World Travel Awards Europe and Green Gala Ceremony Programme 2008

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Europe & Green Gala Ceremony 2008

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Welcome President of the World Travel Awards Europe & Green Gala Ceremony 2008 Dear friends, It gives me a great honour to welcome you to the inaugural World Travel Awards: Europe & Green Awards Ceremony 2008, here in Poprad’s ground-breaking AquaCity.

Now in our 15th year, the World Travel Awards has always been driven by an uncompromising quest for excellence – seeking out those travel companies that are doing more than anyone else to further the customer experience.

Tonight’s Green Awards push this boundary one step further by acknowledging that customers today demand even more than the ultimate travel experience – they want to know their actions are working in harmony with the planet,

and that future generations will enjoy mother nature just as they do now. Leadingedge travel companies are those that honour this; their profits intertwined implicitly with sustainability and respect for our beautiful but delicate world.

Tonight we celebrate those striving to build such businesses, for green tourism is not only healthy for the planet but can also form the cornerstone of a profitable travel business.

AquaCity in many ways epitomises that ideal. Its pioneering use of geothermal water and solar energy saves around 27 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere each day, compared to burning conventional fossil

fuels. As well as helping the planet, this saves millions of euros in energy costs, which in turn drives down holiday prices and offers guests the unique combination of affordable and green luxury.

Tonight, with our European Awards, we also pay tribute to those across the Continent whose businesses have achieved an unrivalled level of excellence. Tourism here, like many regions globally, has its challenges, but it is in these economically turbulent times that business dynamics such as quality, value for money and innovation separates a good travel brand from a world-class one.

Congratulations to all those who are receiving awards and also to those that have

made this evening possible.

Honouring and promoting excellence and innovation in tourism and travel is the very essence of the World Travel Awards gala – so please enjoy yourselves with this in mind, for we value your incredible achievements and what you have done for our industry.

Thank you all for being here with us on this very special evening, and we wish tonight’s winners the best of luck for the World Travel Awards Grand Final, Turks and Caicos, 12th December 2008.

Sincerely yours, Graham E. Cooke President and Founder World Travel Awards

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Welcome Owner and CEO AquaCity Resort Dear guests, I’m delighted to welcome you to AquaCity, a venue not only selected by the World Travel Awards for this evening’s event, but by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Prince Philip, as part of their visit to Slovakia next week.

In an industry that is increasingly concerned with preserving the world’s finite resources, I am also delighted to say that during the 5 or 6 hours it takes to present the awards this evening, we will jointly contribute to saving around 6 tonnes of C02 from entering the atmosphere.

Simply by hosting this event at AquaCity.

While you are enjoying the food, the wine, the entertainment and the exhilaration of being among at the world’s most responsible travel industry professionals, solar energy is being used to power vast heat pumps which draws heat energy from the geothermal water that is piped to AquaCity from vast subterranean lakes beneath northern Slovakia.

This not only saves around 27 tonnes of CO2 emissions

from entering the atmosphere every single day of every year, compared with a mountain resort burning fossil fuels, it saves millions of euros in running costs too.

By building the world’s leading green resort, our aim was to demonstrate to the world that it’s possible to be green and profitable, to give customers standards of luxury and enjoyment that are rarely associated with saving the environment.

We are delighted that the World Travel Awards recognized our contribution to green tourism in 2007 and we’re delighted to be among so many others whose green accreditation is being recognized at this, the first World Green Travel Awards.

Yours faithfully, Jan Telensky, Owner and CEO AquaCity Resort, Poprad

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The world’s le

Europe’s number one eco Welcome to AquaCity Resort, Slovakia.

The world's leading green resort, saving you money by being green AquaCity is virtually self-powered, using freely available geothermal water and the sun's energy, saving around 27 tonnes of carbon emissions each day and millions of euros in energy costs each year. By using green technology to heat and power the resort, these cost savings are ploughed back into first class hotel and leisure facilities to offer a fun and affordable waterpark, spa and holiday destination.

But it's not just about green energy.

AquaCity is a fun and relaxing place for a day trip, a holiday, business event, party or celebration. With 14 indoor and outdoor geothermal pools, a fabulous spa centre with inhalation rooms, saunas and relaxation areas, two award winning hotels, a restaurant, bar areas, meeting rooms and kids' play areas, AquaCity offers affordable luxury, at the same time as minimising the impact on the planet

How to get there AquaCity is located in the north east of Slovakia, immediately south of the High Tatras Mountains.

