed

Sultans of bling As global aviation emerges from the down, legacy carriers are spending millions on enhancing and relaunching their premium products, spearheaded by the Middle East. So what are they doing to lure back the premium traveller?

The airline industry is predicted to make the biggest loss in its history at the end of this year, according to figures IATA. The industry body predicts that by December 2010, the world’s airlines will have haemorrhaged $11bn over the past two years – eclipsing 9/11.

Hidden in amongst these figures are even more startling figures for premium travel.

Again, according to IATA, first and businessclass travel numbers in November 2009 were 20% down on early 2008.

Premium travel is a huge money maker for legacy airlines, and its sharp drop off since September 2008 has been a key reason for the

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industry’s huge losses.

The good news is that there has been a slight rise in premium travel in the past couple of months, which is now about 5% higher than its low in May. And yet an odd thing is going on: airlines – perhaps due to a desire to recapture the lost market – are spending millions on enhancing and relaunching their premium products.

This is taking place at the same time as they look for ever more inventive ways to squeeze extra revenue out of economy passengers.

The carriers which have redefined what passengers expect from a first-class airline – and arguably helped remind people of the so-called

golden age of flying – are the Middle East carriers.

Etihad Airways, winner of "World's Leading First Class Airline" at the 2009 World Travel Awards, relaunched its first class last summer following a $70m investment.

Features of the new suite include one of the longest and widest beds in the sky (80.5ins long by 29.75ins wide), an illuminated wardrobe, plenty of storage space and sliding doors for total privacy.

The service also includes on-demand à la carte fine dining served at a large wood-finished table and a 23ins TV with 600 hours of on-demand entertainment.

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The first-class cabin also has a changing room for passengers to freshen up after take-off and before landing.

It also opened a brand-new dedicated lounge at Abu Dhabi’s Terminal 3, which has a full-service, à la carte restaurant, designer leather furniture, a library, a high-tech computer and games room, a viewing deck out onto the airport, a spa treatment room and even a small cinema.

Emirates has taken luxury to a new level on board the A380 superjumbo, with on-board showers and spas, an on-board lounge and private suites.

Each suite has an electrically-operated sliding door, a personal mini-bar, adjustable ambient lighting, and its own vanity table, mirror and wardrobe as well as a built-in massage system.

Emirates has also made substantial investments in its ground product, opening a dedicated £1.3m lounge at Birmingham Airport; and a further £1.5m on a new lounge at Manchester.

Qatar Airways’ first class also features an onboard lounge, and fully-flat beds.

Qatar is also the only airline with a dedicated premium terminal, at Doha Airport, with spas,

Etihad - Lounge

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sleeping and shower facilities, restaurant and retail. And if you are flying first, the transfer to the plane itself is in a BMW 7-Series.

India’s Jet Airways also aims for the top end of the market with a suite to rival that of Emirates, with a large bed and sliding doors.

British Airways finally revealed its new First cabin, which debuted on a B777 in February, following a £100m investment.

This came at the same time as chief executive Willie Walsh was threatening to pull business seats off short-haul, as the flag carrier headed for its biggest loss since privatisation in 1987, as well as battling with unions to prevent a strike.

It also comes just a few months after the launch of its all-business service from London City Airport to JFK in a specially-configured A318.

The look and feel of BA’s First cabin is meant to evoke that of a private jet.

And following the lead of the Middle East carriers, the airline described the new seat as a ‘suite’ and has installed electronic blinds – a first for a commercial airline.

Other new features include a personal

wardrobe, a leather-bound writing desk that converts into a dining table, a new 15” in-flight entertainment screen and a buddy seat to enable customers to dine together.

The bed is also almost half again as wide as the previous one at the shoulders.

Bmi has removed its business cabin on all its domestic and Ireland routes, but has revamped its business class, installing fully-flat beds on certain routes, chauffeur driven transfers and skychefs on board. It has also opened a brand new lounge area at Heathrow Terminal 1, which has a pub and restaurant.

Even the US airlines – which are leading the way in charging for so-called extras – are investing in the front of the plane.

Most removed their first class post 9/11, combining it into a downmarket version of business for many years.

However, in the past two years, American, Continental and Delta have all introduced fullyflat beds.

