World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony 2015

“THE OSCARS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY” WALL STREET JOURNAL

AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN CEREMONY 2015 Saturday 20th June 2015 Kempinski Seychelles Resort worldtravelawards.com

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I “ finally found all of the privacy and relaxation I had been craving for months on an island as beautiful as it is welcoming.�

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AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN GALA CEREMONY 2015

2015

WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN GALA CEREMONY On behalf of World Travel Awards, I warmly welcome you to our Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2015, this year being hosted by the stunning Kempinski Resort Seychelles. Located on the south end of Mahé in Baie Lazare, this is the perfect location for what is sure to be a highlight of the hospitality calendar here in the region. An indulgent retreat with a huge variety of facilities and activities, the hotel offers everything from adventure holidays exploring the unique natural landscape of the Seychelles to romantic breaks in one of the breath-taking suites.

This is the first time World Travel Awards has visited the Seychelles in our 22-year history and it’s an honour to finally arrive here at one of the most sought-after destinations on earth. This exceptional event is part of our year-long Grand Tour to celebrate the world’s outstanding travel brands, covering six continents and featuring over 9,000 nominees. We began at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach in the United Arab Emirates last month for our Middle East event, and will visit Forte Village in Sardinia in September for our Europe Gala Ceremony. Also on our agenda for 2015 are Beaches Turks & Caicos, which will welcome the Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony; Colombian capital Bogotá, proud host of the Latin America Gala Ceremony; and Singapore which will stage our Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony.

Each year our locations, categories, nominees and, most importantly, the number of voting travel professionals increases exponentially, revealing the tremendous public demand for the recommendation a World Travel Award signifies. Other organisations have tried to copy World Travel Awards, but none has the experience, the gravitas, the organisation or the loyal following of nearly half of a million travel, tourism and hospitality professionals worldwide needed to emulate our success.

I wish to thank our hosts this evening, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, as well as our partners for the annual Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony Seychelles Tourism Board, 7 Degrees South, Diageo and TV5Monde.

Thank you for joining us on this special evening and congratulations to all our nominees on your endeavours and achievements.

Graham E. Cooke President & Founder World Travel Awards AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN GALA CEREMONY

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AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN GALA CEREMONY 2015

World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony 20th June 2015

Welcome to the Kempinski Seychelles Resort.

It is a great honor to host The World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean ceremony this year in our property.

Located in the southern part of Mahe Island, Kempinski Seychelles Resort – Baie Lazare is the ideal location for those seeking an intimate getaway or an island adventure. Whether your idea of relaxing involves exploring hidden bays, snorkeling and island hopping or simply soaking in the sun, and pampering yourself with indulgent spa treatments and exquisite fine dining, Kempinski Seychelles Resort offers a world of choices, all within reach.

Our hotel opened its doors in March 2012, and since then, we have been collaborating with the Seychellois Tourism Board to showcase the destination of Seychelles in markets where the Kempinski brand has a very strong presence, such as Europe, Middle East & Asia. The country's plans for developing tourist attractions, and the destination as a whole, look promising and we remain confident that Seychelles will continue to be one of the most exclusive World Leading Tourist Destinations.

The World Travel Awards are globally recognized as one of the most prestigious awards ceremony for the Tourism industry, rewarding and celebrating the best of the best across all sectors of the industry.

On this occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to personally congratulate all winners, and to thank our partners and the entire team at World Travel Awards for making this event into a great success.

I wish you all a very pleasant stay at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare.

Warmest regards,

Masami Egami General Manager Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare

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AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN GALA CEREMONY 2015

ALAIN ST. ANGE MINISTER FOR TOURISM & CULTURE REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES Against the backdrop of the inter-connectivity which characterises our global tourism industry, I have long been of the belief that ‘Africa must do for Africa’ and that the Indian Ocean must be united under its ‘Vanilla Islands’ banner. Therefore, it gives me immense pleasure that the 2015 that the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony is being held at Kempinski Seychelles Resort, allowing participants from across the region to taste Seychelles’ hospitality at its best.

The time has come for us to recognise that the African & Indian Ocean region

have indeed some of the finest tourism products on the planet, able to compete with the best of the best worldwide on account of their authenticity, diversity and character. Ours are natural worlds, wonderfully unprocessed and unplugged which appeal to the heart of the traveller for their primeval beauty and, also, soulful rendition of the very concept of hospitality.

Today’s tourism knows no borders and it is encouraging to see the partnerships which are being formed between countries who once considered themselves only as rivals. This is ushering in an age

when we can no longer afford to be singular, isolated entities defending narrow interests but must reach out to develop exciting new synergies and partnerships which will allow us to venture together, where it might be impossible to go alone.

Tonight, the crème de la crème of regional hospitality are gathered together under one roof and I, for one, am excited for Seychelles, for Africa and the Indian Ocean and for what the future may hold.

Alain St. Ange Minister for Tourism & Culture Republic of Seychelles

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World Travel Awards

“THE OSCARS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY”

Proudly celebrating its 22nd anniversary, World Travel Awards has grown into the most prestigious travel industry awards programme in the world.

World Travel Awards continues to build its reputation as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’ by seeking out and rewarding those organisations that have made the greatest contribution to the global travel and tourism industry.

Launched in 1993, the awards programme features the winners from six regional ceremonies progressing to the Grand Final at the end of the year.

Hollywood

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Graham E. Cooke, Founder & President, World Travel Awards, says: “World Travel Awards is a unique benchmark for industry quality and business excellence in every region and sector.”

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 a gold seal to the public of travel excellence guaranteed.

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London

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Jamaica

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Malaysia

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Barbados – Turks and Caicos – Abu Dhabi – Newcastle – Bangalore – Durban – Sydney – Shanghai – Orlando Poprad – Rio de Janeiro – Dubai – River Maya – Obidos – Johannesburg – Antalya – New Delhi – Sharm El Sheikh Bangkok – Qatar – Algarve – Singapore – Lima – Antigua – Nairobi – Quito – Athens

- Anguilla – Seychelles

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Guest Editorial Breaking Travel News spotlight on:

INDIAN OCEAN

The Indian Ocean remains one of the most sought after tourism hotspots anywhere on earth – with countless tropical paradises wowing guests. Here Breaking Travel News brings you the latest headlines from this enduring destination.

Most excitingly, Dubai-based JA Resorts & Hotels recently revealed it is set to develop a tropical beach resort in Kathiraveli on the east Coast of Sri Lanka. The development will take place in partnership with the Gravity Resort Group, as part of the Dubai based group’s international expansion plans. To be known as JA Eclipse Beach

Resort, the property will mark JA Resorts & Hotels’ third premium tropical beach resort in the Indian Ocean.

As part of its expansion strategy, JA Resorts & Hotels launched its first premium destination in the Seychelles, Enchanted Island Resort, in December 2013, rapidly followed with JA Manafaru in the Maldives in November last year. GRG will fund the development of $30 million while JA Resorts & Hotels will be responsible for consultation, and ultimately management of the completed resort.

David Thomson, chief operating officer, JA Resorts & Hotels, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first UAE-based

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hospitality company to sign a management agreement enabling us to manage the first ever luxury resort development on the Sri Lankan East Coast. We remain committed to spreading our heartfelt hospitality into foreign leisure markets. This is in line with our longterm expansion strategy – endorsed by our parent company, the Dutco Group of Companies – to grow our footprint within the UAE as well as internationally.”

The resort on 33 acres of greenery with a beach front of 450 metres, will have an initial capacity of 108 luxurious suites and villas. It will feature six key room categories, ranging from the more conventional resort suites and villas to luxurious tree-top suites and royal suites.

The waterways around the resort will consist of featured free-form swimming pools, private villa pools, water features and a lazy river. It will feature eight food and beverage outlets, from casual daytime venues to speciality restaurants for evening meals – in addition, a host of private venues will also be on offer from tree-top, beach and poolside dining.

Per Aquum – this year nominated as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand - has revealed a new phase in the brand’s evolution and the most significant development since its launch ten years ago with a new logo, revamped visual identity and fresh hotel names. A collection of pure originals, the current portfolio reflects the elevated status of the brand featuring Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi and Per Aquum Niyama in the Maldives, Per Aquum Desert Palm in Dubai and Essque Zalu Zanzibar, which is being transformed into a Per Aquum resort.

In 2013, Minor Hotel Group, the Thailand-based hotel owner, operator and investor, entered into a joint venture strategic partnership with Universal Enterprises, Per Aquum’s founding company based in the Maldives. As part of this strategic venture MHG and Universal are developing the brand to encompass at least five additional properties within the next five years.

The new brand identity, which is designed to lay the foundation for the expansion of the brand, was developed

by MHG’s in-house team led by industry veteran and luxury hotelier, Nick Downing, vice president of Per Aquum, and Eight, the Hong Kong-based brand strategy and communications firm.

“The fact that this is the first major change to Per Aquum visual identity since our launch ten years ago is testament to the strength and longevity of the brand’s original DNA as well as the foresight of the founding company, Universal Enterprises,” said Downing. “As we usher in this new era, we are determined to remain at the cutting edge of luxury and to continue to break the mould and challenge convention – we have a proven track record to uphold so we’re not looking for cookie cutter hotels or every day experiences.

Air Seychelles - recognised as Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline - Business Class - and Air France recently signed a memorandum of understanding, heralding a new era of commercial cooperation between the two carriers. The agreement was signed at a meeting in Aix en Provence in France between Joël Morgan, Seychelles minister of foreign affairs and transport and chairman of Air Seychelles, and Frédéric Gagey, chairman of Air France.

The deal lays the groundwork for a commercial agreement that will deliver a range of benefits to both airlines and their customers, including codeshare opportunities between Air France and Air Seychelles on each other’s respective air networks, reciprocal frequent flyer points earn, redemption and recognition benefits, as well as technical and cargo cooperation, subject to regulatory approvals.

Morgan said the memorandum was an important development that will support the commencement of a non-stop, threeper-week service to the French capital on July 1st 2015. “This new era of cooperation is the result of a bilateral meeting between president Michel and president Hollande held in Paris last December where it was decided that direct links between France and Seychelles were a necessity. The renewed partnership with Air France is a significant milestone for Air Seychelles and forms a key part of our strategy to build upon tourism arrivals from France and the wider Europe region. It is something that we have worked very hard to achieve.”

In July 2014, Air Seychelles launched a twice-per-week service between Seychelles and France via Abu Dhabi.

breakingtravelnews.com editor@breakingtravelnews.com

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Guest Editorial Breaking Travel News spotlight on:

SEYCHELLES

Seychelles will today host the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, with Kempinski Seychelles Resort picking up the baton. But there is a great deal on offer in the destination away from the pristine beaches. Here we take a tour of this unique destination.

Seychelles comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 km² and an exclusive economic zone of 1.4 km² in the western Indian Ocean. It represents an archipelago of legendary beauty that extends from between four and ten degrees south of the equator and which lies between 480 kilometres and 1,600 kilometres from the east coast of Africa.

Of these 115 islands, 41 constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands. The granite islands of the Seychelles archipelago cluster around the

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main island of Mahé, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its neighbouring islands of Praslin and La Digue. Together, these Inner Islands form the cultural and economic hub of the nation and contain the majority of Seychelles’ tourism facilities as well as its most stunning beaches.

The Seychelles’ climate is one which is always warm and does not reach extremes of heat or cold. The temperature rarely drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C. All but the remotest southern islands lie outside the cyclone belt making

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Seychelles’ a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers. It is generally cooler when the north-west trade winds blow during the months of November to March. The sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 15-22 kilometres per hour. A larger amount of the annual rainfall falls during the months of December to February compared to other months.

CULTURE The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colourful blend of peoples of different

Images copyright Raymond Sahuquet & Gerard Larose, Seychelles Tourism Board

races, cultures and religions. At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the way of life and to the vibrant Seychellois culture. One can see these influences at work throughout the domains of local art, cuisine, music, dance and architecture. The architectural design of some of the grand old houses with their steep roofs are representative of a style adapted for comfortable living in the tropics that displays influences from Seychelles’ French and British colonial heritage. Modern architecture attempts to assimilate traditional styles with practical features designed to capture the island breezes.

Local artists continue to exhibit diverse styles that echo the multi-ethnic backdrop of the islands and bear testament to the various influences which have come to bear. Creole music and dance have their roots in African, Malagasy and

European cultures with rhythms traditionally accompanied by simple drums and string instruments which, today, include such recent imports as the violin and guitar. The traditional moutya is an erotic dance derived from the days of slavery and still features today, together with the sega with its colourful lyrics; the kanmtole, reminiscent of a country reel, and the Kontredanse, an import from the French court.

NATURE Seychelles is a living museum of natural history and a sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth.

With almost half of its limited landmass set aside as national parks and reserves, Seychelles prides itself on its record for far sighted conservation policies that have resulted in an enviable degree of protection for the environment and the varied ecosystems it supports. Nowhere else on earth will you find unique endemic specimens such as the fabulous Coco-de-mer, the largest seed in the

world, the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples, the Seychelles’ paradise flycatcher and Seychelles warbler.

Seychelles is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll and Praslin’sVallée de Mai, once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden. From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles nurtures an amazing array of endemic species within surrounds of exceptional natural beauty.

MORE INFORMATION For more information visit the Seychelles Tourism Board at www.seychelles.travel.

breakingtravelnews.com editor@breakingtravelnews.com

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Proud Sponsor of World Travel Awards

Guest Editorial Breaking Travel News spotlight on:

AFRICA

With so much happening in African tourism it can be difficult to keep up. Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at some of the most exciting developments among World Travel Awards winners across the continent.

