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“ T H E O S C A R S O F T H E T R AV E L I N D U S T R Y ” WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L
2 011 REGIONAL WINNERS S Pel Sheikh ECIA L Dubai • Antalya • Sharm • Bangkok • Montego Bay
worldtravelawards.com
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“ T H E O S C A R S O F T H E T R AV E L I N D U S T R Y ” WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L
GRAND FINAL GAL A CEREMONY W Doha Hotel & Residences, Doha, Qatar 11 December 2011
Book seats today for this must-attend networking event
booking@worldtravelawards.com www.worldtravelawards.com/booknow
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“The Oscars of the Travel Industry” Wall Street Journal
Global Reach • Global Recognition • Global Rewards World Travel Awards has been celebrating travel excellence for the past 18 years, and is regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could hope to receive.
Every year, World Travel Awards visits every continent to celebrate the best of the best in travel and tourism. This year’s Grand Tour included regional ceremonies in Dubai, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand and Jamaica. The winners from these regional heats progress to the Grand Final, which takes place in Doha, Qatar on 11 December 2011.
Event sponsors include BBC World News, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Jamaica Tourist Board, Conrad Hotels, World.mobi, Armani Hotel Dubai, Emaar Hospitality Group, Mauritius Tourist Board, DusitThani Bangkok, Sandals Resorts, Savoy Sharm el Sheikh, WeClickMedia and Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa.
Votes are cast by 213,000 travel professionals including travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries across the globe.
The list of worldwide media partners includes National Geographic Traveller, CNBC Arabiya, eTurboNews, Khaleej Times, Trav Talk, Trade Arabia, TTN, Travel Daily News, ASTA Network, New Focus Travel Magazine, Tourism Review, JAX FAX, and ABTA Magazine.
For more information email sponsorship@worldtravelawards.com or visit worldtravelawards.com
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Golden sand dunes, Rajasthan.
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Regional Winner 2011
Etihad recently signed a new multimillion dollar deal with Premiership football side Manchester City.
Etihad Airways revels in World Travel Awards success
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Etihad Chief Executive James Hogan.
Etihad Airways Chief Operating Officer Peter Baumgartner and Hareb Al Muhairy, Head of Corporate Communications, celebrate at the World Travel Awards earlier this year.
Etihad Airways
Recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Airline for the fifth consecutive year in 2011 by the World Travel Awards, Etihad Airways has grown from humble beginnings in 2003 to dominate the aviation landscape today. The national carrier of Abu Dhabi, Etihad currently flies to over 70 destinations around the world with a fleet of over 60 aircraft. After expecting to breakeven for the first time in financial 2011, Etihad is set to move into profit for the first time next year, cementing its position as one of the most powerful carriers in the skies.
In 2011
In 2012
Already in 2011 Etihad has added six aircraft to its fleet, enabling the airline to build greater depth into its schedule and increase weekly frequencies to key markets including Paris, Manchester, Milan, Geneva, Brussels, Bangalore, and Manila.
In the coming months Etihad will begin flying to four new destinations: the Maldives Chengdu in China, Düsseldorf, Shanghai and Nairobi.
Over the next few weeks the carrier has also confirmed it will provide onboard wireless internet on selected routes to Europe – including those aircraft operating between bases in Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Munich and Paris.
“Next year we take delivery of another seven passenger aircraft – four B777-300ER aircraft, plus three A320-200s – so the careful, strategic expansion of our global network will continue apace,” chief executive James Hogan told World Travel Awards. Expect to hear a great deal more about Etihad Airways in the very near future
For more information visit www.etihadairways.com or head over to stand ME 150
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18:03
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Regional Winner 2011
Ferrari World is among the main attractions on Yas Island.
Yas Island makes its mark in Abu Dhabi
Previously named as the World’s Leading Tourism Development Project, Yas Island has brought a host of exciting new attractions to Abu Dhabi, including the recently re-branded Yas Viceroy, which was nominated as the World’s Leading Landmark Hotel by the World Travel Awards this year.
Yas Island Overview Yas Island lies just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, ten minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The 2,500 hectare island has been developed into a major tourist destination following a $40 billion investment by Abu Dhabi’s property development company Aldar Properties in a bid to support the emirate’s economic diversification.
Innovations for 2011 One of the main attractions on Yas Island is the Yas Marina Circuit which plays host to the third F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this month. The Marina Circuit is the only motorsports venue in the world at which all the grandstands are covered, with an enormous capacity of 50,000. Yas Viceroy plays host to the international glitterati during the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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Yas Island dominates the Abu Dhabi leisure offer.