The economy may still be struggling, but the golden age of flying may be making a return for market leading airlines.

Bristish Airways - First Class

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Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The 2009 Winners The Westin Beijing Financial Street

The Blue Train Lounge

World’s Leading Financial District Hotel Charlie Dang, Area Managing Director, Northern China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and GM Westin Beijing Financial Street

World’s Leading Luxury Train Hanlie Kotze, Acting Executive Manager

“

“

It is indeed a great honour to receive an award that recognizes us not only in China but globally. The World Travel Award is one of the most esteemed accolades one can receive in the global travel and tourism industry and we thank it for its continuous support.

What separates us from the competition is our unwavering commitment to excellence and the willingness to always seek ways in which to improve ourselves. In 2010 and beyond, we promise to continue this commitment in providing outstanding service and quality to all our guests.

”

Charlie Dang

Everyone would like to be associated with winning! Winning in whatever form, always brings with it a sense of gratification. But when you get chosen as a winner by your peers – in this case over 180,000 learned professionals, in the travel and tourism, now that is very special!

Winning this accolade is the embodiment of all the hard work and initiatives that have gone into making our brand accessible and “a brand of choice”, especially in the past 18 months.

Oh, it will be displayed especially at our Pre-departure Lounges for all to see! After all what good is a “diamond” that nobody can see?!

”

Hanlie Kotze The Blue Train

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VISIT LONDON.MOBI ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE

Find restaurants, hotels, events, and even the weather while on the move around London

City.mobi - Mobile Travel Guides The world at your fingertips city.mobi | Š World Mobi Limited

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Meet the World’s Best Travel Brands

The 2009 Winners Dubai International Airport

Rocky Mountaineer

World’s Leading Airport Paul Griffiths, CEO

World’s Leading Travel Experience

by Train Randy Powell, President & CEO

“

This award recognizes Dubai International’s consistent delivery of quality customer service over the years. Service excellence is the single most important priority for any airport after safety and security and this award acknowledges our customer – centric approach.

The opening of Dubai International’s Terminal 3 was acknowledged the world over as the most successful launch of a terminal its size and has definitely made us stand out from competition.

The expansion and refurbishment of Terminal 2 has not only doubled operational capacity but has helped in considerably enhancing the customer service experience at the Airport.

”

“Our organization is delighted to

be the recipient of this distinguished award for the fourth time. For 20 years we have been providing the most spectacular travel experiences in the world and it is truly an honour to be recognized amongst so many internationally renowned and iconic trains.

The Rocky Mountaineer

”

Paul Griffiths

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Image: Visit Brazil

London 2012 Olympic stadium - Image: www.london2012.com

Sports tourism: a booming sector With the World Cup, Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games, this year is set to be a record-breaker for sport tourism. Mike Starling gives the low down on the legacies created by hosting world-class sporting events.

The year 2010 promises to be one of the most memorable for sports fans across the globe.

With the Winter Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and Commonwealth Games just three of the mega-events in the calendar, sports travel is proving to be one of the most lucrative sectors of the tourism industry, worth an estimated US$600billion.

Even more than the short-term tourism benefits, mega-sporting events are judged most by the long-term legacies they create.

There has been conflicting reports about visitor numbers and profits generated at Beijing 2008, but one thing that cannot be doubted is how the Olympics acted as a catalyst for growth in the capital and China.

In preparation more than 37 stadiums and venues were built; a new terminal designed by Norman Foster was opened at Beijing International Airport; and more than 109 hotel projects took place. And in February it was revealed that the north section of the iconic ‘Bird’s Nest’ Olympic Stadium would be transformed into an 80-room hotel.

The legacy of the Olympics include the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai; the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, in November this year; and the Summer Youth Games in Nanjing in 2014.

So what measures are the host cities for forthcoming mega-events putting in place to ensure they leave a lasting legacy?

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LONDON, UK Event: 2012 summer Olympic Games Although it will be London hosting the majority of the sporting events during the 2012 Olympics, regional tourism boards around the United Kingdom are gunning for tourism success in the years after the Games are held.

Tourism has been identified as the number one Olympic legacy and research by VisitBritain and Visit London indicates that for the UK as a whole the Olympic Games could generate tourism gains of £2.1bn in total from 2007-2017. In fact the legacy effect for the post-Games period (2013-17) is forecast to be worth £1.27bn for the UK, nearly a third of which (£400million) falls outside London.