Situated in South Africa’s renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, &Beyond Exeter River Lodge has reopened following a refurbishment of its guest area. Inspired by the botanical richness of their natural setting, the lodge’s redesigned public spaces incorporate organic shapes, added layers and natural textures. Set on the banks of the Sand River, the structure boasts a new roof that blends naturally into the landscape, giving the lodge a light and airy ambiance. The lodge’s new guest entrance now opens out onto unobstructed river views. The spacious dining area, which includes an interactive kitchen, is divided into separate, more

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intimate spaces, creating a more personalised atmosphere.

Spread along the riverbank, the lodge’s eight luxury suites feature dramatic riverside views, generous spaces and elegant en-suite bathrooms with both indoor and al fresco showers. There are also private plunge pools surrounded by spacious decks that overlook the river. The lodge is located in an area renowned for its magnificent leopard sightings and offers some of the best Big Five game viewing in South Africa. Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles are accompanied by expert rangers and Shangaan trackers, and trav-

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erse an area of 10.000 hectares. &Beyond is considered the World’s Leading Luxury Safari Company by World Travel Awards.

At the same time, Minor Hotel Group added six camps in Kenya to its growing global portfolio. This is the result of two of East Africa’s most prestigious property portfolios merging, following the acquisition of Cheli & Peacock Group of Companies by the Elewana Collection.

The acquisition sees the six Cheli & Peacock properties - namely, Elsa’s Kopje, Elephant Pepper Camp, Joy’s Camp, Tortillis Camp, Kitich Camp and Lewa Safari

Camp - merge under the banner of the Elewana Collection to form a comprehensive circuit of 14 properties spanning the highlights of Northern Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar.

The merger offers operators and agents a seamless experience when booking Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. The Cheli & Peacock Portfolio represents six of Kenya’s finest safari lodges and camps located in some of the country’s most iconic parks and conservancies. The properties are all vastly different in design and geography but they all share the same attitude toward service, social responsibility and community partnerships.

Dillip Rajakarier, chief executive of Minor Hotel Group, commented: “The

addition of the six Cheli and Peacock camps to the Elewana Collection represents a really exciting development in Kenya for Minor Hotel Group and our partners. The expanded Elewana Collection now offers a portfolio of 14 camps, lodges and boutique beach hotels in Kenya, Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar, providing unparalleled African wildlife-viewing and beach holiday opportunities with an emphasis on stylish and luxurious comfort.”

The addition of the six Cheli and Peacock camps to the Elewana Collection brings MHG’s overall hotel count to 133. In Africa, MHG now has a portfolio of 25 properties in seven countries across three of its hotel brands – Anantara, AVANI and the Elewana Collection. A fourth brand will be added later this year when Essque Zalu Zanzibar,

which is currently managed by MHG, is rebranded to Per AQUUM. Etihad Airways – considered the World’s Leading Airline by World Travel Awards – also recently strengthened its presence in east Africa with the launch of new services between Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and Entebbe, in central Uganda. Operated by a twoclass Airbus A320 aircraft with 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats, the new service is designed to provide business and leisure travellers with a direct four-times-per-week service between Entebbe and Abu Dhabi. The route also offered convenient onward connections to key destinations in the GCC region, Europe, Indian Subcontinent, North Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.

James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, said: “Uganda is one of the continent’s fastest-growing business and tourism destinations, and the launch of services to Uganda is consistent with our strategy of targeting areas of strong growth in emerging markets.”

breakingtravelnews.com editor@breakingtravelnews.com

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Photo Credit : Torsten Dickmann

Anse Georgette Praslin Image - Barbara Hartmut Röder, STB

THE SEYCHELLES ISLANDS… ANOTHER WORLD 28

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The Seychelles archipelago comprises 115 islands that extend in a gleaming arc from 4 to 10 degrees south of the equator and between 1,600 and 480 km from the east coast of Africa. The total landmass is 450 sq km, situated within an economic zone of 1,400,000 sq. km.

Seychelles enjoys a comprehensive network of aviation connections from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe to the International Airport on the main island, Mahé, which is the hub for all transportation to the other Seychelles islands.

The national airline Air Seychelles operates regular, direct services to Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Dar Es Salaam and Antananarivo and will soon operate a direct flight to Paris.

Other airlines servicing Seychelles include Emirates, Etihad, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, Air Austral and Condor. Some fly directly into Seychelles, while others pass through hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Addis Ababa Forty one of the Seychelles Islands represent the most ancient mid-oceanic granitic islands on earth while 74 are low-lying coral atolls and reef islands, set like gemstones amid the sparkling azure waters of the western Indian Ocean.

Formed 150 million years ago when the super-continent of Gondwanaland began to break apart, Seychelles was left in splendid isolation between, India, Africa and Madagascar. Until today, it has remained a sanctuary for unique, exotic life forms and primeval forests so spectacular that it was once believed to be the original site of the biblical Garden of Eden.

Seychelles is host to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: The legendary Vallée de

Mai where the fabulous coco-de-mer, the world’s heaviest nut in the perfect form of a female pelvis, grows on towering palms, and Aldabra, the planet’s largest raised coral atoll.

The population is a mere 93,000 and is a harmonious blend of peoples with African, European and Asian roots, living as one.

The official languages are English, French and Creole, the colourful local patois that is an adaptation of 17th century French.

The currency is the Seychelles Rupee.

The majority of the mainly Catholic population are scattered throughout the principal island of Mahé, home to the capital Victoria and the international airport, and also neighbouring Praslin and La Digue that, together, form the cultural and economic hub of the nation.

Seychelles’ tourism industry calls on the immense diversity that the islands have to offer, the healthy tropical climate, vibrant culture and a rich choice of activities such as sailing, diving, fishing, hiking, golf, spa & wellness vacations, island hopping and business & incentives to provide the discerning visitor with a fascinating, varied holiday experience. Seychelles also hosts an enticing suite of events throughout the year that includes the Carnaval International de Victoria, Festival Kreol, Fet Afrik, Seychelles Ocean Festival, Eco-Friendly Marathon and La Fet La Digue.

The islands boast a wide range of accommodation options from major international five-star hotels and resorts to quaint Creole guesthouses, villas and self-caterings. Seychelles has also recently been voted the finest honeymoon destination on earth.

More information on Seychelles is available on the destination website: www.seychelles.travel

TOP TO BOTTOM Anse Marron La Digue Anse Takamaka Mahe Beach Denis Images - Barbara Hartmut Röder, STB

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Africa Nominees 2015

2015

AFRICA’S LEADING AIRLINE EgyptAir Ethiopian Airlines Kenya Airways Royal Air Maroc South African Airways Tunis Air AFRICA’S LEADING AIRLINE - BUSINESS CLASS EgyptAir Ethiopian Airlines Kenya Airways Royal Air Maroc South African Airways AFRICA’S LEADING AIRLINE - ECONOMY CLASS Air Namibia EgyptAir Ethiopian Airlines Kenya Airways LAM - Mozambique Airlines Mango Precision Air Royal Air Maroc South African Airways Tunis Air AFRICA’S LEADING AIRPORT Cairo International Airport, Egypt Cape Town International Airport, South Africa Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi King Shaka International Airport, Durban, South Africa Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa

AFRICA’S LEADING ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT Diamonds Dream of Africa Resort, Kenya Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est, Zanzibar, Tanzania Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa, Zanzibar Hilton Hurghada Plaza, Egypt AFRICA’S LEADING BEACH DESTINATION Bazaruto, Mozambique Cape Town, South Africa Diani Beach, Kenya Plettenberg Bay, South Africa Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Zanzibar, Tanzania AFRICA’S LEADING BEACH RESORT AfroChic Diani Beach, Kenya Almanara Luxury Villas Kenya Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa, Mozambique Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa, Zanzibar Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est, Zanzibar, Tanzania Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort, Zanzibar Sultan Gardens Resort, Egypt Swahili Beach, Kenya The Majlis Resort, Kenya AFRICA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique Birkenhead House, South Africa Camps Bay Retreat, South Africa Giraffe Manor, Kenya La Villa des Orangers, Morocco Lion in the Sun, Kenya No5 Boutique Art Hotel,

South Africa Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa The Last Word Long Beach, South Africa The Peech, South Africa Tribe Hotel, Kenya AFRICA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL BRAND African Pride Hotels Elewana Collection Hunters Hotels Group Mantis Collection Red Carnation Hotels The Collection By Liz McGrath The Last Word The Royal Portfolio AFRICA’S LEADING BUSINESS CAR RENTAL COMPANY Avis Budget Europcar Hertz Thrifty AFRICA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Conrad Cairo, Egypt Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel, Kenya Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Egypt.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Egypt Hilton Durban, South Africa L Mansion Marrakesh Guest Palace, Morocco Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sandton Sun, South Africa Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche, Casablanca, Morocco Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa

Sofitel Marrakech Palais Impérial The Wheatbaker, Lagos Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria Tribe Hotel, Kenya AFRICA’S LEADING BUSINESS TRAVEL AGENCY Carson Wagonlit Travel Club Travel Corporate, South Africa Duma Travel FCm Travel Solutions Hemingways Expeditions Pen Travel South Africa Sure Giltedge Corporate Travel Sure Travel, South Africa Travel with Flair AFRICA’S LEADING CAR RENTAL COMPANY Avis Budget Europcar Hertz Thrifty AFRICA’S LEADING CASINO RESORT Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Morocco Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel, South Africa Sun City Resort The Palazzo Montecasino, South Africa Wild Coast Sun Resort & Casino, South Africa

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Africa Nominees 2015

2015

AFRICA’S LEADING CITY HOTEL Alexandria, Four Seasons, Egypt Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, Dar es salam, Tanzania Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel, Kenya Hemingways Nairobi, Kenya Hilton Durban, South Africa Hyatt Regency Casablanca InterContinental Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi Serena Hotel, Kenya Pepperclub Hotel & Spa, South Africa Sandton Sun, South Africa Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche The Michaelangelo, South Africa Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria AFRICA’S LEADING CONFERENCE HOTEL Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Egypt InterContinental Citystars Cairo, Egypt JW Marriott Hotel Cairo, Egypt Kempinski Hotel, Djibouti Melrose Arch Hotel, South Africa Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa Sandton Sun, South Africa Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, South Africa Sun City Resort, South Africa The Westin Cape Town, South Africa

AFRICA’S LEADING CONSERVATION COMPANY &Beyond African Conservation Experience African Impact Edge Of Africa Mala Mala Game Reserve Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa Singita AFRICA’S LEADING CRUISE LINE Discover Egypt, Nile Cruises Oceania Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises Royal Caribbean International Silversea Cruises Sonesta Nile Cruises AFRICA’S LEADING CRUISE PORT Port Elizabeth, South Africa Port of Cape Town, South Africa Port of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Port of Durban, South Africa Port of Mombasa, Kenya Port of Zanzibar, Tanzania AFRICA’S LEADING DESTINATION Cape Town, South Africa Durban, South Africa El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt Johannesburg, South Africa Luxor, Egypt Marrakech, Morocco Mombasa, Kenya Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Victoria Falls, Zambia

AFRICA’S LEADING DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY Destination Kenya Emeco Travel Egypt Green Route Tourvest Destination Management, South Africa Unitours Maroc AFRICA’S LEADING ECO-LODGE Azura Quilalea Private Island, Mozambique Campi Ya Kanzi, Kenya Dugong Beach Lodge, Mozambique Eagle View Il Ngwesi Lodge, Kenya Jock Safari Lodge at Kruger National Park, South Africa Monkey Valley Resort, South Africa Sanctuary Olonana, Kenya Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Sasaab Samburu, Kenya AFRICA’S LEADING FAMILY RESORT Amani Tiwi Beach Resort, Kenya Hilton Sharm Dreams Resort, Egypt Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort, Egypt Leopard Beach Resort & Spa, Kenya Shamwari Game Reserve - Riverdene Lodge, South Africa Sultan Gardens Resort, Egypt Sun City Resort, South Africa Wild Coast Sun Resort & Casino, South Africa

AFRICA’S LEADING GAME RESERVE BRAND &Beyond Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts Shamwari Group Singita Game Reserves AFRICA’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL Hilton Hurghada Plaza, Egypt Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge, Kenya Nairobi Serena Hotel, Kenya Nkwichi Lodge, Mozambique The Aberdare Country Club, Kenya The Phantom Forest Ecoreserve, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING HOTEL Arabella Hotel & Spa, South Africa Cape Grace, South Africa Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa, South Africa Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Kenya Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel, Kenya Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the Nile Plaza, Egypt Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, South Africa Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences, Egypt La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco Palais Namaskar, Marrakech, Morocco Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco Sahara Palace Marrakech, Morocco Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa Selman Marrakech, Morocco The Palace of the Lost City, South Africa

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TEL : +216 70 019 000 | info@lacigaletabarka.com

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Africa Nominees 2015

2015

AFRICA’S LEADING HOTEL BRAND African Pride Hotels Conrad Hotels & Resorts Hilton Hotels & Resorts InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Mantis Collection Protea Hotels Serena Hotels Sofitel Hotels and Resorts Sun International Tsogo Sun Hotels AFRICA’S LEADING HOTEL RESIDENCES Cape Grace, South Africa Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Spa, South Africa Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences, Egypt JW Marriott Hotel Cairo, Egypt Michelangelo Towers, South Africa Palacina The Residence & The Suites, Kenya Palmeraie Village, Morocco Pepperclub Hotel & Spa, South Africa Taj Cape Town, South Africa The Residences at Leopard Beach Resort & Spa AFRICA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Churchill Suite @ Mena House Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt Livia’s Presidential Suite @ Peermont D’oreale Grande at Emperors Palace, South Africa Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite @ Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa Pool Suite @ Palais Namaskar, Morocco Presidential Suite @ Four Seasons Resort Marrakech Presidential Suite @