Two theme parks and a water park are also planned for Yas Island, including Ferrari World, which opened in 2010, and is currently the largest indoor theme park in the world. There are more than 19 rides and attractions inside Ferrari World, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster which reaches speeds of more than 240km per hour. The “G-Force Experience” ride, at the heart of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, is described as a tower of speed. It launches guests 62 metres into the sky, before plummeting back down to earth. The Yas Viceroy (formerly known as Yas Hotel) is the only five star hotel on Yas Island, offering guests 499 well-appointed rooms & suites as well as 12 contemporary restaurants and lounges. This masterpiece, which changed hands last month when Viceroy Hotels & Resorts took over management of the property, is the first hotel in the world to be built directly over a Formula 1 race track.
Looking Forward Development continues apace across Yas Island, complementing the attractions already welcoming visitors at Aldar’s major leisure and entertainment destination. Yas Mall, a major retail complex, is currently under development and is scheduled for completion in 2013. Fred Douglas, director of retail leasing at Aldar, said: "The design for Yas Mall combines critical commercial success factors from the world's best retail destinations to help create a destination that re-defines the modern shopping centre in the Middle East.”
Additional leisure parks and residential developments have also been planned for Yas Island over the next few years. The Mövenpick Hotel Yas Island – set to open in 2014 – will be the first of three Mövenpick properties set to open at the development following the signing of an exclusive contract between Aldar Properties and the Swiss hotel brand. The first hotel in this agreement will be a 500-room luxury establishment, located in the heart of Yas Island in close proximity to the world-class theme parks.
With its vibrant colour-changing LED gridshell, it is a distinguishable landmark of Abu Dhabi for miles around.
WTA President Graham Cooke with Nilay Ozral, Director of Real Estate Operations, Yas Island, at the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony.
For more information visit www.yasisland.ae or www.theyashotel.com or head to stand ME100
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“ T H E O S C A R S O F T H E T R AV E L I N D U S T R Y ” WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L
GR AND TOUR 2012 Bahamas • Berlin • Dubai • Portugal • Seychelles • New Dehli • London
Global Reach • Global Recognition • Global Rewards
awards@worldtravelawards.com
worldtravelawards.com
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World Island Awards Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Germany 6 March 2012
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World’s first ceremony to promote Island Tourism World Travel Awards has unveiled a new awards programme to celebrate and reward luxury tourism to island nations. World Islands Awards will take place on the eve on ITB Berlin 2012, with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority signed as the official partner. It is the only event of its kind dedicated to recognising Island Tourism around the world.
Through this partnership, Mauritius will spearhead the drive for the promotion of Island Tourism worldwide, as well as ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the luxury tourism map. The paradise island is currently enjoying a thriving tourism economy under the leadership of Minister of Tourism, HE Nandcoomar Bodha, and Dr Karl Mootoosamy, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
The inaugural ceremony will take place at Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin’s most exclusive five-star hotel, on 6 March 2012.
Dr Karl Mootoosamy, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “Our new partnership with World Island Awards will serve as an excellent vehicle to promote the core values of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority – in particular our emphasis on people, the environment and the capacity to ensure customer satisfaction.”
The two-year agreement comes hot on the heels of Mauritius being named one of the coolest destinations for 2011 by Futurebrand and British Airways, and being voted “World’s Leading Island Destination” at the 2010 World Travel Awards.
The Indian Ocean nation – which is best known for its azure waters, white beaches and luxury spas – will also showcase itself as a world-class destination to travel professionals and media from around the world. Graham Cooke, Founder, World Island
Awards said: “On behalf of World Island Awards, I am delighted to have Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority as our partner. “This nation typifies luxury tourism at its finest, and serves a benchmark for how island nations can travel and tourism for social and economic betterment.” The awards will serve to reward excellence across all areas of tourism of the world’s island nations. Categories will include: “World’s Leading Island Resort”, “Asia’s Leading Island Resort” and “World’s Leading Island Destination”. Over the past thirty years, Mauritius has expanded its luxury tourism sector. The travel and tourism sector has become more vital than ever to the nation’s economy due to declining sugar prices and economic infeasibility of textile production. Limited space for tourism means that Mauritius continues to promote only elite and specialist tourism, while budget travel is not encouraged.