SOCHI, RUSSIA Event: 2014 Winter Olympic Games The Black Sea coastal city will see huge investment for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games – with more than 180 infrastructure facilities seeing upgrades or new construction.

Among the infrastructure changes include improvements to Sochi International Airport; a new Sochi Metro; roads; rail links and 42,437 hotel rooms.

The most ambitious project is Federation Island – a 350-hectare artificial island costing US$6.2bn.

Built in the shape of the Russian Federation, it will have private residences, hotels and cultural and leisure facilities on seven main islands and more than 12 private islands.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Events: 2014 World Cup finals and 2016 Olympic Games When Rio de Janeiro was named host city of the 2016 Olympic Games, Brazil celebrated a World Cup and Olympic double jackpot.

To capitalise on the two mega-events the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism and its tourism board Embratur announced a 10-year strategy for 2010-2020.

Key targets for the 2010-2020 period include achieving a 113 per cent increase in international tourism, ending with 11.1 million inbound, foreign visitors; a 304 per cent increase in foreign currency derived from foreign tourist spending within Brazil, garnering US$17.6billion; and an increase in visitors by 500,000 in 2014 (as compared to 2013), and by 15 per cent in 2016 (as compared to 2015).

Rio’s bid also guaranteed that more than 52,800 hotel rooms would be available with more than 50 hotels built from scratch.

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2010 – Best of the rest Yes, this year’s sporting calendar is all about FIFA 2010, but there are a number of sporting spectacles such as golf’s majors, tennis grand slams and thousands of amateur tournaments that will also generate tourism dollars worldwide.

Here is the best of the rest:

Tour de France – Holland/Belgium/France (July 2010) Held over 20 stages, the 97th Tour de France will start in the Dutch city of Rotterdam before visiting Brussels and Spa in Belgium and then locations

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across France. In 2009 it was estimated that during the 21-day event there were approximately 15 million spectators.

Ryder Cup – Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales (October 2010) The Europe versus US showdown will enhance Wales’ growing reputation as a golf tourism hotspot. The total number of golf visitors to Wales increased by 19 per cent between 2004-2008 (to 165,900) and according to Ryder Cup Wales, the volume of golfing visitors increased by 50 per cent as a direct result of the Ryder Cup.

Beijing Stadium - Image: Tom Caswell

Image: Celtic Manor Resort

WORLD SPORT DESTINATION EXPO – THE GLOBAL MARKET PLACE FOR SPORT TOURISM Uniquely co-located alongside the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, World Sport Destination Expo (WSDE) is the world’s first exhibition and conference dedicated to showcasing the $600 billion a year sports tourism industry.

Fully endorsed by the leading authorities in travel and tourism, WSDE will present a momentous first opportunity national tourist boards, host nations and cities, and sporting resorts and hotels to

conduct business, source new contacts and markets, gain top-level insights and showcase their brand capabilities on a global stage.

World Sport Destination Expo takes place at the SCC, Johannesburg, 5-9 July 2010. sion@worldsportdestinationexpo.com www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com

Tour de France - Image: ASO

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World Sport Destination Expo is the world’s first exhibition and conference dedicated to showcasing the $600 billion a year sport tourism industry.

The world’s leading sporting destinations, bidding nations and cities, resorts and hotels, sporting bid committees, tour and event organisers, international media and elite buyers will for the very first time convene to conduct future business, source new contacts and markets and gain invaluable insights from the advanced knowledge of industry leaders and figure-heads.

Fully endorsed by the leading authorities in sport and travel and tourism and uniquely co-located alongside the final week of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the landmark 5 day exhibition and conference programme will showcase the most rapidly growing sector in the global travel and tourism industry. At a time when some traditional tourism trends are in decline, sport tourism continues to flourish and is set to grow exponentially in the next decade.

50,000 visitors are expected to attend this ground-breaking event on the 5-9 July 2010 as the sport tourism industry congregates in Johannesburg ahead of the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Participation in World Sport Destination Expo is critical to those companies involved in the sport tourism market-place, and those serious in assuming a market share of the industry’s fastest growing and most dynamic sector.