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, South Africa Presidential Suite @ Savoy Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Royal Suite @ Sahara Palace Marrakech, Morocco AFRICA’S LEADING INFLIGHT MAGAZINE Horus (EgyptAir) khuluma (Kulula) La Gazelle (Tunisair) Msafiri (Kenya Airways) RAM Magazine (Royal Air Maroc) Sawubona (South African Airways) Selamta Magazine (Ethiopian Airlines) AFRICA’S LEADING LEISURE CAR RENTAL COMPANY Avis Eagle Cars Europcar AFRICA’S LEADING LOW-COST AIRLINE Air Arabia Fastjet Kulula Mango AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY HOTEL VILLA Chongwe Safaris, Chongwe River House, Zambia Queen Cleopatra Villa @ Royal Savoy Villas, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Riad D’Honneur @ Royal Mansour, Morocco Riad Deux Chambres @ Selman Marrakech Royal Villa @ Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, Morocco The Cliff villa @ Alfajiri Villas, Kenya Villa iZulu @ Thanda Private Game Reserve, South Africa Villa Namaskar @ Palais

Namaskar, Morocco Villa One @ Ellerman House, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY LODGE &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia Norman Carr Safaris, Chinzombo, Zambia Palala Boutique Game Lodge, South Africa Royal Malewane, South Africa Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge Singita Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania Thanda Private Game Reserve, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY PRIVATE VILLA Cottar’s Bush Villa, Maasai Mara, Kenya Molori Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa Oasis Palms, El Gouna, Egypt Tarkuni Villa, Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa Villa Ezzahra, Marrakech, Morocco Villa Santorini, Mozambique AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY SAFARI COMPANY Africa Uncovered JPS Luxury Safaris Micato Safaris The Luxury Safari Company Tiger Safaris Twiga Tours

Kobo Safaris Kuoni Group Micato Pollmans Tours & Safaris Pulse Africa Rhino Africa Safaris Yampu Tours AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY TRAIN Rovos Rail The Blue Train AFRICA’S LEADING MEETINGS & CONFERENCE CENTRE Cairo International Conference Centre, Egypt Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa Durban International Convention Centre, South Africa Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa The Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Kenya AFRICA’S LEADING MEETINGS & CONFERENCE DESTINATION Cape Town, South Africa Durban, South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa Marrakech, Morocco Nairobi, Kenya Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR Abercrombie & Kent Cox & Kings Elegant Resorts Giltedge Travel AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN GALA CEREMONY

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Africa Nominees 2015

2015

AFRICA’S LEADING MICE HOTEL Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Egypt Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, Morocco InterContinental Citystars Cairo, Egypt Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Morocco Palais Namaskar, Marrakech, Morocco Safari Park Hotel & Casino, Kenya Sandton Sun, South Africa Sun City Resort, South Africa The Palazzo Montecasino, South Africa The Westin Cape Town, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING NATIONAL PARK Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana Etosha National Park, Namibia Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda Kruger National Park, South Africa Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Serengeti National Park, Tanzania AFRICA’S LEADING NEW HOTEL Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, South Africa La Cigale Hôtel Tabarka, Tunisia Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Tanzania Royal Palm Marrakech, Morocco The George Lagos, Nigeria

AFRICA’S LEADING ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY AAHolidays.co.za Africa Point Flightsite.co.za Pick n Pay Travel Southafricaholidays.com Travel.co.za Travelstart.co.za AFRICA’S LEADING ONLINE TRAVEL PORTAL African Sun Travel BookingSouthAfrica.com Getaway Africa TravelFix AFRICA’S LEADING PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Ongava Game Lodge and Reserve, Namibia Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa Shambala Private Reserve, South Africa Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge, Zanzibar Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa, Mozambique Azura Quilalea Private Island, Mozambique Chapwani Private Island, Zanzibar Manda Bay, Kenya Rusinga Island Lodge, Kenya The Funzi Keys, Kenya Vamizi Island

AFRICA’S LEADING RESORT Alfajiri Villas, Kenya Breezes Beach Club, Tanzania Four Seasons Resort Marrakech Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort, Tanzania Palmeraie Resort, Morocco Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Sultan Gardens Resort, Egypt Sun City Resort, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING RIVER CRUISE COMPANY Avalon Waterways Discover Egypt, Nile Cruises Nguni Zambezi Voyager Oberoi Cruises Sonesta Nile Cruises Viking River Cruises AFRICA’S LEADING SAFARI COMPANY African Welcome Safaris Eyes on Africa Go2Africa Private Safaris Rhino Africa Safaris Sun Safaris Twiga Tours AFRICA’S LEADING SAFARI LODGE Borana Lodge, Kenya Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa Entabeni Safari Conservancy, South Africa Finch Hattons, Kenya Kicheche Bush Camp, Kenya Loisaba, Kenya Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa Ngerende Island Lodge, Kenya ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, Botswana

Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa Singita Ebony Lodge, South Africa Sirikoi, Kenya Thanda Private Game Reserve, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING SERVICED APARTMENTS 129 On Kloofnek, South Africa Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments, Kenya Ebb Tide Apartments, South Africa Lawhill Luxury Apartments, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING SPA RESORT Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa, Mozambique Arabella Hotel & Spa, South Africa Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa, South Africa Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, Kenya Es Saadi Gardens & Resort, Marrakech, Morocco Leopard Beach Resort & Spa, Kenya Selman Marrakech, Morocco The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, South Africa

AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN GALA CEREMONY

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Africa Nominees 2015

2015

AFRICA’S LEADING SPORTS RESORT Champagne Sports Resort, South Africa Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa, South Africa Fairmont Zimbali Resort, South Africa Fancourt Hotel & Country Club, South Africa Legend Golf & Safari Resort, South Africa Sun City Resort, South Africa The Palmeraie Golf Palace & Resort, Morocco The Steigenberger Golf Resort, Egypt AFRICA’S LEADING TENTED SAFARI CAMP Dwyka Tented Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, South Africa Elephant Pepper Camp, Kenya Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps, Kenya Honeyguide Tented Safari Camp Khoka Moya, South Africa Jongomero Camp, Tanzania Mahali Mzuri, Kenya Mumbo Island Lake Malawi Singita Sabora Camp, Tanzania Wolwedans Private Camp, Namibia AFRICA’S LEADING TOURIST ATTRACTION Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Pyramids of Giza, Egypt Robben Island, South Africa Table Mountain, South Africa V&A Waterfront, South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING TOURIST BOARD Egyptian State Tourist Office Gambia Tourism Board Ghana Tourism Authority Kenya Tourism Board

Moroccan National Tourist Office Namibia Tourism Board Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation South Africa Tourism Tanzania Tourist Board Zanzibar Commission for Tourism AFRICA’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Club Travel, South Africa Flight Centre, South Africa Flight Site, South Africa Kuoni Travel Satguru Travel & Tourism Sure Giltedge Corporate Travel, South Africa Sure Travel, South Africa Travel Choice Egypt AFRICA’S LEADING TRAVEL CLUB DreamTrips Travel Club Vacation Hub International AFRICA’S LEADING TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY American Express Travel Services South Africa Carlson Wagonlit Travel Club Travel Corporate, South Africa FCm Travel Solutions Hemingways Expeditions HRG Kenya - Elite Travel Services Ltd HRG Rennies Travel, South Africa Skylink Travel and Tours Ltd Sure Giltedge Travel, South Africa Travel with Flair South Africa AFRICA’S LEADING TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER Illusions Online Sabre Holdings Travelport

AFRICA’S RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD &Beyond Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique Fair Trade Tourism Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps, Kenya Monkey Valley Resort, South Africa Private Safaris Starwood Hotels & Resorts Twiga Tours ALGERIA’S LEADING HOTEL Hilton Alger Hotel Le Méridien Oran Hotel & Convention Centre Sheraton Club des Pins Resort & Towers Sheraton Oran Hotel & Towers Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden ANGOLA’S LEADING HOTEL EPIC SANA Luanda Hotel Hotel Baia Luanda Hotel Continental Hotel de Talatona Conventions BENIN’S LEADING HOTEL Benin Marina Hotel Hotel Ibis Cotonou Hotel Novotel Cotonou Orisha BOTSWANA’S LEADING HOTEL Gaborone Sun Peermont Mondior, Gaborone Peermont Walmont at The Grand Palm Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort

BOTSWANA’S LEADING INBOUND TOUR OPERATOR Dumela Botswana Letaka Safaris The Booking Company Travel Wild Africa BOTSWANA’S LEADING SAFARI LODGE &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge Belmond Khwai River Lodge Chobe Marina Lodge Elephant Valley Lodge Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge BOTSWANA’S LEADING TENTED SAFARI CAMP &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp Jack’s Camp Machaba Camp Mombo Camp BURKINA FASO’S LEADING HOTEL Azalai Hotel Independance Hotel Le Silmande Ougadougou Laico Ouaga 2000 CAMEROON’S LEADING HOTEL Hilton Yaounde Hotel Akwa Palace Le Méridien Douala CAPE VERDE’S LEADING HOTEL ClubHotel Riu Karamboa Dunas de Sal Hotel Hotel Oasis Praiamar Melia Tortuga Beach Resort Morabeza Hotel

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Africa Nominees 2015 COTE D’IVOIRE’S LEADING HOTEL Hotel ibis Abidjan Marcory Hotel Pullman Abidjan Hotel Tiama Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire Villa Anakao EGYPT’S LEADING ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT Hilton Sharks Bay Resort, Sharm El Sheikh Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna Hurghada Sheraton Soma Bay Resort, Hurghada Sierra Resort, Sharm el Sheikh Sultan Gardens Resort EGYPT’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Conrad Cairo Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the Nile Plaza Intercontinental Cairo Semiramis InterContinental Citystars Cairo JW Marriott Hotel Cairo Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City EGYPT’S LEADING CONFERENCE HOTEL Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Sharm El Sheikh Mövenpick Resort Sharm el Sheikh

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EGYPT’S LEADING DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY Discovery Tours Egypt Emeco Travel Egypt Escapade Travel Excel Travel Egypt Inter Gulf Travel Travco Travel Company EGYPT’S LEADING FAMILY RESORT Coral Sea Sensatori Resort Sharm El Sheikh Jaz Mirabel Beach Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Sharm El Sheikh Palm Royale Soma Bay Resort Sonesta Pharaoh Beach Resort – Hurghada Sultan Gardens Resort EGYPT’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL Adrère Amellal Hilton Hurghada Plaza Iberotel Dahabeya Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna Hurghada Steigenberger Golf Resort EGYPT’S LEADING HOTEL Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, Egypt Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences JW Marriott Hotel Cairo Mena House Hotel Savoy Sharm El Sheikh Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor EGYPT’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Fairmont Nile City Presidential Suite @ Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences

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Presidential Suite @ Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay Royal Suite @ Conrad Cairo Royal Suite @ Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria Royal Suite @ Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence EGYPT’S LEADING LUXURY HOTEL VILLA 5 Bedroom Royal Villa @ Grand Rotana Resort & Spa – Sharm El Sheikh Deluxe Villa @ Mövenpick Resort Sharm el Sheikh Queen Cleopatra Villa @ Royal Savoy Villas, Sharm El Sheikh Residential Villa @ Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh Royal Villa @ Mövenpick Resort Aswan Villa @ Pyramisa Sharm ElSheikh Resort EGYPT’S LEADING RESORT Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh Hilton Hurghada Long Beach Resort Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay Monte Carlo Sharm El Sheikh Palm Royale Soma Resort Savoy Sharm El Sheikh Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna Hurghada Sultan Gardens Resort EGYPT’S LEADING SPA RESORT Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh Grand Rotana Resort & Spa, Sharm el Sheikh Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh

EGYPT’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Excel Travel Egypt Golden Tours Kimidar Tours Travel Choice Egypt ETHIOPIA’S LEADING HOTEL Addis Regency Hotel Harmony Hotel Hilton Addis Ababa Sheraton Addis The Lion’s Den Hotel GABON’S LEADING HOTEL Le Méridien Mandji Le Méridien Re-Ndama Libreville Onomo Okoume Palace Hotel GAMBIA’S LEADING HOTEL Coco Ocean Resort & Spa Mandina Lodge at Makasutu Forest Ngala Lodge Sheraton Gambia Resort GHANA’S LEADING HOTEL La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra The Labadi Beach Hotel The Royal Senchi Hotel & Resort Villa Monticello GHANA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Coco Chanel Suite @ Villa Monticello Presidential Suite @ La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Presidential Suite @ Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra KENYA’S LEADING BEACH RESORT Alfajiri Villa Resort Diani Reef Beach Resort &

2015

Spa Hemingways Watamu Resort Leopard Beach Resort & Spa Msambweni Beach House Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa Severin Sea Lodge Swahili Beach The Majilis The Red Pepper House

KENYA’S LEADING HOTEL BRAND Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Hemingways Collection Kempinski Hotels PrideInn Hotels & Conferencing Sarova Hotels, Resorts and Game Lodges Serena Hotels

KENYA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel InterContinental Nairobi Nairobi Serena Hotel Sarova Panafric The Sarova Stanley Tribe Hotel

KENYA’S LEADING HOTEL RESIDENCES Eden Beach Resort & Spa Palacina The Residence and The Suites Safari Park Hotel & Casino Woburn Residence Club

KENYA’S LEADING SAFARI LODGE &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge Elsa’s Kopje Finch Hattons Governors Camp Keekorok Lodge-Sun Africa Hotels Little Governors’ Camp Ol Tukai Lodge Sanctuary Olonana Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Saruni Samburu Serena Mountain Lodge

KENYA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Tribe Hotel Presidential Suite @ Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi The Windsor Suite @ The Sarova Stanley