Three times weekly flights from London Luton to Poprad with Sky Europe Poprad - (8min) v Kosice - Poprad 125kms (1hr 50min) Krakow - Poprad 160kms (2hr 20min) Budapest - Poprad 330kms (5hr) Bratislava - Poprad 340kms (4hr 30min) Vienna - Poprad 390kms (5hr)

www.aquacityresort.com

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s leading green resort

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Award winning AquaCity AquaCity is the world’s leading green resort, winner of the World’s first green Travel Award, nominated as the British Guild of Travel Writer’s top overseas destination and accredited to the highest standards of environmental management. It was the first destination in Europe to be given Green Hero status and has achieved both Green Apple and Live Earth accreditations.

AQUAPARK Poprad s.r.o., Sportová 1397/1, 058 01 Poprad, Slovak Republic Tel: +421 52 7851 111 Web: www.aquacityresort.com Email: reservations@aquacityresort.com

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World Travel Awards Europe & Green Gala Ceremony 2008 Date: Venue: Location:

15th October 2008 AquaCity Poprad, Slovakia

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Evening Program Champagne Reception: 19.00 Gala Dinner & Show: 20.00 Carriages: 23.00 ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

“

Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscar's....”

Wall Street Journal

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At last, a convention

where you can make a good speech

without saying a word!

The Grand Hall is ready to welcome major events from around the world, providing a glamorous multifunctional space, top quality service and magnificent views.

So get ready to experience the true meaning of Greek Hospitality with a well organised high-tech conference, or even a dazzling gala with exquisite decors.

You will remain speechless!!! • 40km Athens-Sounion Ave., 190 10 Lagonissi, Attica, Greece, tel.: (+30) 22910 76000, fax: (+30) 22910 24534, web: grandresort.gr

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About World Travel Awards

In its fifteenth year, the World Travel Awards acknowledges and celebrates those organisations who have made the greatest contribution to the global tourism and travel trade. It also recognises those who are driving the industry to greater heights and innovation.

For the tourism trade, winning different nominees this year. a World Travel Award is more than an award, it is a personal In response to increasing and reliable endorsement global concern over from the environmental issues Highest thousands of and climatic change, accolades in professionals from the World Travel the travel around the globe.

Awards introduced business” Green Categories to This level of accountability the award scheme in 2007 to makes it one of the highest reward those companies who Attended by top executives of accolades in the travel excel in ecologically friendly winning companies, the World business and is why the award practices.

Travel Awards ceremonies are ceremony is broadcast by BBC highly regarded and World (British Broadcasting The prestigious awards established as forums that Corporation) and other scheme is also evolving with bring together all areas of networks to over 254 million the new media age and is travel and tourism in households worldwide and now more accessible via the recognition and celebration of attended by the industry's web and social networking their achievements. global decision makers. sites. Video clips and interviews from the past With votes being cast entirely The World Travel Awards has ceremonies are now available online by 167,000 travel continuously evolved, on a YouTube channel that agencies and professionals in expanding the number of has now been launched at www.youtube.com/ over 198 awards as the Driving the worldtravelawards. countries industry has grown. industry to worldwide, it is greater heights There are now over To celebrate the 15th Birthday a truly and innovation” 1,000 different of World Travel Awards, the comprehensive categories - an 2008 Grand Tour is bigger and independent survey. In understandable number than ever before, with more 2007 the number of people seeing how the industry has exciting destinations and a voting was up by 12 percent diversified and given the fact dazzling array of star studded compared to 2006. that there were over 3,600

“

events. Kicking off in spectacular style in Durban, then onto Sydney, Shanghai and Orlando before arriving in Poprad here today for the Europe and Green Gala Ceremony and continuing to Rio de Janeiro and Dubai before culminating with our Grand Finale in Turks and Caicos in December.

This year independent voting by the industry will again seek out those companies who excel in the world of travel and tourism. The industry is constantly moving forward and evolving and World Travel Awards continue to honour the best that the world has to offer. www.worldtravelawards.com

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LET US CAPTURE YOUR IMAGINATION AND INSPIRE YOU TO DISCOVER LE MERIDIEN LAV, SPLIT 41

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Room keys that open more than doors. They can open minds.

Cuisine that explores new pairings while expanding your palate.

A hotel that can offer you a new perspective on your destination, and on the way that you see the things arround you. We invite you to discovery.