To exhibit go to www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com/exhibiting To visit go to www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com/visiting Media registration go to www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com/media-registration For more information contact info@worldsportdestinationexpo.com

“ “ “ “ “

If you represent a destination eager to win the rights to host major sporting events, if you are a region or resort offering sporting facilities, if you are a purchaser of sport tourism, or a member of the international sports media, I urge you to participate in this must attend global event.”

Gianni Merlo, President, International Sports Press Association

We are looking forward to attending WSDE to conduct new business, to add to our growing portfolio and to forge new long-term business relationships with all the destinations exhibiting.This unique ground breaking event will allow us to do this all under one roof!”

Nathan Wilson, Managing Director,Thomson Sport

It was vital that Rio de Janeiro secured a large presence at WSDE. We are hugely looking forward to the unrivalled promotional platform that WSDE will provide our great city and the opportunity to show to the world that Rio means business.”

Paulo Senise, Executive Director, Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sport, hosting nations and cities and travel and tourism have come together very powerfully in recent years. You only have to look at the coverage of Brazil’s 2016 Olympic win to see that interest is at an all time high. WSDE will be the first dedicated business forum for destinations to secure the tourism benefits of hosting sporting events and to maximise the potential of future hosting bids.”

Phil Savage, Publishing Director, SportBusiness Group

WSDE will change the landscape of the sport tourism industry. By bringing together all the key stake-holders of sport tourism products and services around the world, WSDE is set to become one of the most important international events in the travel and tourism calendar and we are privileged to be the inaugural hosts.”

Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO, Johannesburg 2010 FIFA World Cup Host City

Do not miss out on the sport tourism event of the decade

www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com Partners

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World Winners 2009 What does it take to be a world class brand?

London London secured the World’s Leading Destination in the 2009 awards. Visit London has been instrumental in ensuring that despite the tough economic conditions, the capital continued to attract visitors. The tourist board has been running a campaign across the key markets of the UK, Europe and North America, to highlight all the unique places, attractions and experiences that you can only find in London. Its aim has been to keep London front of mind and a must-visit destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

RCCL’s new Oasis of the Seas

Etihad Airways

Tui Travel

Etihad Airways scooped the World’s Leading Airline Award for a number of reasons. The airline continued to expand, invest and innovate despite the global recession.

At the start of 2009 chief executive James Hogan pledged to have a fleet of 50 aircraft by year end – they had 52.

The airline also continues to add routes, setting a target of 55 by the end of 2009, which it surpassed. In 2009 alone, it launched Chicago, Melbourne, Cape Town and Hyderabad.

The airline also invested heavily in a new premium lounge at its home airport in Abu Dhabi, and continues to open dedicated premium lounges including one at Heathrow’s Terminal 4.

Etihad also won the World’s Leading First Class for its new Diamond Class cabin, which it started rolling out across the fleet in August.

The cabin is in a 1-2-1 configuration, with each seat transforming into a 6ft flat bed, complete with adjustable headrest, footrest, lumbar support, inbuilt massage and 23-inch TV with a choice of more than 600 movies. The seat also turns into a private cabin, with a sliding screen door.

Diamond Class includes a dedicated limousine service, a premium lounge and on-board Food & Beverage Manager.

Tui Travel secured two awards, the World’s Leading Tour Operator and the Reponsible Tourism Award.

The group is a consistently high performer in an extremely challenging environment and appeared to shrug off the economic downturn by posting an astonishing 57% increase in profits to £102m in the six months to June 2009.

Europe’s largest travel group cited receding fears of swine flu, including a flurry of last-minute bookings to Mexico, contributing to figures that remain on target for the financial year ending 30 September 2009.

The group has also been instrumental in the Tourism 2023 Campaign which pledges the travel industry to a sustainable future, and has reaffirmed its pledge to create 500 new apprenticeship places for young people in 2010.

Tui has an established Apprenticeship programme, and has trained more than 3,500 apprentices in the last five years.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line was awarded the World’s Leading Cruise Brand. The line has continued to invest through a tough year and launched the world’s biggest cruise ship, the 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas in November.