KENYA’S LEADING SPA RESORT Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa Enashipai Resort & Spa Leopard Beach Resort & Spa Lion In The Sun Ocean Beach Resort & Spa

KENYA’S LEADING INBOUND TOUR OPERATOR Gamewatchers Safaris Hemingways Expeditions Pollmans Tours & Safaris Private Safaris Somak Safaris Twiga Tours

KENYA’S LEADING TENTED SAFARI CAMP &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp Ashnil Mara Camp Elephant Pepper Camp Encounter Mara Kicheche Bush Camp Mahali Mzuri Sarova Mara Game Camp Severin Safari Camp

KENYA’S LEADING CAR RENTAL COMPANY Avenue Car Hire Avis Kenya Central Rent A Car Europcar Kenya Glory Car Hire Sixt Kenya KENYA’S LEADING DOMESTIC SAFARI CARRIER AirKenya Fly540 Mombasa Air Safari Safarilink Tropic Air KENYA’S LEADING HOTEL Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel InterContinental Nairobi Nairobi Serena Hotel Safari Park Hotel & Casino Sankara The Sarova Stanley Tribe Hotel Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club

KENYA’S LEADING RESORT Alfajiri Villa Resort Hemingways Resort Kinondo Kwetu Leopard Beach Resort & Spa Mt. Kenya Safari Club KENYA’S LEADING SAFARI CAMP BRAND Governors Camp Collection Heritage Hotels Porini Camps The Safari and Conservation Company

KENYA’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Carlson Wagonlit Travel Express Travel Group Muthaiga Travel Limited Pollmans Tours & Safaris UNIGLOBE Northline Travel KENYA’S LEADING TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY Abercrombie & Kent Carlson Wagonlit Travel

FCm Travel Solutions HRG Kenya - Elite Travel Services Ltd MALAWI’S LEADING HOTEL Kaya Mawa Mvuu Wilderness Lodge Ngala Beach Lodge and Hotel Pumulani Luxury Beach Lodge The Makokola Retreat MOROCCO’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Dar Ahlam Dar Les Cigognes Dar Rhizlane Domaine Malika Grace Marrakech Jnane Tamsna Kasbah Agafay Hotel and Spa Kasbah Tamadot, Marrakech Ksar Char-Bagh La Villa des Orangers Palais Amani Palais Faraj Suites & Spa Riad Fes Hotel Royal Mansour Selman Marrakech The Pearl Marrakech MOROCCO’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Hotel & Ryads Naoura Barrière Kenzi Farah Kenzi Tower Hotel Casablanca L Mansion Marrakesh Guest Palace La Tour Hassan Le Méridien N’Fis Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa Sofitel Marrakech Palais Impérial Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses

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Africa's Leading Online Travel Company

2011, 2012, 2014

Africa Nominees 2015 MOROCCO’S LEADING CAR RENTAL COMPANY Avis Divine Cars Europcar Fox Care Rent-a-car Hertz Medousatour Morocco Car Rental Moroccocars Practique Car Rental Maroc Sixt MOROCCO’S LEADING CITY HOTEL Four Seasons Resort Marrakech Hivernage Hotel & Spa, Marrakech Hyatt Regency Casablanca Kenzi Tower Hotel Casablanca La Mamounia, Marrakech Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche MOROCCO’S LEADING DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY Atlas Voyages Business Class Destination Management Morocco Originally Morocco Premium Leisure & Events S’Tours Destination Management Company Travel Link Morocco Unitours Maroc Visit Morocco Destination Management Company MOROCCO’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL Fellah Hotel Hotel du Golf, Marrakech Hotel Riu Tikida Garden Ksar Char-Bagh Palais Namaskar E&OE

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MOROCCO’S LEADING HOTEL Angsana Riads Marrakech Heure Bleue Hivernage Hotel & Spa Hotel Les Jardins de la Koutoubia Kasbah Tamadot, Marrakech La Mamounia La Sultana La Tour Hassan Palais Namaskar Royal Mansour Royal Mansour Casablanca Sahara Palace Marrakech Selman Marrakech Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche Sofitel Marakech Lounge & Spa MOROCCO’S LEADING HOTEL RESIDENCES Atlas Marina beach Suites and Spa Palm Holidays @ Palmeraie Village Pavillon du Golf @ Palmeraie Village MOROCCO’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Exclusive Suite @ La Sultana, Marrakech Master Suite @ Kasbah Tamadot Pool Suite @ Palais Namaskar Presidential Suite @ Four Seasons Resort Marrakech Royal Suite @ Sahara Palace Marrakech Royal Suite @ Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa Royal Suite @ The Pearl Marrakech Suite De Luxe @ Hivernage Hotel & Spa Suite Deluxe @ Selman Marrakech Suite Royale @ Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

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MOROCCO’S LEADING LUXURY HOTEL VILLA Jnane Villa @ Jnane Tamsna Mazagan Villa @ Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort Riad D’Honneur @ Royal Mansour Riad Deux Chambres @ Selman Marrakech Royal Villa @ Four Seasons Resort Marrakech Secret Garden Villas @ The Palmeraie Golf Palace & Resort The Villa @ L Mansion Marrakesh Guest Palace Villa Namaskar @ Palais Namaskar MOROCCO’S LEADING MICE HOTEL Es Saadi Gardens & Resort Four Seasons Resort Marrakech Hyatt Regency Casablanca L’Amphitrite Palace Resort & Spa Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort Palais Namaskar Royal Mansour Casablanca Sahara Palace Marrakech Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche Sofitel Marrakech Palais Impérial MOROCCO’S LEADING RESORT Amanjena Angsana Riads Marrakech Es Saadi Gardens & Resort Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech L’Amphitrite Palace Resort & Spa La Mamounia La Sultana Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa The Palmeraie Golf Palace & Resort

MOROCCO’S LEADING SPA RESORT Amanjena Es Saadi Gardens & Resort Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech L’Amphitrite Palace Resort & Spa La Mamounia La Sultana, Marrakech Le Palais Rhoul Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort Palais Namaskar Selman Marrakech Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses The Palmeraie Golf Palace & Resort MOROCCO’S LEADING TOUR OPERATOR Journey Beyond Travel Lonely Morocco Marrakesh Express Travel Morocco Discovery Holidays & Tours Voyage to Morocco MOROCCO’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Apadana Marrakesh Travel Bounty Tours Imzi Tours Ksour Voyages Marrakech Tours Morocco Like A Local Travel Exploration MOZAMBIQUE’S LEADING BEACH RESORT Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa Azura Benguerra Island Dugong Beach Lodge White Pearl Resorts MOZAMBIQUE’S LEADING HOTEL AVANI Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa Avenida Hotel, Maputo

2015

Pambele Hotel Southern Sun Maputo The Polana Serena Hotel MOZAMBIQUE’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Avenida Hotel, Maputo Presidential Suite @ Southern Sun Maputo Presidential Suite @ The Polana Serena Hotel Royal Suite @ AVANI Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa MOZAMBIQUE’S LEADING LUXURY HOTEL VILLA Anantara Pool Villa @ Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa Avani Two Bedroom Ocean Villa @ AVANI Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa Beach Pool Villa @ Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa Presidential Villa @ Azura Benguerra Island Tartaruga Private Villa @ Vamizi Island Villa Quilalea @ Azura Quilalea Private Island MOZAMBIQUE’S LEADING RESORT Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa Azura Benguerra Island MOZAMBIQUE’S LEADING SPA RESORT Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa AVANI Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa Azura Benguerra Island Azura Quilalea Private Island Vamizi Island

NAMIBIA’S LEADING HOTEL Heinitzburg Castle Hilton Windhoek Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino NAMIBIA’S LEADING SAFARI LODGE &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Epacha Game Lodge & Spa Little Ongava, Etosha National Park Sandfontein Lodge & Nature Reserve Serra Cafema, Namib Desert NAMIBIA’S LEADING SPA RESORT Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa Epacha Game Lodge & Spa Gocheganas Nature Reserve & Wellness Village Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa Seaside Hotel and Spa NIGERIA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Bogobiri House Grand Towers Hotel Bon Voyage Nordic Residence NIGERIA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL InterContinental Lagos Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos, V.I. Sheraton Abuja Hotel Sheraton Lagos Hotel & Towers The Federal Palace Hotel and Casino The Wheatbaker, Lagos Transcorp Hilton Abuja NIGERIA’S LEADING CAR RENTAL COMPANY Avis Hertz

Sixt Tranzit NIGERIA’S LEADING HOTEL InterContinental Lagos Le Méridien Ogeyi Place Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos, V.I. Sheraton Abuja Hotel Sheraton Lagos Hotel & Towers Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel The Federal Palace Hotel and Casino The Wheatbaker, Lagos Transcorp Hilton Abuja NIGERIA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Le Méridien Ogeyi Place Presidential Suite @ Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos, V.I. Presidential Suite @ Sheraton Lagos Hotel & Towers Presidential Suite @ Transcorp Hilton Abuja NIGERIA’S LEADING MICE HOTEL Four Points by Sheraton Lagos InterContinental Lagos The Federal Palace Hotel and Casino Transcorp Hilton Abuja NIGERIA’S LEADING SERVICED APARTMENTS Amara Suites Peniel Apartments Sigma Apartments VTL Suites NIGERIA’S LEADING TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY Bon Voyage Travel Agency FCm Travel Solutions GlobalStar Travel Management HRG Nigeria

Touchdown Travels RWANDA’S LEADING HOTEL Hotel des Mille Collines Kigali Marriott Hotel Kigali Serena Hotel The Manor Hotel Kigali SENEGAL’S LEADING HOTEL King Fahd Palace Lamantin Beach Hotel Resort & Spa Pullman Dakar Teranga Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Terrou-Bi Beach & Casino Resort SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING BEACH HOTEL Birkenhead House Lagoon Beach Hotel The Bay Hotel The Last Word Long Beach SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Birkenhead House Ellerman House Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa MannaBay Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa The Last Word Franschhoek SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Hilton Durban Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg Sandton Sun The Michelangelo

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WORLD’S LEADING RESORT 2014

WORLD’S LEADING SPORTS ACADEMY 2014

LIVE YOUR DREAMS Ever dreamed of a five-star luxury suite which opens onto a stunning beach and blends in effortlessly with the sea? Ever imagined playing alongside trainers from Chelsea Football Club or the stars of tennis, rugby, cricket and golf? How about dinner courtesy of the most famous Michelin-starred chefs? This is Forte Village’s constellation.

And you are the real stars.

fortevillage.com + 39 070 9218820 holiday@fortevillage.com

FORTE VILLAGE UNDERGOES OVERHAUL ...as World Travel Awards prepares for Europe Gala Ceremony

Forte Village - which will host the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2015 on September 5th has embarked on its latest improvement programme as it seeks to maintain its leading position in the Sardinian tourism sector. Here we bring you all the latest.

The award-winning Forte Village has put its cards on the table for 2015, undergoing a total rebirth thanks to an ambitious and detailed renovation project. The process was begun last year at the Hotel Castello, which saw the refurbishment of its Executive Mare rooms and the creation of Presidential and Imperial Suites. The Hotel Castello refurbishment, which will be completed this summer, signals the way forward for the wide ranging works which have already begun to touch every aspect of the most exclusive destination in the Mediterranean.

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The Forte Village is a gated private place set in 47 acres of gardens and parkland which border the beach.

Following the paths through the dense flora of the resort guests can find the completely redesigned new Deluxe Bungalows, which are more luxurious, spacious and comfortable than their predecessors. Family Bungalows are also being refurbished at the Hotel Palme, the Borgo and the Hotel Bouganville, where there are also the new Deluxe Bungalows. All bungalows are sunny and have a porch which leads to a private garden.

Overlooking the crystal Mediterranean waters of south Sardinia, the Forte Village reaches new heights of luxury and elegance. For summer 2015, three exclusive private villas, which

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represent independence, beauty and freedom, will be added, each totally immersed in a garden with a private swimming pool and surrounded by colourful flowers and Mediterranean floral scents. To seduce visitors, the open spaces provide contact with nature and its regenerating peace; the colours, from ivory and sand, pay tribute to the light of the sea and the softness of the beach, while the refined decor shows the artistic expression of contemporary interpreters of the great artisan traditions of Sardinia. Each villa offers magnificent bedrooms with king size beds, and sumptuous bathrooms with both shower and bathtub for absolute comfort.

Completing the design, lounges with the possibility of sofa beds, reading corners and places to relax overlooking

the garden. All villas have a functional kitchen and dining room. To make a stay unique, dedicated butler services and personal chefs are available on request.

FORTE AQUA SPA The Forte Aqua Spa, with its famous Thalasso pools, will undergo a major transformation this year with the addition of portable covers so that it can remain open year round.

Thalassotherapy is the therapeutic use of sea water to accelerate detox as it is the most effective, natural and complete aid to wellness and inner harmony. The Spa will also open a new branch of sports medicine.

the chance for kids to wear their favourite strip. Not forgetting the Tennis Academy, by Rocco Loccisano, the legendary trainer of Wimbledon winner Pat Cash. And, of course, the Rugby Academy, with stars of the calibre of Austin Healey and Will Greenwood. Another popular success is the Cricket Academy. The new Killerspin Academy of Forte Village gives guests the opportunity to learn and practice Ping Pong, a sport which entertains and brings the whole family and friends together around a table.