Welcome to Le Méridien Lav, Split.

LE MERIDIEN LAV, SPLIT

N 43° 29 E 16° 33 T +385 21 500 500 lemeridien.com/split

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World Travel Awards Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence World Travel Awards is the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programme in the global travel and tourism industry.

Established in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the industry, World Travel Awards are recognised as the hallmark of excellence, with the winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The Wall Street Journal recently heralded the World Travel Awards as the "travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars".

World Travel Awards is proud of its impartial nature and the comprehensive process of its voting programme. Votes are cast by an audience of 167,000 travel agents and tourism professionals from 198 participating countries. Voted for by industry peers, this level of accountability makes winning an award the greatest form of recognition in the travel business.

Attended by the industry’s key decision makers and figure heads, World Travel Awards brings together all corners of the globe and all areas of travel and tourism to celebrate both individual success and the collective achievements of the industry.

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The History World Travel Awards - honouring excellence in tourism worldwide since 1994

1994 Hollywood

1995 New York

1996 Las Vegas

1997 New York

1998 Bahamas

1999 London

2000 Jamaica

2001 Malaysia

2002 St Lucia

2003 New York

2004 Barbados

2005 London

Middle East & Africa

2006 Turks and Caicos

Europe & Green

Americas

2007 Regional Events

Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean

Grand Finale

Turks and Caicos

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Totally Relax in Paradise at The 21st Century Spa Resort

Experience the magnificent amenities Enjoy relaxation, pampering, health and fitness, fine service and good company.

Find a Hydrotherapy Pool, plus 26 metre Salt Water Swimming Pool, Spa and Massage pools, two Water Grottos, Steam Rooms, Saunas, Saunariums, Aromatherapy Room, many Relaxation areas, 4,000 sq ft Gymnasium, Aerobics, Yoga and Pilates suites, 9 hole Golf Course with PGA professional plus Driving Range and practice areas, Formal Gardens, Continental Roof Terrace Gardens, Five Lakes, Relaxation games, Tennis, Trim Trail and fun.

The perfect escape in the heart of the countryside 100 Acres • 100 Bedrooms • 100 Treatment Rooms

“You deserve it” Gift vouchers available for that special person for all occasions.

Website: www.hoarcross.co.uk & Telephone: 01283 575671 for your Reservation or Brochure

The only Spa Resort in a Stately Home in England Winner of England’s leading Resort at the World Travel Awards in 2005, 2006 & 2007

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World Travel Awards Grand Tour

The World Travel Awards attracts an unprecedented amount of both trade and consumer media coverage spearheaded by BBC World our global media partner whose coverage spans a global audience of over 274 million.

Africa Awards Ceremony Durban, South Africa 12th May

In recognition of "15 Years of Excellence", World Travel Awards has expanded its portfolio by adding a Grand Tour of Regional Awards to recognise winners in their own territory.

Asia & Indian Ocean Awards Ceremony Shanghai, China 19th June

AquaCity is our fifth stop after we visited Africa, Australasia, Asia and North America and we will shortly be moving on to Rio de Janeiro (South America Awards) and Dubai (Middle East Awards) followed by Turks & Caicos for our exciting Grand Final in December.

Australasia Awards Ceremony Sydney, Australia 10th June

South America Awards Ceremony Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 21st October Middle East Awards Ceremony Dubai, UAE 28th October World & Caribbean Gala Ceremony Turks & Caicos Islands 12th December

North & Central America Awards Ceremony Orlando, USA 6th September Europe & Green Awards Ceremony Poprad, Slovakia 15th October

www.worldtravelawards.com

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Menu & Wine

Cream of Broccoli soup

White Wine Mrva Stanko Chardonnay

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ Breast of Chicken with apple and raisin sauce Red Wine ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ Mrva Stanko Cabernet Sauvignon Apple pie with forest fruits and vanilla ice cream

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Cheeseboard Tea & Coffee

Dessert wine

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SHANGHAINESE STYLE

SWISS CONTEMPORARY TOUCH

Outstandingi ne veryw ay…i deall ocationf orb usinessa ndp leasure,f acilities thata res uperblyg rand,g raciouss ervicef roms taffw hoa nticipatey oure very needw henyo ut ravelt o Asia'sm ostd ynamicc ity.

Locatedi nJ ing An,t hel eadingb usinessd istricto fS hanghai,t heh oteli saf ew stepsf romt hef amousN anjing WestR oad,h omet os omeh igh-endc ommercial properties,s hoppingve nuesa ndb estk nowna ttractions.