The world’s second largest cruise line also won for innovation, in particular the success of Azamara, the informal luxury line which goes to off the beaten track destinations. RCCL also launched a family-friendly programme which allows kids to complete meals in the main dining room in 45 minutes and then be escorted back to the Adventure Ocean activity facilities whilst parents finish dinner.

InterContinental Hotel Group InterContinental Hotel Group secured the World’s Leading Hotel Brand. The world’s biggest hotel group counts seven brands – Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites – more than 180m stays per year, 630,000 rooms and more than 4,300 hotels in nearly 100 countries.

The group was praised particularly for its generous loyalty scheme, Priority Club Rewards, which has 42m members and is now the world’s largest.

Jumeirah Group Jumeirah Group’s iconic landmark hotel, Burj al Arab secured the World’s Leading Hotel for consistently pushing the luxury bar higher and higher. In 2009, the hotel took delivery of four bespoke Rolls Royce Phantoms, with hotel logo embroidered into the upholstered leather seats.

The Rolls-Royce chauffeur service is just one of many luxury services, which include in-suite check in, a private reception desk on every floor and highly trained butlers.

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Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic was the clear winner of the World’s Leading Travel Commercial for its Virgin – 25 Years Still Red Hot advertisement. The £6m campaign, which launched in January 2009, uses a mixture of 80’s nostalgia and iconic images of huge mobile phones and Rubik’s Cubes, a classic song (Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood) and some extremely glamorous cabin crew to mark the airline’s 25th anniversary of its first flight to Newark on June 22, 1984.

Other winners...

Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority secured the World’s Leading Tourist Board trophy for its key role in securing the Formula 1 Grand Prix, as well as a number of other high-profile achievements. This includes the introduction of a hotel and hotel apartments classification system which has led to a number of accommodation upgrades. The authority has also stepped up its training of tourist guides, introduced a number of new events, such as the Gourmet Abu Dhabi festival and expanded its marketing outreach with the opening of overseas offices in Italy and the opening of new visitor centres with additional facilities now being planned for Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi International Airport

The other winners were Sandals Resort International for the World’s Leading AllInclusive Company; American Express for the World’s Leading Business Travel Agency; Adam & Eve for the World’s Leading Design Hotel; India for its Incredible India campaign, which secured the World’s Leading Destination Marketing Campaign; Holland America for the World’s Leading Green Cruise Line; Tobago Main Ridge Rain Forest for World’s Leading Green Destination; and Adventures by Disney for World’s Leading Luxury Travel Operator.

Royal Jet Group Royal Jet Group won World’s Leading Private Jet Charter. The company bucked worldwide trends and reported a 15% increase in VIP charter business during the summer period. It also revamped its VIP Terminal facilities ahead of the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix and becoming the only private jet charter which has personal chefs on board.

Virgin Atlantic Airways, 25 Years Still Red Hot campaign

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World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony 2010 The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE 3 May 2010 The World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2010 kicks off with the Middle East Ceremony, being held again this year in the exciting and rapidlychanging emirate of Dubai.

Travel and tourism companies and organisations from across the region, representing every industry sector, will be fighting for their chance to be recognised by the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry.

The event will take place at the new, luxurious, The Address Dubai Marina. This premier hotel stands tall in the heart of one of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, where crystal waters shimmer against modern architecture and luxury yachts moor alongside trendsetting restaurants.

With 200 luxurious rooms, five superb restaurants and lounges, a relaxing spa, spectacular infinity pool and state of the art meeting and event facilities, The Address Dubai Marina is the perfect venue for the 2010 World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony.

Sheikh Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum receiving awards from Graham E. Cooke, President & Founder of World Travel Awards, at a privately held ceremony.

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always in high demand, therefore early booking is always recommended.

To secure your seats for this must-attend event for senior decision makers and global media, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Telephone: +44 (0)207 925 0000

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James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways, pictured with Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO, WTTC, at the 2009 Grand Final Ceremony.

World's Leading Airline 2009

The Address Dubai Marina

Anita Mehra Homayoun, Vice President Marketing & Corporate Communications, Dubai Airports; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Middle East's Leading Airport

The Address Dubai Marina – venue for the Middle East Ceremony 2010.

“Etihad is honoured to be recognised as the World's Leading Airline by travel agents and other industry professionals the people who really know what travellers are looking for in an airline.