MORE INFORMATION Forte Village - a collection of high-profile hotels, where the beauty of nature, charm and well-being come togeth-

At the Forte Village, the younger guests - aged five-to-16 - have the pleasure of playing, training and honing their talent alongside leading coaches and star champions of tennis, rugby, netball and, from this year, the Killerspin Table Tennis Academy. Welcome to the extraordinary Forte Village Sports Academies. Let's start with one of the world's great passions, football. Every summer Forte Village plays host to the highly successful Chelsea Football Club soccer school, run by coaches from the famous English team. There are courses to play in every position, training sessions and matches with

er - is set against the magnificent background of the south-west coast of Sardinia. The high quality services together with the captivating beauty of the surroundings have made of Forte Village the ideal destination for families, couples and all those looking for relaxation, sport and fun at competitive levels.

Forte Village is considered the World’s Leading Resort by the World Travel Awards.

For more information head over to www.fortevillageresort.com.

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“THE OSCARS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY” WALL STREET JOURNAL

EUROPE CEREMONY 2015 5th September 2015 ~ Forte Village, Sardinia worldtravelawards.com

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Africa Nominees 2015 SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING CAR RENTAL COMPANY Avis Cape Spirit Drive South Africa Europcar Sixt Tempest Car Hire Thrifty SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING GAME RESERVE BRAND &Beyond Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts Mantis Collection Singita Game Reserves The Thorny Bush Collection SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING HOTEL Arabella Hotel & Spa Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Cape Grace Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Spa Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa Ellerman House One&Only Cape Town Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa The Michelangelo The Palace of the Lost City The Taj Hotel, Cape Town The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING HOTEL RESIDENCES Cape Grace Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Spa Da Vinci Hotel and Suites Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa Michelangelo Towers Môre Quarters Apartment Hotel E&OE

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Pepperclub Hotel & Spa Romney Park All Suite Hotel & Spa Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa Taj Cape Town The Residences at Crystal Towers SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Nelson Mandela Presidential Suite @ Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa Penthouse @ Cape Grace Penthouse Suite @ Pepperclub Hotel & Spa Presidential Suite (Tata Suite) @ Taj Cape Town Presidential Suite @ Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Presidential Suite @ The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa Presidential Suite @ The Westin Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY LODGE &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge Palala Boutique Game Lodge Royal Malewane Singita Ebony Lodge Thanda Private Game Reserve SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY PRIVATE VILLA Molori Clifton, Cape Town Morukuru Ocean House, De Hoop Nature Reserve Pentagon Villa, Clifton, Cape Town The Dornier Homestead, Stellenbosch SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR &Beyond Abercrombie & Kent Giltedge Travel Kuoni Rhino Africa Safaris

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SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Aquila Safari Phinda Private Game Reserve Shambala Private Reserve Shamwari Game Reserve Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING SPA RESORT Arabella Hotel & Spa Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa Le Franschoek Hotel and Spa One and Only Cape Town The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING RESORT Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa Fairmont Zimbali Resort Sun City Resort

SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Club Travel Flight Centre (South Africa) Harvey World Travel South Africa PenTravel

SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING SAFARI LODGE &Beyond Leadwood Lodge &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge Aquila Safari Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve Entabeni Safari Lodges Granite Private Suites, Londolozi Private Game Reserve Jock Safari Lodge Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Lion Sands Private Game Reserve Mala Mala Game Reserve Pondoro Game Lodge Royal Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Royal Malewane Shamwari Game Reserve Thanda Private Game Reserve Thorny Bush SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING SERVICED APARTMENTS 129 On Kloofnek Atlantic Marina Lawhill Luxury Apartments Michelangelo Towers Raphael Penthouse Suites

SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY Club Travel Corporate HRG Rennies Travel Sure Corporate Travel Sure Giltedge Travel Tourvest Travel Services Travel with Flair Uniglobe Travel SUDAN’S LEADING HOTEL Al Salam Rotana Hotel Coral Khartoum Corinthia Hotel Khartoum SUDAN’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Coral Khartoum Presidential Suite @ Corinthia Hotel Khartoum Royal Suite @ Al Salam Rotana Hotel SWAZILAND’S LEADING HOTEL Lugogo Sun Royal Swazi Spa Resort The Royal Villas

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TANZANIA’S LEADING HOTEL Baraza Resort and Spa Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort The Palms Zanzibar The Residence Zanzibar Zanzibar Palace Hotel TANZANIA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel Presidential Suite @ Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est Royal Suite @ Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro TANZANIA’S LEADING RESORT Baraza Resort and Spa Breezes Beach Club Essque Zalu Zanzibar Fundu Lagoon Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort & Spa The Palms Zanzibar TANZANIA’S LEADING SAFARI LODGE &Beyond Kleins Camp &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Azura Selous Gibb’s Farm Sayari Camp Siwandu TANZANIA’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Shadows of Africa Skylink Online Takims Holidays Tanzania Travel Company Travelstart

TOGO’S LEADING HOTEL Hotel Napoleon Lagoon Ibis Lome Centre Mercure Lome Sarakawa TUNISIA’S LEADING HOTEL Concorde Les Berges du Lac Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa & Spa Mövenpick Hotel Gammarth Tunis Regency Tunis Hotel Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers TUNISIA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Mövenpick Hotel Gammarth Tunis Presidential Suite @ Regency Tunis Hotel Presidential Suite @ Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers UGANDA’S LEADING HOTEL Hotel Le Petit Village Kampala Serena Hotel Laico Lake Victoria Hotel Lake Victoria Serena Resort & Spa Sheraton Kampala Hotel UGANDA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Lake Victoria Serena Resort & Spa Presidential Suite @ Sheraton Kampala Hotel Royal Suite @ Kampala Serena Hotel ZAMBIA’S LEADING HOTEL Chongwe Safaris, Chongwe River House InterContinental Lusaka Taj Pamodzi The Islands of Siankaba The Royal Livingstone

Tongabezi Lodge Zambezi Sun

The Presidential Suite @ Leopard Rock Hotel

ZAMBIA’S LEADING SAFARI LODGE Busanga Bush Camp Chiawa Camp Royal Chundu Luxury Zambezi Lodges Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma The Islands of Siankaba Tongabezi Lodge

ZIMBABWE’S LEADING PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Antelope Park Imire Rhino & Wildlife Conservation Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve

ZANZIBAR’S LEADING HOTEL &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge Baraza Resort and Spa Essque Zalu Zanzibar Fundu Lagoon The Palms Zanzibar The Residence Zanzibar ZANZIBAR’S LEADING RESORT &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge Baraza Resort & Spa Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa Diamonds Dream of Zanzibar Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est Essque Zalu Zanzibar The Palms Zanzibar The Residence Zanzibar Zanzibar Serena Hotel

ZIMBABWE’S LEADING RESORT Elephant Hills Resort Leopard Rock Hotel Singita Pamushana Lodge The Victoria Falls Hotel ZIMBABWE’S LEADING SAFARI LODGE Big Cave Camp Camp Amalinda Chikwenya Camp Little Makalolo, Hwange National Park Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National Park Singita Pamushana Lodge Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve The Hide, Hwange National Park Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

ZIMBABWE’S LEADING HOTEL Elephant Hills Resort Meikles Hotel The Kingdom at Victoria Falls The Victoria Falls Hotel ZIMBABWE’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Meikles Hotel Royal Suite @ The Victoria Falls Hotel AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN GALA CEREMONY

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SPARKLING SARDINIA awaits World Travel Awards The jewel in the Italian tourism crown, Sardinia, will welcome World Travel Awards in September when Forte Village hosts the Europe Gala Ceremony 2015. Here Best in Travel visits this majestic island to see what guests can expect to find.

A voyage over an emerald sea, past characteristic coves and beaches of snow-white sand, this is Sardinia, an island that strikes its visitors with natural contrasts, the lights and colours of a region that boasts old traditions and a wild and pure nature. Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is a mainly mountainous region, without high peaks, with a vast and charming,

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yet bittersweet, natural environment.

In fact, the presence of man does not seem to affect this territory; great surfaces still preserve their natural composition, luxuriant woods with even millenary trees, small desert areas and marshes inhabited by deer, wild horses and birds.

The sea reigns over this region with its colours that migrate into the

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coves, along the coasts, towards the beaches and the most popular resorts.

An example is the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) with Porto Cervo set as its gemstone and uniting the history and culture of ancient traditions with a joyful and colourful nightlife. Porto Cervo was named after its enchanting cove that resembles the antlers of a deer; the Old Port is considered the best-equipped touristic port in the

Mediterranean Sea. Porto Rotondo is also a famous location; it overlooks the wide Gulf of Cugnana and is full of villas and piazzas swathed by such a splendid natural environment as this.

Those who prefer the mountains can explore the area of Gennargentu, the vastest mountain range in Sardinia; with its peculiar landscape, it proves that the loveliest painter of them all is Mother Nature herself.

Among its wonders, Sardinia offers the visitor the Nuragic complexes scattered all over the territory. These monuments are unique to the world, testifying to an ancient culture that, though it endured from the sixteenth to fifteenth centuries BC still remains rather mysterious. The Nuragic constructions were built using great blocks of stone and developed around a central cone-shaped tower that communicates strength and power.

These are archaeological sites where it is possible to grasp the archaic charm of ancient rituals and domestic life. Of these many constructions, the Barumini complex, in the province of Cagliari, is among the sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sardinia combines sea and nature with folk traditions, mysticism and curiosities, like the mysterious giant’s tombs, ancient caves dug out of the ground and scattered around the region, just like the Nuragic constructions; and Domus de Janas (or the “House of Witches”) in Sulcis Iglesiente. These stone towers are the biggest and best-preserved megalithic monuments in Europe; the most important town with Nuragic traces is Su Nuraxi di Barumini near Cagliari.

MORE INFORMATION For more on visiting Sardinia head over to the official tourism website at www.italia.it.

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Indian Ocean Nominees 2015 INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING AIRLINE Air Austral Air Madagascar Air Mauritius Air Seychelles Maldivian

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING BEACH DESTINATION Madagascar Maldives Mauritius Reunion Island Seychelles

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING CAR RENTAL COMPANY Alamo Avis Europcar Hertz Sixt

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING AIRLINE - BUSINESS CLASS Air Austral Air Mauritius Air Seychelles Maldivian

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING BEACH RESORT Constance Lémuria Seychelles Constance Tsarabanjina, Madagascar Enchanted Island Resort, Seychelles Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa JA Manafaru, Maldives LUX* Maldives One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives Sugar Beach Resort, Mauritius The Oberoi Mauritius Zilwa Attitude, Mauritius

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING CRUISE DESTINATION Madagascar Maldives Mauritius Reunion Island Seychelles

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING AIRLINE - ECONOMY CLASS Air Austral Air Madagascar Air Mauritius Air Seychelles Maldivian INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING AIRLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE Air Austral Air Madagascar Air Mauritius Air Seychelles Maldivian INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING AIRPORT Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Maldives Ivato International Airport, Madagascar Roland Garros Airport, Reunion Seychelles International Airport Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING AIRPORT LOUNGE Air Austral: Le Club Austral Air Mauritius: Mauritius International Airport The Amédée Maingard Lounge Air Seychelles: Premium Lounge

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives Constance Tsarabanjina, Madagascar Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, Mauritius The Rania Experience, Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL BRAND Attitude Coco Collection LUX* Resorts & Hotels PER AQUUM Hotels & Resorts INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING CABIN CREW Air Austral Air Madagascar Air Mauritius Air Seychelles Maldivian

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INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING CRUISE LINE Cunard Line P & O Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises Royal Caribbean International INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING CRUISE PORT Le Port, Réunion Male Commercial Harbour, Maldives Port Louis Harbour, Mauritius Port of Toamasina, Madagascar Port Victoria, Seychelles INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING CULINARY HOTEL Banyan Tree Seychelles Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius JA Manafaru, Maldives One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives The St. Regis Mauritius Resort INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING DESTINATION Madagascar Maldives Mauritius Reunion Island Seychelles

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INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING DIVE DESTINATION Madagascar Maldives Mauritius Reunion Island Seychelles INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING FAMILY RESORT Andilana Beach Resort, Madagascar Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Mauritius Fregate Island Private, Seychelles Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Maldives Soneva Fushi, Maldives The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING GREEN RESORT Angsana Velavaru Resort & Spa, Maldives Banyan Tree Vibbinfaru, Maldives Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Maldives Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives North Island, Seychelles Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives Six Senses Laamu, Maldives Sun Island Resort & Spa, Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING HONEYMOON DESTINATION Madagascar Maldives Mauritius Reunion Island Seychelles INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING HOTEL Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives Banyan Tree Seychelles Baros Maldives Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles LUX* Ile de la Réunion LUX* Maldives One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa The Oberoi Mauritius INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING HOTEL BRAND Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Conrad Hotels & Resorts Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Hilton Hotels & Resorts Jumeirah Kempinski Hotels One&Only Resorts Six Senses Resorts & Spas INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING HOTEL RESIDENCES Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives Heritage The Villas, Mauritius Velaa Private Island, Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Extreme WOW Ocean Haven @ W Retreat & Spa - Maldives Ocean Sanctuary @ Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives Presidential Villa @ Banyan Tree Seychelles Royal Island Suite @ JA Manafaru, Maldives The Rehendi Presidential Suite @ Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives Three-Bedroom Royal Suite @ Four Seasons Resort Seychelles INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING LEISURE HOTEL Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, Maldives Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING LUXURY RESORT Ayada Maldives Banyan Tree Seychelles Baros Maldives Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives Kanuhura, Maldives Kempinski Seychelles Resort One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives The Oberoi Mauritius INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR Get Into Maldives Travels Luxe Voyage, Mauritius OV Holidays Vermillion International Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING LUXURY WATER VILLA Escape Water Villa @ Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives Grand Water Villa @ One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives Laamu Water Villa @ Six Senses Laamu, Maldives Ocean Pavillion @ PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives Ocean Suites @ Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives Wow Ocean Escape @ W Retreat & Spa - Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING MICE HOTEL Eden Bleu Hotel, Seychelles Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives InterContinental Resort Mauritius Kempinski Seychelles Resort Kurumba Maldives Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives

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Indian Ocean Nominees 2015 INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING NEW RESORT AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles Eden Bleu Hotel, Seychelles The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, Maldives Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives Denis Private Island, Seychelles Fregate Island Private, Seychelles Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa North Island, Seychelles INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING RESORT Andilana Beach Resort, Madagascar Baros Maldives Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Eden Bleu Hotel, Seychelles Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Maldives Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa JA Manafaru, Maldives One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives The Oberoi Mauritius The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives W Retreat & Spa - Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING SEAPLANE OPERATOR Global Seaplanes Kerala Seaplane Trans Maldivian Airways

INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING SPA RESORT Banyan Tree Seychelles Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives Savoy Resort & Spa, Seychelles Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives The Oberoi Mauritius The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives W Retreat & Spa, Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING TOURIST BOARD Madagascar National Tourism Board Maldives Tourism Promotion Board Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority Reunion Island Tourism Board Seychelles Tourism Board INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY BlueSky Get Into Maldives Travels Vermillion International Maldives INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING VILLA RESORT Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives Angsana Velavaru Resort & Spa, Maldives Banyan Tree Seychelles Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Seychelles Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius Raffles Praslin, Seychelles

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INDIAN OCEAN’S LEADING VILLA RESORT & SPA Ayada Maldives Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives Royal Palm Mauritius Sainte Anne Island, Seychelles INDIAN OCEAN’S MOST ROMANTIC RESORT Baros Maldives Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Seychelles Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives MADAGASCAR’S LEADING HOTEL Anjajavy L’Hotel Hotel Carlton Madagascar La Note Bleue Park Hotel Princesse Bora Lodge MADAGASCAR’S LEADING RESORT Andilana Beach Resort Anjajavy L’Hotel Constance Tsarabanjina Royal Beach Hotel Tsara Komba Lodge MALDIVES’ LEADING BOUTIQUE RESORT Baros Maldives Coco Bodu Hithi Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives Naladhu Maldives PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi MALDIVES’ LEADING FAMILY RESORT Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives Jumeirah Vittaveli Kurumba Maldives Paradise Island Resort & Spa PER AQUUM Niyama

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MALDIVES’ LEADING GREEN RESORT Angsana Velavaru Resort & Spa Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Maldives Gili Lankanfushi Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi Sun Island Resort & Spa MALDIVES’ LEADING HOTEL SUITE Anantara Over Water Pool Suite @ Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives Beach Suite @ Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Ocean Suite @ Paradise Island Resort & Spa Royal Island Suite @ JA Manafaru Sunset One-Bedroom Water Suite @ Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Sunset Two-Bedroom Water Suite @ Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru Water Suite @ Velassaru Maldives MALDIVES’ LEADING LEISURE HOTEL BRAND COMO Hotels and Resorts Six Senses Resorts & Spas Villa Hotels MALDIVES’ LEADING LUXURY HOTEL VILLA Baros Residence @ Baros Maldives Grand Sunset Residence @ One&Only Reethi Rah Ocean Sanctuary Sunset @ Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Sunset Water Villa @ Conrad Maldives Rangali Island The Private Reserve @ Gili Lankanfushi Two Bedroom Royal Beach Villa @ Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Two Bedroom Royal Island Suite @ JA Manafuru

MALDIVES’ LEADING LUXURY RESORT Amilla Fushi Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives Cheval Blanc Randheli Constance Halaveli Gili Lankanfushi Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Kanuhura One&Only Reethi Rah PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi MALDIVES’ LEADING LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR Capital Travel & Tours Get Into Maldives Travels Inner Maldives Holidays OV Holidays Vermillion International Maldives

MALDIVES’ LEADING SPA RESORT Ayada Maldives Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Jumeirah Vittaveli Naladhu Maldives One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi Six Senses Laamu Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa Taj Exotica Resort & Spa The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives W Retreat & Spa, Maldives

MALDIVES’ LEADING RESORT Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Maldives Baros Maldives Coco Bodu Hithi Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru Gili Lankanfushi JA Manafaru Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Kurumba Maldives One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi PER AQUUM Niyama Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa Taj Exotica Resort & Spa The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives Velassaru Maldives W Retreat & Spa Maldives

MALDIVES’ LEADING SPA RESORT BRAND Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Six Senses Resorts & Spas Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces Villa Hotels MALDIVES’ LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Capital Travel & Tours Get Into Maldives Travels Vermillion International Maldives MALDIVES’ LEADING VILLA RESORT Adaaran Prestige Vadoo Anantara Kihavah Villas Constance Halaveli Gili Lankanfushi One&Only Reethi Rah Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Velaa Private Island W Retreat & Spa - Maldives

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BOGOTA Home of South American business travel World Travel Awards will visit the city of Bogotรก later this year for the annual Latin America Gala Ceremony. Here we take a look around this fast emerging tourism destination and look at its aspirations to become the leading business destination in South America.

In recent years Colombian capital Bogotรก has worked tirelessly to create an environment in which it has been possible to end social segregation.

Tourism has been key to this ambition, allowing the city to strength its economy to the point where all can benefit. As Bogotรก explores its cultural roots, so too have tourists from all continents flocked to the city in order to enjoy the spectacle.

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Strategically located, the city benefits from a journey time of six hours or less to major metropolises such as Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, as well as the many cities in the United States, including New York. With more than 700 international flights a week, the city has been recognised as one of the best business destinations in South America. The main connection point International Airport El Dorado, sees

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guests from more than 24 different countries, on board more than 20 airlines, and is on course to welcome more than 40 million passengers a year by 2017.

Looking for accommodation? Bogotรก has more than 17,000 high-end hotel rooms in the four- or five-star sector.

This figure is also set to rise in the medium-term, with a number of

projects coming to fruition. Several international hotel chains have also recently unveiled plans to launch in the city, again aimed at the growing business market. Among the leaders are the recently opened Grand Hyatt, Park Inn by Radisson and the Hotel Wyndham Bogotá, while Movich Hotel Resorts and the Mexican mark City Express are also opening their doors.

Bogota is also home to the International Business & Exhibition Centre – a 15,000 square metre facility capable of hosting the largest events. If this were not enough, the new Agora Bogota will open next year with a capacity for 4,000 people, with the venue sure to boost the city’s credentials still further in the eyes of business travellers. With a cultural flavour, the historical centre – home to Cathedral of Colombia, the mayor palace, the Supreme Court and the Liévano Palace – is also capable of hosting prestigious events of all kinds.

WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS In the east of the city, two venues will welcome the World Travel Awards this year. The Latin American Gala Ceremony 2015, scheduled to take place on October 10th, will begin in the Teatro Colón rich in the cultural heritage of Colombia. Built by Italian Pietro Cantini, the venue is over 100 years old and is considered a temple of architecture. Already declared a national historic landmark, the venue is sure to dazzle the international crowd attending the event. Guests will then proceed to the Plazoleta Camilo Torres for a fantastic champagne reception.

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Tatiana Piñeros Laverde, Director General, District Institute of Tourism of Bogotá, is preparing for the Gala Ceremony and to welcome guests to the cultural experiences of the city. With local culture in mind, this will be the first time the World Travel Awards have taken place in both a theatre and outside in the historical centre of a city – the perfect showcase for the Colombian capital. Piñeros Laverde also points out Bogotá has more than 465 sites of tourist interest, nearly 100 museums - including the unique Gold Museum, Botero Museum, National Museum, Museum of Arms, and the Police Museum – all of which show the evolution of the country.

Within the city there are six areas which are recognised for their gastronomic flair, including La Candelaria, Usaquen, La Macarena, and 93 Park. Here guests can find cuisine from across the country and around the world.

Director General Tatiana Piñeros Laverde explains: “Tourism has evolved very quickly in Bogotá. It used to be the case the city was a hidden secret, known only to locals – an elegant ‘Cachacos City’, as we called it. But now Bogotá is becoming known as a destination of opportunities, home to more than half of Colombia’s economic power.”

She adds: “The city is today a large, modern metropolis; the first true tourist destination in Colombia. We already receive people from around the world, exceeding a figure of more than one million international visitors each year. We aim to be the leading destination in South America, that is our ambition. World Travel Awards will act as an opportunity for travellers from around the world to visit Bogotá, with the city set to exceed their expectations in every way. Come and meet Bogotá, to turn their eyes to this beautiful city.”

Guests will also have a chance to visit the surrounding municipalities of Zipaquirá, home to the world famous Salt Cathedral – the first wonder of Colombia. Less than an hour away by air is the walled city of Cartagena, home to the best coffee in the world.

Tatiana Piñeros Laverde concludes: “We have a duty to Colombia to be ambassadors of our country. Bogotá is a thriving city of endless possibilities. There is tourism for all kinds of travellers. The message is to that this city has the strategic geographical conditions and levels of development to be like no other.”

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Indian Ocean Nominees 2015 MALDIVES’ LEADING WATER VILLA RESORT Adaaran Prestige Water Villas Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives Baros Maldives Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa JA Manafaru Kanuhara, Maldives MAURITIUS’ LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL 20 Degrés Sud Baystone Boutique Hotel & Spa Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel Tamarina Boutique Hotel MAURITIUS’ LEADING CONFERENCE HOTEL Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa InterContinental Resort Mauritius Sofitel Mauritius l’Impérial Resort & Spa The St. Regis Mauritius Resort MAURITIUS’ LEADING DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY Mauritius Attractions Mautourco White Sand Tours MAURITIUS’ LEADING FAMILY RESORT Constance Belle Mare Plage Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort Long Beach LUX* Belle Mare One&Only Le Saint Geran Paradis Hotel & Golf Club

MAURITIUS’ LEADING GREEN RESORT Angsana Balaclava Constance Belle Mare Plage Constance Le Prince Maurice Sofitel Mauritius l’Impérial Resort & Spa MAURITIUS’ LEADING HOTEL Le Méridien Ile Maurice One&Only Le Saint Geran Sofitel So Mauritius The Oberoi Mauritius MAURITIUS’ LEADING HOTEL RESIDENCES Anahita The Resort Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Heritage The Villas, Mauritius MAURITIUS’ LEADING HOTEL SUITE Beachfront St. Regis Grand Suite @ The St Regis Mauritius Resort Deluxe Beach Front Suite @ Long Beach Ocean Suite @ One&Only Le Saint Geran Ocean Suite of the Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort Presidential Suite @ Four Seasons Resort at Anahita Princely Suite @ Constance Le Prince Maurice Royal Suite @ Royal Palm Mauritius

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MAURITIUS’ LEADING LUXURY HOTEL VILLA Presidential Suite Pool Villa @ Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa Shanti Villa @ Shanti Maurice a Nira Resort Six Bedroom Grand Residence Villa @ Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita The St. Regis Villa @ The St. Regis Mauritius Resort The Two Bedroom Ocean Front Villa Residence with Pool @ One&Only Le Saint Geran Three Bedroom Royal Villa with Private Pool @ The Oberoi Mauritius MAURITIUS’ LEADING LUXURY RESORT Constance Le Prince Maurice Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Long Beach Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa One&Only Le Saint Geran Royal Palm Mauritius The Oberoi Mauritius The St. Regis Mauritius Resort MAURITIUS’ LEADING RESORT Constance Belle Mare Plage Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa LUX* Grand Gaube Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa One&Only Le Saint Geran Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa Zilwa Attitude MAURITIUS’ LEADING SPA RESORT Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa One&Only Le Saint Geran The Oberoi Mauritius The St. Regis Mauritius Resort Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa

2015

MAURITIUS’ LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY BlueSky Budget Travel Centre Concorde Mauritius REUNION ISLAND’S LEADING HOTEL Hotel Bellepierre Saint Denis Le Saint Alexis Hotel & Spa LUX* Ile de la Réunion Palm Hotel & Spa SEYCHELLES’ LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Château de Feuilles Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa Hotel L’Archipel Maia Luxury Resort & Spa SEYCHELLES’ LEADING CONFERENCE HOTEL Eden Bleu Hotel Kempinski Seychelles Resort Savoy Resort & Spa, Seychelles SEYCHELLES’ LEADING FAMILY RESORT Constance Ephelia Resort Desroches Island Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Sainte Anne Island SEYCHELLES’ LEADING GREEN RESORT Banyan Tree Seychelles Constance Ephelia Resort Constance Lémuria Seychelles Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Kempinski Seychelles Resort SEYCHELLES’ LEADING HOTEL Banyan Tree Seychelles Constance Lémuria Seychelles Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Fregate Island Private Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove Raffles Praslin

SEYCHELLES’ LEADING HOTEL SUITE Ian Fleming Suite @ Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa Luxury Beach Suite @ Desroches Island Royal Suite @ Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Senior Suite @ Constance Ephelia Resort SEYCHELLES’ LEADING LUXURY HOTEL VILLA Five Bedroom Residence Villa @ Four Seasons Seychelles Owners Signature Villa @ Enchanted Island Resort Presidential Villa @ Banyan Tree Seychelles Presidential Villa @ Constance Lémuria Seychelles Presidential Villa @ Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa Villa North Island @ North Island SEYCHELLES’ LEADING RESORT Banyan Tree Seychelles Constance Ephelia Resort Constance Lémuria Seychelles Desroches Island Enchanted Island Resort Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa Kempinski Seychelles Resort Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove North Island Savoy Resort & Spa, Seychelles SEYCHELLES’ LEADING SPA RESORT Banyan Tree Seychelles Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove Sainte Anne Island Savoy Resort & Spa, Seychelles

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LATIN AMERICA CEREMONY 2015 Bogotรก, Colombia ~ 10th October 2015 worldtravelawards.com

“THE OSCARS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY” WALL STREET JOURNAL

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OCHO RIOS, JA M AICA

TURKS & CAICOS

Barbados, St Barts and Mustique might boast the highest number of celebrities per square mile in the Caribbean, but it is the paradise islands of Turks & Caicos that take the crown for the region’s most beautiful beaches.