A5 75-squarem etreG randB allroom,a3 90-squarem etreJ uniorB allrooma nd sixm ulti-functionalro omsa ret hei dealve nuef ora llk indo fb usinessa nds ocial events.

The “Spaa tS wissôtelG randS hanghai”h as6e legantp rivatet reatmentr ooms, a2 00-squarem etreg ym,a2 0-metrei ndoors wimmingp oolf eaturingap addling poolf oryo urc hildren.

1 Yu Yuan Road, Jing An District, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China Tel +86 21 5355 9898 Fax +86 21 6288 9638 shanghai@swissotel.com www.shanghai.swissotel.com

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Thank you to our partners

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to our main sponsor, AquaCity, for providing the perfect venue and for their outstanding hospitality, as well as our other partners and supporters BBC World News, World.Mobi and Breaking Travel News for their commitment and support which made the event such a success.

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TM

H O T E L S

&

R E S O R T S

A Sense of Luxury

Tel. + 357 (25) 833 - 000 columbia@columbia-hotels.com POETIS Creative Solutions

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World’s No 1

dƌĂǀĞů /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ^ŽƵƌĐĞ ͧ Online & Hard Copy

ƌĞĂŬŝŶŐ dƌĂǀĞů EĞǁƐ ƌĂŶŬƐ ĂƐ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ƚƌĂǀĞů ŶĞǁƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƐŝƚĞƐ͕ ĂƩƌĂĐƟŶŐ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ƵƐĞƌƐ ĞǀĞƌLJ month. BreakingTravelNews.com ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ďƌŽĂĚ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐŽǀĞƌŝŶŐ ĚĂŝůLJ ŶĞǁƐ͕ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ĐĂůĞŶĚĂƌ ŽĨ ƚƌĂǀĞů ƚƌĂĚĞ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ ĂŶ ŽĸĐŝĂů ŶĞǁƐƉĂƉĞƌ ĨŽƌ ƐŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂǀĞů ƚƌĂĚĞ͘ ƌĞĂŬŝŶŐ dƌĂǀĞů EĞǁƐ ŝƐ Ă ŚŝŐŚůLJ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ĨŽƌ ĐƌĞĂƟŶŐ ŚƵŐĞ ĂǁĂƌĞŶĞƐƐ ĨŽƌ ƚƌĂǀĞů ƚƌĂĚĞ ĂĚǀĞƌƟƐĞƌƐ͘ dŽ ƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞ ʹ dŽ ĂĚǀĞƌƟƐĞ ʹ dŽ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƚŚĞ ĞĚŝƚŽƌ͗ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚΛďƌĞĂŬŝŶŐƚƌĂǀĞůŶĞǁƐ͘ĐŽŵ ǁǁǁ͘ďƌĞĂŬŝŶŐƚƌĂǀĞůŶĞǁƐ͘ĐŽŵ

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World Travel Awards Team President & Founder Graham E. Cooke Senior Vice President David Falcon Executive Vice President & Event Director Manon Han Directors, Global Business Rupert Daniels Sion Rapson PR Director Jane Larcombe Financial Director Xiaolan Tang

Sales Executives Antonio Castro Neves Prakash Lathia

E-Commerce Managers Kelly Footit Hayden Pitout

PR Executive Cristina Onodi Event Manager Susan Mundy

Web Team Ben Roberts George Cooke Joe McCann Tom Fogarty

Event Organising Executive Shannon Hopkins

Creative Director Mike Gibas

Sponsorship & Event Manager James Wall

Designers Adam Williams Mark Askam Jackie Maddocks Lena Whitaker

Marketing Manager Kate Brewer

Commercial Director Christopher Frost

Editors Anton Strack Alex Lewis

Head of Business Development Max Miller

Official Photographers Mark Hakanson Gareth Morris

World Travel Awards 12-16 Laystall Street London EC1R 4PF United Kingdom T +44 (0)20 7925 0000 F +44 (0)20 7925 2552 awards@worldtravelawards.com www.worldtravelawards.com Copyright Š World Travel Awards 2008

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Escape.

With our mobility solutions for your holiday and travel needs.

Europcar’s many mobility services are intended to make this easier. With great rates, special equipment, 24hr service, and insurances – just about anything you could require at www.europcar.com

AWARDED IN 2007

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