James Hogan CEO, Etihad Aiways

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B U S I N E S S T R AV E L O R W E E K E N D G E TA W AY

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World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony 2010 Durban, South Africa • 9 May 2010 The World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony 2010 will take place this May in the sophisticated, cosmopolitan city of Durban, South Africa.

Attended by leading industry figures, this event is set to be an outstanding success and a testament to the extraordinary innovation and diversity that is seen in the African tourism industry. Last year more than 200 organisations were nominated in 75 categories for the Africa and Indian Ocean region, including airlines, airports, hotels, car hire, destinations, resorts, spas and travel agencies.

A city where east meets west, Durban is the Playground of the Zulu Kingdom. With the much-anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup taking place in just a few months time, Durban is busy preparing itself for the thousands of fans who

Durban - Image: South African Tourism.

Pierre Delvaux (CEO), Christin Olofsson, Anita Vernes (Marketing Director) and Dan Olofsson (Chairman) from Thanda Private Game Reserve, accepting their 2009 award.

World’s Leading Luxury Lodge 2009

are expected to flock to South Africa. The country’s tourism sector is expecting a significant boost in 2010.

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always in high demand, therefore early booking is always recommended.

To secure your seats for this must-attend event for senior decision makers and global media, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Telephone: +44 (0)207 925 0000

Raj Kamal Taposeea, Chairman, Air Mauritius; Miss Australia; Graham E. Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards.

Indian Ocean's Leading Airline 2009

“It is very significant and auspicious that the World Travel Awards, ‘the Oscars of the Travel Industry’, has chosen to host its Africa awards here.

”

His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu

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bahamas.co.uk

I t makes everyone's day when Georgette joins us for lunch.

Brendal Stevens, captain, free-diver and chef – Abaco Island

In The Islands of The Bahamas, every story starts with a smile.

I remember as clear as the water round Green Turtle Cay, how excited those first folks were when we went conch diving for our lunch. But it wasn’t just my cooking and spotting reef sharks that made their trip, it was meeting my old friend Georgette when she came up to the beach to be hand-fed by everyone. Must be 20 years ago and I’m still doing the trips, but now a whole family of rays comes to see us.

For more colourful, real-life stories about Brendal, his friends and our islands, visit bahamas.co.uk

World Travel Awards North & Central America and Caribbean Ceremony 2010 Orlando, Florida, USA • 11 September 2010 Orlando, Florida is the exciting location for this year’s World Travel Awards North & Central America and Caribbean Ceremony.

The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the Oscars of the travel industry, will unveil who is the best of the best in the region. Senior management and decision makers of the travel and tourism industry will come together to celebrate their achievements during the ceremony.

people visit the region annually. What better place to reward the best in the travel industry?

Offering nearly 100 attractions (including the world-famous Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld), 112,000 hotel rooms and more than 5,300 restaurants, it’s easy to see why Orlando has evolved to become one of the world's leading vacation destinations. More than 50 million

To secure your seats for this must-attend event for senior decision makers and global media, please contact our events team using the details below:

Orlando Arroyo, CEO, Hacienda Tres Rios Resort; Manon Han, Executive Vice President, World Travel Awards Mexico & Central America’s Leading All-inclusive Resort 2009

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always in high demand, therefore early booking is always recommended.

Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Telephone: +44 (0)207 925 0000

William Tatham, Vice President, The Port Authority of Jamaica; Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica; Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards Jamaica - Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2009 Caribbean’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2009 Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2009

Carly Reed, Head of Public Relations, Universal Orlando Florida, with Miss World.

World’s Leading Theme Park 2009

“Being honoured as North America’s Leading Travel Agency by the World Travel Awards has provided some of our greatest moments at Anthony Travel. We’ve enjoyed celebrating this achievement around the country externally with our clients and internally with our associates. The awards continue to be a huge source of pride for all of us.

John Anthony, President and CEO, Anthony Travel North America’s Leading Travel Agency 2009

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World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony 2010 Rixos Premium Belek, Antalya, Turkey 1 October 2010 This year's prestigious World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony will be held at the Rixos Premium Belek, a leading resort hotel located in Antalya, Turkey – the Pearl of the Mediterranean.