The most famous stretch of oceanfront is the legendary Grace Bay. Its powdery-white sands sweep along the north-eastern fringes of Providenciales, the main island. The beach gently slopes into the ocean, which reveals colours so vivid no postcard could do them justice. Though just 90 minutes by plane from Miami, Turks & Caicos has played a canny game in remaining just beneath the tourism radar, meaning those that discover this

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tropical castaway will find deserted beaches and unspoilt coral reefs.

Unlike some other Caribbean islands, Turks is not just a strip of land crammed with flash hotels, but a nation of indigenous character and home to historic towns and villages which look like something out of a pirate movie. Pleasures are pure and simple here. You’ll spend your days on the beach, snorkelling and generally

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soaking up the sun. You might also be tempted to charter a private yacht and spend a day or two exploring the many deserted islands.

The entire archipelago is blessed with fine dive spots, many as close as ten minutes from shore. The turquoise waters turn a deep blue just a few hundred metres from shore, and plunge over 2,000 metres into the abyss. The west reef wall attracts an

amazing array of aquatic life, including whales, dolphins, manta ray, giant turtles and sharks – and you’ll spot colonies of black coral, rare forms of anemone, purple sponges, endless forms of coral, and thousands of fish.

Providenciales offers some of the best bone fishing in the world year round. Embark on an expedition with an expert local guide who’ll take you to the best spots to find this swift and clever fish. Hunting the silver ghost in the shallow flats and crystal

clear waters. Turks & Caicos has no pretensions to be Las Vegas of the Caribbean but it is home to two lowkey casinos. The Casablanca Casino is located in the heart of Grace Bay, and offers a range of games and slots machines in a friendly atmosphere.

Children with the widest smiles on their faces are found at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village & Spa – host to World Travel Awards in September this year for the Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2015.

Features at the family favourite all-

inclusive include a 45,000 square-foot waterpark, three magnificent villages, a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters; endless fun activities for everyone, from tots to tweens and teens.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on visiting Turks & Caicos please take a look at the official website at www.turksandcaicostourism.com.

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BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS Named as host for World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2015 The ‘Oscars of the travel industry’, World Travel Awards has announced Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has been selected to host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2015.

Hundreds of industry leaders are expected to gather at the world-class resort for the event, which will take place on October 17th, 2015. Beaches Turks & Caicos is the perfect host for the ceremony, offering four magnificent villages, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West; a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters; and some of the industry’s leading event facilities in the Caribbean.

Announcing the decision, World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “I am delighted World Travel Awards will

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be returning to Beaches Resorts, and in particular to Beaches Turks & Caicos. The team at the resort allowed us to host one of our most successful events ever when we last visited in 2012 and I look forward to being reunited with our friends there later in 2015."

Beaches Resorts is no stranger to World Travel Awards, having been recognised as the World’s Leading All Inclusive Family Resort Brand for the past 17 years, while parent Sandals Resorts International claimed the title of World’s Leading All Inclusive Company for an unprecedented 19th time in 2014.

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“It’s an honour to host the annual World Travel Awards once again,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. He added: “We are thrilled to welcome our friends and industry leaders to the beautiful Beaches Turks & Caicos where they will enjoy the Luxury Included experience, as well as our newest addition, the Key West Luxury Village.”

Hailed by the worldwide media for its role in identifying and rewarding excellence in the travel sector, World Travel Awards celebrates its’ 22nd anniversary in 2015 and is

acknowledged as the ultimate travel accolade. World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries, and international print and broadcast media.

MORE INFORMATION With three spectacular locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica and soon a fourth in Barbados and a fifth in Antigua, Beaches Resorts is the ultimate getaway for every member of the family. With outrageous waterparks, Xbox Play Lounge, the Scratch DJ Academy, exclusive Kids Camps, teen nightclubs, Certified Nannies, Butler service, Red Lane Spas, Aqua Centres with expert PADI certification and training; and free Wi-Fi, Beaches Resorts provides more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet.

As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts also offers the Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street, where kids can spend their vacation with their favourite friends from the Sesame Street gang with daily activities and weekly stage shows. Beaches Resorts are also the perfect place for family gatherings from reunions and special birthdays to FamilyMoons, Beaches’ signature destination wedding and vow renewal program. Beaches Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International, which includes Luxury-Included Sandals Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company.

For more information about the Beaches Resorts difference visit www.beaches.com.

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Best in Travel spotlight on:

SINGAPORE

Singapore is known as a bustling metropolis that also happens to be one of the cleanest and safest cities of its size in the world. You’ll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping, beautiful beaches and everything in between. Here Best in Travel takes a look around.

Tourism in Singapore is a major and growing industry, contributing an ever increasing amount to the Singaporean economy. The tiny destination - home to just five million people - welcomed more than 15 million tourists in 2014, breaking previous records. It is also environmentally friendly and maintains natural and heritage conservation programs. As English is the dominant on language it is easy for

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tourists to get around, while transport in Singapore covers most, if not all, public venues.

The Orchard Road district, which is dominated by multi-storey shopping centres and hotels, can be considered the centre of tourism in Singapore.

Other popular tourist attractions include the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, which allow people to explore

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Asian, African and American habitats at night without any visible barriers between guests and the wild animals.

The Singapore Zoo has embraced the 'open zoo' concept whereby animals are kept in enclosures, separated from visitors by hidden dry or wet moats, instead of caging the animals.

Marina Bay Sands, the integrated resort fronting Marina Bay, is also among the

most popular sites. Developed by Las Vegas Sands, it is billed as the world's most expensive standalone casino property at S$8 billion, including cost of the prime land. With the casino complete, the resort features a 2,561room hotel, a 1,300,000-square-foot convention-exhibition centre, the 800,000-square-foot The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, two large theatres, seven ‘celebrity chef ’ restaurants, two floating Crystal Pavilions, an ice skating rink, and the world's largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines. The complex is topped by a 340m-long SkyPark with a capacity of 3,900 people and a 150m infinity swimming pool, set on top of the world's largest public cantilevered platform, which overhangs the north tower by 67m.

The 20-hectare resort was designed by Moshe Safdie Architects.

Jurong Bird Park is another zoological garden centred on birds, which is dedicated towards exposing the public to as much species and varieties of birds from around the world as possible, including a flock of one thousand flamingos. The tourist island of Sentosa, which attracts 19 million visitors in 2014, is located in the south of Singapore, consists of about 20–30 landmarks, such as Fort Siloso, which was built as a fortress to defend against the Japanese during World War II.

MORE INFORMATION To find out more about visiting this most exciting of destinations please take a look at www.yoursingapore.com.

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“THE OSCARS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY” WALL STREET JOURNAL

ASIA & AUSTRALASIA CEREMONY 2015 21st October 2015 ~ Raffles Singapore Hotel worldtravelawards.com

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RAFFLES SINGAPORE revealed as host for World

Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony

No trip to Singapore is complete without a stay at Raffles; tradition demands it. First opened in 1887, and since then a destination in its own right, Raffles Singapore epitomises the romance of the Far East – an intoxicating blend of luxury, history and colonial ambiance that no other hotel can match. Immortalised by writers including Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Ernest Hemingway

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and Alfred Hitchcock, Raffles is the perfect place from which to explore Singapore. Or in which to merely sit and watch the world go by. The legendary Palm Court, the white marble colonnades and the unique air of romantic grandeur transport you back to a more elegant age, while the seamless service, contemporary technology and attention to detail is completely of our time.

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One of the most famous hotels anywhere on earth, Raffles Singapore, will welcome the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2015 on October 21st.

Liveried Sikh doormen usher guests through an ornate wrought-iron portico into a lobby that seems unaltered from the turn of the century.

Stroll the polished teak verandas past tropical gardens to suites with an

elegant parlour, period furnishings, a bedroom that leads to a dressing room and en suite bathroom. Luxuriate in the history, in the scent of frangipani in the evening, in the Raffles Spa, or order room service from the legendary Raffles butlers. Some 15 restaurants and bars also await; from the famous Long Bar, home of the Singapore Sling, to the Bar & Billiard Room, Raffles is alive with history, infused with atmosphere, and open to the moment. Conveniently close to the financial hub of this entrepreneurial city, Raffles makes business a pleasure, a luxury of leisure - and any visit an indelible memory.

Where the legend began, Raffles Singapore is exciting, enchanting and loved by those with an adventurous spirit and a taste for the very best; the perfect host for World Travel Awards.

MORE INFORMATION For 126 years Raffles has gone out of its way to give travellers the warmest welcome, the richest experiences and the fondest of memories. And today the legend continues all around the world. From the classic colonial splendour of Raffles Singapore where it all began to Dubai, Seychelles, Cambodia, Paris, Beijing, Hainan, Makati and Makkah, the Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. Each hotel is an oasis of calm and charm at the crossroads of a civilisation.

Each is a carefully chosen destination in its own right. Each is uniquely, indefinably, sublimely Raffles.

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MAJESTIC MAZAGAN

Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is a unique destination less than an hour south of Casablanca, in the heart of an authentic region full of contrasts. Discover Morocco that is fascinating and intense, traditional and modern, historic and cultural. The resort covers 250 hectares, bordering a magnificent 7km beach on the Atlantic coast, and benefits from a mild and temperate climate all year round.

ROOMS AND SUITES: Overlooking the grand swimming pool dotted with palm and date trees, and surrounded by orange-scented gardens, laze in the shade of a parasol, lulled by the gentle babble of nearby fountains.

The comfortable, sophisticated and modern rooms reflect Arab-Moorish style, with design and furnishings produced by local artisans, emphasising the Moroccan way of life.

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THE INTIMACY OF PRIVATE VILLAS Mazagan villas, each with their own private swimming pool and garden, offer space and light, accentuating the sumptuousness of their Moroccan surroundings. These luxurious villas are situated alongside the golf course offering magnificent views of the fairways and greens and the Atlantic coastline. Guests staying in Mazagan

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Villas can enjoy the full service and facilities in the resort or take pleasure in comfort of the Villa.

Savour cuisines from around the world The restaurants at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort are a unique experience, combining the best of world cuisine with the refinement and variety of Moroccan gastronomy. From Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine at the stylish

Morjana Oriental Restaurant & Lounge, to relaxed cocktails and an open grill at Chiringuito Beach Club, Mazagan offers up to 12 restaurants and bars to cater for every taste.

MAZAGAN SPA Surrounded by gardens, in the shade of palm trees, Mazagan Spa is an intimate sanctuary including an authentic Moroccan Hammam. Discover traditional beauty secrets while enjoying a massage on the warm marble table or in one of the Hammam’s private treatment rooms.

Benefit from a wellness check and private ‘trainer’ who will develop personalised programmes including gentle exercise.

Mazagan Golf Course and Club House Designed by Gary Player, the Mazagan Golf Course is an 18 hole, par 72 links course that stretches 7km alongside the beach and dunes by the ocean coastline, making it the longest course in Morocco.

The course has plenty of surprises in store for golfers of all levels of skill.

The clubhouse includes a restaurant, a magnificent sea view terrace, a bar and a pro-shop.

UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY EXPERIENCES AT MAZAGAN With a Baby Club, a Kids Club and Club Rush for teens, Mazagan offers a varied programme for children, with the focus on beach activities and discovering the local culture. Childcare professionals cater for all ages, from nannies for babies aged three months and over, to sports coaches for older children, or DJ sessions for teenagers. With almost unlimited experiences for kids of all ages, parents can find plenty of opportunities for precious time together!

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A WORLD RICH IN ACTIVITIES Mazagan offers an infinite choice of activities including swimming, jogging, Nordic walking, tennis, horse riding, gym, fitness classes, cookery classes, shopping and much more. A water sports centre offers surfing, wind surfing and jet-skiing.

MAGICAL NIGHTS AT MAZAGAN CASINO AND ALIAS NIGHTCLUB Mazagan Casino provides an exciting entertaining environment with a diverse range of thrilling slot and table games.

Being the biggest Casino in North Africa with a surface area of 3000 m², Mazagan Casino offers more than 460 slot machines and 40 table games. It provides

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the latest generation of slots for a truly exciting experience, and diverse table games: Roulette, Black Jack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, Punto Banco … Mazagan Casino also provides a private gaming area for its VIP guests where they can experience table games in a relaxing and comfortable environment.

Fariss Club, the casino loyalty program, provides special offers and exclusive benefits reserved to our clients. Fariss Club cardholders can earn points using their cards at the game that become redeemable throughout the Resort Alias Night Club is a magnificent venue created specifically for Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. The bar and lounge area provide just the right blend of

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spaciousness and intimacy, and the subtle and spectacularly-presented mix of music will keep the sophisticated crowd dancing into the early hours.

CONFERENCE CENTRE Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort boasts an impressive, luxurious 2,000m² conference centre that can be adapted to suit all kinds of events : conferences, seminars, board meetings, business events, private soirées and weddings. The conference centre can accommodate up to 1,300 persons theatre style and 1,100 person for a banquet. The resort also has the facilities to hold plenary and subcommittee meetings outdoors.