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Book now as places are limited at booking@worldtravelawards.com • worldislandawards.com
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Join the reading revolution ■ 33% of digital content readers are spending more money on buying things online ■ They watch 25% less television ■ 43% want dynamic advertising – allowing them to interact with ads ■ 54% want to be able to purchase the things they see in magazines directly from the magazine Research: Harrison Group
Since we launched in 1993, the World Travel Awards team has had the rather enviable task of scouring the globe in search of the ultimate in luxury travel – those out-of-this-world places and experiences where memories forged will last a lifetime. Best in Travel blends our unrivalled first-hand knowledge with leading-edge interactive technology to create the definitive guide to the world’s most glamorous travel experiences. Opportunities for advertisers include: flash page • embedded video box • giant video box • giant video box advertorial • bespoke page advertorial
advertising@bestintravelmagazine.com subscribe@bestintravelmagazine.com bestintravelmagazine.com
The digital magazine for luxury travel by World Travel Awards Produced by
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“ T H E O S C A R S O F T H E T R AV E L I N D U S T R Y � WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L
For two decades World Travel Awards have been recognising companies in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
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World Travel Awards Celebrates 20 Years of Travel Excellence 2 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E R S A R Y G R A N D TO U R Caribbean & Central America Gala Ceremony MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA • 15 JANUARY 2013
Europe Gala Ceremony BERLIN, GERMANY • MARCH 2013
Middle East Gala Ceremony DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • MAY 2013
Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT • MAY 2013
North America Gala Ceremony LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • 8 JUNE 2013
Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony SHANGHAI, CHINA • 13 JUNE 2013
South America Gala Ceremony RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL • 20 OCTOBER 2013
Grand Final Gala Ceremony LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM • NOVEMBER 2013
J O I N U S F O R T H E C E L E B R AT I O N S awards@worldtravelawards.com
worldtravelawards.com
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Regional Winner 2011
The emphasis at W Doha Hotel is definitely on play.
W Doha Hotel & Residences, Qatar W Doha Hotel & Residences selected to host prestigious World Travel Awards Grand Final 2011 Beating off fierce competition from around the world W Doha Hotel & Residences has been selected to host the prestigious World Travel Awards Gala Final 2011. Already the proud winner of the Middle East’s Leading Hotel & Residences title at the World Travel Awards earlier this year, the leadingedge property will now welcome guests from around the world as they go head-to-head to claim the most sought after prizes in the tourism industry. The property offers 240 guestrooms, 63 suites and 138 branded W Residences – where “dreams become reality”. World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke, left, celebrates with Safak Guvenc, Area Manager Qatar and General Manager of W Hotel Doha.
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Also on offer are three stylish lounges – including the signature W Living Room experience - in which guests can mix and mingle. Wahm, a modern poolside retreat, and Crystal Lounge, a sleek fashionable spot where guests can sip cool cocktails and groove to the latest world beats, complete the line-up. In addition, W Doha Hotel & Residences also boasts three signature restaurants – Spice Market, Market by Jean-Georges and La Maison du Caviar, which takes guests on an exotic tour of the most exquisite and decadent caviars from around the globe. All will be on offer to guests of the World Travel Awards as they arrive ahead of the event which takes place on December 11th.
Business of Pleasure W Doha Hotel & Residences – which also took the title of Qatar’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel at the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony earlier this year – is also an established business destination. With nearly 1,000 square metres of ultramodern meetings and event space on offer, the property is able to host business and social gatherings for up to 500 people. Wi-fi internet access and state-of-the-art AV equipment is available at the click of a button. But the emphasis at W Doha Hotel & Residences is definitely on play. The brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service provides guests with whatever they want whenever they want it – as long as it is legal! – while a glamorous temperature-controlled pool is fitted out with underwater music, multi-coloured fibre-optic lighting and a dramatic black mosaic tiles.
World Travel Awards will arrive at W Doha on December 11th.
Iconic Lifestyle Brand W Hotels has established itself as an iconic lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented insider access to a world of ‘Wow’ through contemporary design, fashion, nightlife, celebrities and entertainment. In recent years the brand has forever changed the hospitality landscape with a series of industry firsts – what better place to celebrate the most significant night in travel and tourism, the World Travel Awards Gala Final 2011!
Contemporary design is key to the success of W Doha.
For more information check out www.whoteldoha.com or head over to stand ME435
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World Travel Awards presents
e Europe Travel Golf Classic SEPTEMBER 2012
World Travel Awards (WTA) presents the Europe Travel Golf Classic, to be held at the stunning location of Quinta Do Lago, Algarve Portugal, alongside the WTA ceremony at Conrad Algarve. Industry professionals will lock horns and compete on 18 holes of a championship course. Carved through rolling pine forests with stunning sea views, this competition will be a challenge and great fun for all standards of golfer. The Europe Travel Golf Classic will bring together the leading figures from the region’s tourism industry. To be held on the morning of the 2012 World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony, this event will provide a unique opportunity to meet and network with the industry’s elite – as well as play golf on one of the world’s premier courses. Applications are now open to individuals or teams wishing to take part. For Sponsorship enquiries please contact: chris.frost@worldtravelawards.com
Sponsored and brought to you by:
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Regional Winner 2011
Tourism in Jamaica has weathered the storm and is set to emerge stronger than ever.
Jamaica named Caribbean’s Leading Destination at World Travel Awards Last month Jamaica was named Caribbean’s Leading Destination by the World Travel Awards at a Gala Ceremony hosted by Sandals Royal Caribbean. The holiday destination also scooped the titles of Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board and Caribbean’s Leading Sports Destination in an unprecedented night of success.
Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, left, and Jamaica Tourist Board Chairman John Lynch celebrate at the World Travel Awards earlier this year.
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Famously described by Christopher Columbus as the “fairest isle that eyes ever behold”, the destination offers an unforgettable holiday experience to an estimated two million international visitors each year.
Innovations for 2011 Jamaica’s position as a leader in the global tourism arena was further bolstered earlier this year when representatives from the island served in several key leadership positions within the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Tourism minister Edmund Bartlett was elected to serve as vice president for the 19th General Assembly of the UNWTO in South Korea, presiding over several sessions of the assembly. He commented: “It is an honour for Jamaica to serve in this capacity and our selection further underscores our good standing in the international arena and the confidence our counterparts place in Jamaica
Jamaica Lovebridge.
as a leader within the tourism industry at the global level.” Also this year Jamaica celebrated the official opening of the new Historic Falmouth Port. Situated between the popular cruise destinations of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Historic Falmouth is the first-ever thematic cruise port that provides a convenient gateway for guests to embark on more than 60 exhilarating land experiences along the north coast of Jamaica. Additionally, ongoing revitalisations throughout the town of Falmouth offer guests an extensive array of cultural and historic experiences for an adventurous Jamaican port call on their cruise vacation. It is hardly surprising that Jamaica was recognised for three World Travel Awards last month during the Caribbean & the Americas ceremony event – itself hosted in Jamaica.
In responding to the presentation of these accolades, minister Bartlett said: “I must admit that we are very humbled by this recognition and the fact that through our efforts Jamaica has been able to perform well in world tourism and in so doing fuel the growth of the industry in the Caribbean.”
Looking Forward Jamaica’s stand at World Travel Market is set to be a hub or activity with the 2012 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations, Jamaica Jazz & Blues, the Olympics and the creation of the Jamaica Village all set to be among the hot topics. Travel agents are invited visit the Jamaica stand to have their photo taken with Usain Bolt and Zippy (the new Jamaican Olympic mascot) who will present them with their gold Olympic JTB medals.
Chukka Kayak Safari at Mobay.
For more information visit www.visitjamaica.com or head to stand CA210
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Portugal’s Leading Hotel
Portugal’s Leading Golf Resort
Portugal’s Leading Resort
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Have you devel o Sport touriSm
Sport Tourism is set to take a central position at the vanguard of future travel and tourism industry growth
Worldwide Sporting Development and Events (WSDE) is dedicated to providing the interlinked Sport and Tourism sectors with insightful research, consultative services and conferences, symposiums and events of the highest calibre. leading analysts predict that Sport tourism is set to take a central position at the vanguard of future travel and tourism industry growth with participation vacations (holidays with an activity attached – i.e. golf, tennis, adventure) leading consumer purchasing trends. Sport tourism currently contributes an astonishing 14% of overall travel and tourism receipts and is set to grow exponentially over the next decade. each of the regional Sport tourism Symposiums will oer attendees pioneering insights and the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the Sport tourism phenomenon. they will all take place on the eve of the World travel awards Ceremony for the region speciďŹ ed.
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l oped a Game plan?
Future WSDE Events: WSDE Sport Tourism Symposium
Middle East Sport Tourism Symposium
10th december 2011 W Doha Hotel, Doha, Qatar
29th april 2012 The Grosvenor, Dubai, UAE
Caribbean Sport Tourism Symposium
Asia Sport Tourism Symposium
22nd January 2012 Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados
September 2012 Oberoi Gurgaon, New Delhi, India
North America Sport Tourism Symposium
Europe Sport Tourism Symposium
april 2012 New York, USA
october 2012 Conrad Algarve, Quinto do Largo, Portugal
For more information please contact: info@sporttourismexpo.com For full details of all events please visit our website:
www.sporttourismexpo.com
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World Travel Awards presents
e Asia & Australasia Travel Golf Classic SEPTEMBER 2012
World Travel Awards (WTA) presents the Asia & Australasia Travel Golf Classic, to be held at a stunning location alongside the WTA ceremony at The Oberoi Gurgaon. Set amidst the foot hills of the Aravali, Mother Nature’s own hillocks and knolls make for natural golfing country, lending themselves ideally to enticing fairways, cunning greens and engaging waterways enough to quicken any serious golfer’s heart. Golfers of all standards can discover the joys and challenges of golf at this 27-hole Golf Course. The Asia & Australasia Travel Golf Classic will bring together the leading figures from the region’s tourism industry. On the morning of the 2012 World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony, the event will provide a unique opportunity to meet and network with the industry’s elite – as well as play golf on one of the world’s premier courses. Applications are now open to individuals or teams wishing to take part. For Sponsorship enquiries please contact: tony.prince@worldtravelawards.com
Sponsored and brought to you by:
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