Travel and tourism companies and organisations from across Europe, representing every industry sector, will be fighting for their chance to be recognised by the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry.

The Turkish Riviera is the tourism capital of Turkey, and an ideal location for the 2010 World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony. The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and sports activities like windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing and mountain climbing.

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always in high demand, therefore early booking is always recommended.

To secure your seats for this must-attend event for senior decision makers and global media, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Telephone: +44 (0)207 925 0000

The Rixos Premium Belek covers an area of 400,000m2 and is built in a forest of pine and pistachio trees with a 1,000 metre long sandy beach, 1,700 beds, and a staff of 900! The All Exclusive-All Inclusive concept practiced by the Rixos Premium Belek guarantees the very highest standards.

Rixos Premium Belek – venue for the Europe Ceremony 2010.

Rixos Premium Belek

Rixos Premium Belek

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Forte Village Resort, Italy receiving their award.

World’s Leading Resort 2009

Luiz Mór, Executive Director, TAP Portugal; Miss World; Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards.

World's Leading Airline To South America 2009

Telmo Faria, Mayor of Óbidos, Portugal presented the award to José Pampolim, Vice President and Stuart Swycher, President, Beltico Group.

The Praia d’El Rey Marriott Golf and Beach Resort Europe's Leading Golf & Leisure Resort 2009

“This is the most important prize received in our 64 years of activity in the business. ” Fernando Pinto CEO, TAP Portugal World’s Leading Airline to South America 2009

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World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony 2010 The Claridges Surajkund, Delhi, India • 14 October 2010 The World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony 2010 will take place this October in Delhi, India, to coincide with the XIX Commonwealth Games (Delhi, 3-14 October).

The Claridges

Attended by VIP’s and leading industry figures, the event is set to be an outstanding success and a celebration of the incredible achievements of the Asian and Australasian travel industries.

New Delhi is the capital city of India and is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. Delhi is a fusion of the ancient and the modern – in Old Delhi you will discover formidable mosques, monuments and forts, as well as lively and colourful bazaars. The imperial city of New Delhi is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and many national institutions and landmarks.

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always in high demand, therefore early booking is always recommended.

To secure your seats for this must-attend event for senior decision makers and global media, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Telephone: +44 (0)207 925 0000

Delhi is undergoing extensive rejuvenation and transformation, to ensure it looks its best for visitors during the XIX Commonwealth Games.

The Games will bring positive benefits to the Indian tourism industry.

Kumari Selja, Minister for Tourism, India, with Miss World; Incredible India.

World's Leading Destination Marketing Campaign 2009

Tan Sri Dr.Mohd Munir bin Abdul Majid, Chairman, Malaysia Airlines; Syed Abdillah Aziz, Regional Manager UK & Ireland, Malaysia Airlines.

Asia's Leading Airline 2009

“It is indeed a great honour to receive an award that recognises us not only in China but globally. The World Travel Award is one of the most esteemed accolades one can receive in the global travel and tourism industry.

Charlie Dang, Area Managing Director, Northern China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and GM, Westin Beijing Financial Street.

”

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World Travel Awards South America Ceremony 2010 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 20 October 2010 The World Travel Awards South America Ceremony 2010 will take place this October in the spectacular city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Travel and tourism companies and organisations from across the region, representing every industry sector, will be fighting for their chance to be recognised by the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry.

Rio de Janeiro is the second major city of Brazil, behind Sao Paolo, and is unquestionably one of the most exciting cities in the world, with natural wonders, iconic beaches, and the nightlife as legendary as the city’s Carnival.

Andre Beraha, Amazonas Tur; Miss Brazil; Antonio Pedro F. de Mello, Secretary of Tourism, State of Rio de Janeiro.

South America’s Leading Green Destination 2009; South America’s Leading Destination 2009

The World Travel Awards South America Ceremony is timed to coincide with ABAV 2010 -Fair of the Americas, taking place 20-22 October in Rio. It is the biggest and most important tourism event held in the Americas.

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always in high demand, therefore early booking is always recommended.

To secure your seats for this must-attend event for senior decision makers and global media, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Telephone: +44 (0)207 925 0000

David Falcon, Senior Vice President, World Travel Awards; Arthur Repsold, Chairman, Rio Centro; Miss Rio de Janeiro.