For more information visit www.mazaganbeachresort.com

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OFFICALLY THE BEST LUXURY RESORT SPA IN VIETNAM Named Best Luxury Resort Spa at The World Luxury Spa Awards 2014 and Vietnam's Leading Spa Resort at the World Travel Awards 2014, our HARNN Heritage Spa retreat is also well known for its beautifully designed and secluded over-water treatment rooms, perfect as a sanctuary for the body and soul. Our team of professionally-trained therapists and their skillful techniques will deliver each and every guest an ultimate personalized pampering and relaxation they well deserve.

Do you live an InterContinental life?

For more information or to make a reservation, please call +84 511 393 8888 or visit danang.intercontinental.com

In over 170 location across the globe including: BALI

•

BORA BORA

•

FIJI

•

SAMUI

WORLD SPA AWARDS set for InterContinental® Danang Sun Peninsula Resort debut

InterContinental® Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has been revealed as the host for the inaugural World Spa Awards.

Organisers at the World Spa Awards, sister organisation the World Travel Awards, have confirmed the luxurious InterContinental® Danang Sun Peninsula Resort will welcome leaders of the global spa industry on

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September 14th. The event, the first of its kind, will allow voters from around the world to select the very best from this competitive industry.

And what better place to begin? First open to guests on June 1st 2012 as the

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flagship of InterContinental® resort in Vietnam, the iconic Bill Bensley designed InterContinental® Danang Sun Peninsula Resort redefines the definition of luxury in Danang and throughout Vietnam and has

received numerous international recognitions for its excellent service and beautiful architecture.

Hidden in the myth-filled hills of ‘Monkey Mountain’ in the heart of the Son Tra Peninsula nature reserve, the five-star InterContinental® Danang Sun Peninsula Resort a work of art as much as a resort. Set in 37 hectares of stepped gardens leading down to a private beach – dramatic views of the sea can be enjoyed from all 197 rooms – every inch of this luxury resort is the stunning creation of the star architect’s unique design.

Gourmet travellers will appreciate La Maison 1888 (and its outstanding wine cellar) by multi-Michelin starred Michel Roux, while those looking for a genuine wellness retreat will love the HARNN Heritage Spa set in a private lagoon. Travellers can treat tired feet to the ultimate pedicure by ‘podiatrist to the stars’ Bastien Gonzalez as global leaders put the world to rights at The Summit, the resort’s impressive conference centre.

Billed as the place “where myth meets luxury”, it’s an easy drive from InterContinental® Danang to UNESCO world heritage sites of Hoi An, Hue and My Son (described as “Vietnam’s Angkor Wat”) making it a perfect base for travellers seeking an experience that connects them to central Vietnam.

MORE INFORMATION For more information, please visit www.danang.InterContinental®.com.

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OFFICALLY THE BEST LUXURY RESORT SPA IN VIETNAM Winner of Best Luxury Resort Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards for two consecutive years 2014 and 2015, Vietnam's Leading Spa Resort at the World Travel Awards 2014, our HARNN Heritage Spa retreat is also well known for its beautifully designed and secluded over-water treatment rooms, perfect as a sanctuary for the body and soul. Our team of professional therapists and their skillful techniques will give each and every guest an ultimate personalised pampering and relaxation they well deserve.

Do you live an InterContinental life?

For more information or to make a reservation, please call +84 511 393 8888 or visit danang.intercontinental.com

In over 170 location across the globe including: BALI • BORA BORA • FIJI • SAMUI • HUA HIN

1ST A N N UA L

14 SEPTEMBER 2015 TH

INTERCONTINENTAL速 DANANG SUN PENINSULA RESORT, VIETNAM

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“CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SPA TOURISM”

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World Ski Awards set for a return to

A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL

World Ski Awards has revealed A-ROSA Kitzbühel will host its annual Gala Ceremony for the third consecutive year.

A-ROSA Kitzbühel will welcome industry leaders to the World Ski Awards on November 20th-22nd for a three day programme of unrivalled networking events, dinners, and exclusive ski experience activities.

The highlight of the event will be the red carpet World Ski Awards Gala Ceremony 2015 itself on the evening of November 21st. Ski tourism figureheads and market leaders from North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australasia will be in attendance as the World Ski Awards winners are unveiled.

The A-ROSA Kitzbühel is nestled among the Tyrolean Mountains against a magnificent Alpine backdrop. The view of the famous Hahnenkamm peak and the steep slopes is sure to take your breath away.

Sion Rapson, managing director, World Ski Awards, said: “In 2013 were made the decision to launch World Ski Awards in reaction to overwhelming demand from the ski industry for a programme that was fair and transparent. Our decision was richly rewarded in when industry

leaders from around the world joined us at A-ROSA Kitzbühel for our inaugural event. Last year World Ski Awards returned to A-ROSA Kitzbühel stronger than ever. The event was a phenomenal success and welcomed ski tourism leaders from across the world.

“As we begin our 2015 search we feel we have created programme with a mission to serve as the definitive benchmark of excellence, and to help to foster a new era of growth in ski tourism. This year we are aiming higher than ever, with our team presently scouring ski tourism

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“THE ONLY GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO RECOGNISE, REWARD AND CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE IN SKI TOURISM”

20-22 NOVEMBER 2015 A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA

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destinations around the world in order to assess the countless nominations we have received. When voting opens later this year, members of the ski tourism community will again have a chance to make their voices heard on this more prestigious of stages.”

As well as accolades for the best products from the world’s leading ski tourism nations, awards for the ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’, ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’, ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’, and ‘World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel’ will be presented on the evening of November 21st.

Uwe Schramm, general manager at host hotel A-ROSA Kitzbühel said:

“The entire team and I are enormously proud that the A-ROSA Kitzbühel has again been selected as venue for this glamorous event.

organisation of World Travel Awards, which is heralded as “the Oscars of the travel industry”.

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He added: “Having hosted the international players and representatives from the finest ski hotels, chalets, boutique hotels and skiing destinations from all over the world at last year’s event, we are now looking forward to welcoming back the figureheads and market leaders of the ski tourism industry.”

Launched in 2013, World Ski Awards aim is to drive up standards within the ski industry by rewarding the organisations that are leaders in their field. Votes are cast by professionals working within the ski industry – senior executives, travel buyers, tour operators, agents and media - and by the public (ski tourism consumers).

World Ski Awards, the only global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the ski hospitality industry, is the sister

For more information on the upcoming World Ski Awards Gala Ceremony 2015 visit the official website at www.worldskiawards.com.

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Foto: Bernhard Spöttl © Gams-Logo-Design: Alfons Walde 1933 / VBK Wien

Kitzbuehel „The most legendary City of Sports in the Alps“.

The home of skiing is the home of the World Ski Awards 2015 in Kitzbuehel.

www.kitzbuehel.com

KITZBÜHEL The historic ski town effortlessly combines tradition with sophistication. Here Best in Travel takes a tour.

The celebrated Hahnenkamm, its long sporting tradition, and pioneering ventures into Alpine golf and winter sports have all contributed to Kitzbühel’s worldwide reputation. Today the town remains a place of contrasts, where rustic Tyrolean guesthouses rub shoulders with international designer boutiques. Visitors can experience Kitzbühel in many ways, from the alleyways in the medieval old town and the breath-taking pistes to the town’s elegant hotels and scenic hiking trails. Tyrol’s most sophisticated resort attracts visitors from all over the world, including celebrities, with its traditional character combined with modern flair.

Kitzbühel has been writing skiing history for 120 years, with the town boasting the ideal location and climate. In the

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World’s No 1 Travel Industry News Resource

Breaking Travel News (BTN) has over the last 15 years established itself as the world’s leading online news and information service for senior travel industry thought leaders. Everyday BTN’s readers visit the daily feed of market intelligence, trend analysis, exclusive video interviews and breaking news in order to keep their fingers on the travel pulse.

Visit www.breakingtravelnews.com for the latest travel industry news or read on your mobile at breakingtravelnews.mobi

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long-established ski region around the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Nordstau weather effect ensures virtually guaranteed snow from December to April. Thanks to the grass cover up to the summits, skiing is possible even with small amounts of snow. There are also 820 snow cannons to create the perfect conditions for winter sports. And even if you don’t come to Kitzbühel to ski, you’ll find plenty to do with winter hiking, snowshoe walks, and horse-drawn carriage rides, or simply stroll around the picturesque town centre. In addition to sports there are lots of events that make Kitzbühel a fascinating winter destination. For example, the town’s advent celebrations with a traditional Christmas market and the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Rasmusleiten create a romantic and magical atmosphere. High-profile events like the Hahnenkamm Races and the Valartis Snow Polo World Cup reflect Kitzbühel’s more sophisticated and international side.

Kitzbühel is also the ideal destination for those who want to pamper body, mind and soul. With its pure mountain air, alpine climate and breath-taking scenery, it’s the perfect setting for a healthy and relaxing break. From traditional Alpine wellness to modern beauty treatments, Kitzbühel has it all - combining luxury and relaxation as no other resort can. The town has a wide selection of sports and wellness hotels offering treatments that range from peat baths to sports massage.

As well as the beauty parlours, day spas and yoga studios, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities to boost their energy levels.

Kitzbühel’s lakes, waterfalls and ‘places of energy’ are also popular destinations for an active yet tranquil getaway.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on visiting Kitzbühel head over to www.kitzbuehel.com.

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“CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN GOLF TOURISM”

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CONRAD ALGARVE, QUINTA DO LAGO, PORTUGAL

worldgolfawards

World Golf Awards to return to

CONRAD ALGARVE FOR GALA CEREMONY

2015

World Golf Awards, the most prestigious awards programme in the golf tourism industry, has revealed Conrad Algarve will host its Gala Ceremony 2015.

After welcoming the inaugural Gala Ceremony in 2014, the luxurious property will receive the returning World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony on November 7th this year.

Conrad Algarve is one of the most modern five star hotels in the region.

The luxury hotel is uniquely styled, from the guest rooms to the private balconies, from the majestic spa to the five individual restaurants and bars, offering a sophisticated range of fine Portuguese and international cuisine. With contemporary design and technology flowing through the

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luxurious accommodation in harmony with beautiful natural surroundings, guests will find everything they require for a great holiday in the Algarve.

World Golf Awards Managing Director Chris Frost said: “It is an honour to be returning to the wonderful Conrad Algarve in southern Portugal for our second Gala Ceremony; the hotel was instrumental in the success of the inaugural World Golf Awards in 2014.

The Algarve is the centre of the golfing world, and it surprised nobody when Portugal took the title of World’s Best

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Golf Destination last year. With voting set to open in just a few short weeks it will be down to you, the voters, to decide if the destination is able to hold on to this most prestigious of crowns.”

Voting for the World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony 2015 opened on March 1st.

“The Conrad Algarve is extremely proud to be hosting the World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony for the second year in a row,” said Conrad Algarve General Manager Joachim Hartl. “It was an incredible pleasure to be part of the

first edition of such a prestigious event in which Portugal was inclusively awarded as the World’s Best Golf Destination and makes more than sense to extend this connection with the golf hospitality industry. The Conrad Algarve Team will be more than happy to welcome all the participants and make the most of this evening that will take place on the November 7th 2015.”

Golf sponsor Quinta do Lago will also offer World Golf Awards guests a chance to enjoy its three award-winning championship golf courses – the South Course, Laranjal, and new North Course, which was co-designed by Beau Welling and European Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley.

Each has been expertly designed to complement its natural surroundings, while offering its own set of unique challenges.

Wide lakes, undulating fairways and strategic bunkers characterise the terrain, along with carefully tended greens, which are considered to be among the best in Portugal.

John Dwyer, chief executive at Quinta do Lago, said: “It was a great privilege for Quinta do Lago to play a leading role in the first World Golf Awards. The visibility it brought created a great buzz about the resort and its success helped cap a special year for us, which included the re-opening of the North Course. To be involved again is a great honour and a tremendous opportunity to showcase our five-star facilities to some of the top names in the golf industry.”

MORE INFORMATION World Golf Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world class courses and golf destinations.

Golf tourism constitutes a vital segment in the global travel and tourism marketplace. An estimated 60 million golfer visits will take place in 2015 to the 32,000 golf courses and resorts worldwide.

The 2015 World Golf Awards will focus on the leading 130 nations who are shaping the future of this dynamic industry.

While celebrating and rewarding excellence across golf resorts, courses and the golfing destinations throughout the world, World Golf Awards will strive to ultimately raise the golf tourist customer experience and stimulate both the domestic and international golf tourism market.

For nomination information please visits www. worldgolfawards.com.

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Dive pristine waters where few have yet ventured

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS We wish to express our gratitude to our partners and supporters worldwide. In particular, we extend a heartfelt “thank you” to Kempinski Seychelles Resort and Seychelles Tourism Board. We would also like to thank our event partners 7°South and TV5Monde, and our media partners Breaking Travel News, Best in Travel and TTN.

EVENT PARTNERS

WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS TEAM President & Founder

Global Business Director

Project Manager

Graham E. Cooke

Sion Rapson

Kelly Footit

PA to Graham E. Cooke

Business Development Manager

Head of Photography

Rebecca Cohen Group Senior Vice President

Kevin Taylor Executive Vice President

Manon Han

Mike Sawicki

Christopher Frost Financial Director

Sid Thaker

Susan Mundy

Data Manager

Nia Lewis Public Relations

Christopher James

Xiaolan Tang

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Media Tactician

Events Manager & Producer

Events Executive

Vice President

Mark Håkansson

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Emma Pitout Online Media Publishing

Ben Roberts IT & Development Team

George Cooke Cornelius Jideofor

World Travel Awards

Momentum House Lower Road London, SE1 8SJ United Kingdom T +44 (0)20 7925 0000 F +44 (0)20 7925 2552 awards@worldtravelawards.com www.worldtravelawards.com Copyright © World Travel Awards 2015

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