South America’s Leading Conference Centre 2008

Elizabeth Hakim, PromPeru - Peruvian Tourism Board, with Miss Venezuela.

South America’s Leading Tourist Board 2009

“The awards have been making a steady and significant, long-term impact. ” The Financial Times

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World Travel Awards Grand Final Ceremony 2010 London, United Kingdom 7 November 2010 The World Travel Awards Grand Final is the culmination of a yearlong search for the very best travel brands in the world, covering seven continents and featuring over 3,600 nominees.

Winners from the six regional events will fight it out for the ultimate travel accolade. The ceremony, taking place in London on 7 November 2010, will reveal who is ‘the best of the best’, and will be a celebration of the outstanding achievements of the travel industry.

Nearly 1000 senior management and decision makers from the world's travel and tourism industry came together at the 2009 Grand Final.

Some of the thought leaders who were present included: Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President, WTTC; Kumari Selja, Minister of Tourism, India; Steve Ridgway, CEO, Virgin Atlantic Airways; Hon. Ed Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica; His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways.

Also in attendance was Antonio Pedro F. de Mello, Secretary of Tourism, State of Rio de Janeiro; Tan Sri Dr. Mohd. Munir bin Abdul Majid, Chairman, Malaysia Airlines; Raj Kamal Taposeea, Chairman,

Etihad Airways.

World's Leading Airline 2009 World's Leading Airline First Class 2009

Air Mauritius; Bruce Nobles, President and CEO, Air Jamaica; John Watson, CEO, Diethelm Travel Group; Mikael Andersson, VP Expedia EMEA, Expedia.co.uk; Gerard Greene, CEO, IFA Hotels & Resorts FZ LLC, Luiz Mor, Executive Director, TAP Portugal and Jehan de The, Global Marketing Director, Europcar.

The World Travel Awards Grand Final 2010 is the must-attend event of the year.

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always in high demand, therefore early booking is always recommended.

To secure your seats for this must-attend event for senior decision makers and global media, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Telephone: +44 (0)207 925 0000

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Xavier Luc Duval, Vice Prime Minister, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, accepting the award from hosts Bobby Davro and Tamara Beckwith.

Mauritius - World’s Leading Island Destination 2009

Mark Douglas, Vice President, American Express; Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards.

World's Leading Business Travel Agency 2009

Dato Lee Choong Yan, President, Genting Highlands Resort with Miss World.

World's Leading Casino Resort 2009

“The World Travel Awards ceremony is a fantastic event and a great networking opportunity for the travel industry…it makes sense to partner with a high profile and well-connected event like WTA.

”

Zina Neophytou Travel Distribution Account Director, BBC World News

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Secluded c coves for those cov veting g privac privacy. Th he e tranqu tranquillity of tthe tropics. Exo otic flora and faun na a. Nature Na at ittss m most nat atura ral.

Sheraton Langkawi Beach hR Resort, a charmin ng resort located ed on the magical islland of Langkawi ka i, off the north we este s ern coast of Pen ninsular Malaysia. Nestled N amidst ds 38 8 acres of lush trop p cal surrounding pic gs gs, the resort, desiigned in striking k c contemporary Ma alaysia architecturre alay re is a haven for tthose craving n an e exciting escape o orr a peaceful sanc ct ctuar y.

Here at She eraton Langkawi g Beach Resort, you u don on n t n just stay. Yo You o belong...

sh heraton.com/la angkawi member of ST TAR A WOOD PREFERRED P GUEST

Teluk Nibong, 070000 Langkawi, Kedah | Tel : +604 604 952 95 8000 | Fax +604 9552 8050 | website : sheraton n.com/langkawi The Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort is ow wned by Mashyur Mutiara S Sdn Bhd. (Co. Reg. No. 210632-M) and managed by Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation as its representative.

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“The Oscars of the Travel Industry�

Wall Street Journal

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2010 Dubai - Durban - Orlando - Antalya - Delhi - Rio de Janiero - London Our events are attended by the top level decision makers - more than 70 percent of our attendees are Director level or above.

Our events are the perfect platform to gain your brand top-level exposure.

Our events are famed for the great networking opportunities.

For more information and to book tickets please email: booking@worldtravelawards.com

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