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Africa Gala Ceremony 2008
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President of the World Travel Awards Our first regional gala ceremonies: Tourism - a great success story for Africa Dear friends, It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the World Travel Awards 2008: Africa Awards Ceremony as it makes its debut here in Durban, South Africa. Durban, with its radiant golden sands and lush subtropical greenery has always been a special destination. The pride of the Zulu nation, the city has evolved into much more than a seaside playground. It is an enchanting, vibrant, historic gateway to a subtropical paradise, all of which makes it the perfect setting for this years World Travel Awards event. In 2007 alone, nine million tourists visited South Africa
which is eight percent more than in 2006 and outperforms the global industry by more than two percent. In the 15 years since South Africa embraced democracy, tourism has become one of their biggest business success stories. With the 2010 FIFA World Cup on the horizon both South Africa and the vast continent it is representing can look forward to a real boost in profile. Our WTA event will also focus the eyes of the world on Africa and its many successes.
possible. Celebrating and promoting excellence and innovation in the tourism and travel trade is the spirit of this regional gala event - so please enjoy yourselves with this in mind, for we value your tremendous achievements and what you have done for our industry. Thank you all for being here with us on this very special evening. Sincerely yours, Graham E. Cooke President and Founder World Travel Awards
Congratulations to all those people who are receiving awards and to those that have made this evening
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CEO of ICC Durban
Sanibonani, The ICC Durban welcomes the World Travel Awards. We are proud to be chosen as the host venue for the Africa Awards Ceremony and to kick off the start of the Grand Tour.
We are pleased to be hosting the celebrated delegation at a time when the ICC Durban is abuzz with Indaba, the most prestigious event in the tourism calendar. WELCOME TO DURBAN
This illustrious event will afford the City of Durban the opportunity to not only showcase this wonderful destination but will also highlight both the beauty and diversity of the province of KwaZulu Natal.
Miller Matola CEO of ICC Durban
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Escape.
With our mobility solutions for your holiday and travel needs. Europcar’s many mobility services are intended to make this easier. With great rates, special equipment, 24hr service, and insurances – just about anything you could require at www.europcar.com
AWARDED IN 2007
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About World Travel Awards
In its fifteenth year, the World Travel Awards acknowledges and celebrates those organisations who have made the greatest contribution to the global tourism and travel trade. It also recognises those who are driving the industry to greater heights and innovation. Attended by top executives of winning companies, the World Travel Awards ceremonies are highly regarded and established as forums that bring together all areas of travel and tourism in recognition and celebration of their achievements. With votes being cast entirely online by 165,000 travel agencies and professionals in over 200 countries worldwide, it is a truly comprehensive and independent survey. In 2007 the number of people voting was up by 12 percent
“
Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscar's....” Wall Street Journal
compared to 2006. For the tourism trade, winning a World Travel Award is more than an award, it is a personal and reliable endorsement from the thousands of professionals from around the globe. This level of accountability makes it one of the highest accolades in the travel business and is why the award ceremony is broadcast by BBC World (British Broadcasting Corporation) and other networks to over 254 million households worldwide and attended by the industry's global decision makers. The World Travel Awards has continuously evolved, expanding the number of awards as the industry has grown. There are now over 1,000 different categories - an understandable number
“
Highest accolades in the travel business”
seeing how the industry has diversified and given the fact that there were over 3,600 different nominees this year. In response to increasing global concern over environmental issues and climatic change, the World Travel Awards introduced Green Categories to the award scheme in 2007 to reward those companies who excel in ecologically friendly practices. The prestigious awards scheme is also evolving with the new media age and is now more accessible via the web and social networking sites. Video clips and interviews from the past ceremonies are now available on a YouTube channel that has now been launched at www.youtube.com/ worldtravelawards.
“
To celebrate the 15th Birthday of World Travel Awards, the 2008 Grand Tour will be bigger than ever before with more exciting destinations and a dazzling array of starstudded events, kicking off here today in Durban, continuing through Sydney, Shanghai, Poprad, Crete, Rio de Janiero, London, Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas and culminating in the Gala Ceremony in the Turks & Caicos Islands. This year independent voting by the industry will again seek out those companies who excel in the world of travel and tourism. The industry is constantly moving forward and evolving and World Travel Awards continue to honour the best that the world has to offer. www.worldtravelawards.com
Driving the industry to greater heights and innovation”
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Gearhouse is a proud sponsor of the World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony.
Very warm welcome to the attendees and big congratulations to the winners this evening.
Gearhouse - South Africa’s Leading Technical Supplier
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The History
94 Hollywood
95 New York
96 Las Vegas
97 New York
98 Bahamas
99 London
00 Jamaica
01 Malaysia
02 St Lucia
03 New York
04 Barbados
05 London
Middle East & Africa
06 Turks and Caicos
Europe & Green
Americas
07 Regional Events
Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean
Grand Finale
Turks and Caicos
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Menu
Starter
Main
Norwegian Salmon
Chicken Crown
Served with coconut salad
Served with yam potato croquette and Rooibos jus enhanced with ginger
Sweet chili pesto and young baby leaves Light mango dressing
Pumpkin mash and field vegetables
✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ Hot starters Beef filet skewers with peppercorn sauce Potato and pea samoosas with tamarind glaze Greek spinach and feta cheese triangles
Dessert Selection of delegate sweet treats Fruit flan, coconut milk tart, Amarula mousse served with Mango cheese cake
Seafood spring roll
Freshly brewed coffee and house selection of teas
✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
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Treasured Time. Our promise to you. Time is our most precious commodity. How and with whom we choose to spend it, is perhaps one of the most important decisions we make in our lives. At Rotana, we have chosen to acknowledge this fact by embracing the challenge of making all time spent with us, Treasured Time. This means that we pledge to understand and meet the individual needs of all who we deal with. In so doing, we strive to continually build long-term relationships with our guests, our colleagues and, of course, our owners and partners. Visit us during ITB in hall 22, within the Middle East Pavilion.
PO Box 43500, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: +971 2 644 4412, F: +971 2 644 4413, head.office@rotana.com
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Wine Wine La Motte Sauvignon Blanc Moreson Chardonnay Jason’s Hill Merlot La Motte Millenium ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
Selection of soft drinks, spirits and beers are available. Please see to your waiter for today’s selection. ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
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SOUTH AFRICA
The Legend Group proudly introduces the Legend Golf & Safari Resort to be opened in 2008. This unique, Big Five resort is the latest development within the 22,000 ha Entabeni Safari Conservancy situated in the malaria-free Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province. The first of its kind in the world, the resort will epitomize the unique lifestyle of the bushveld. The design and layout of the resort has been undertaken in such a manner as to minimize the impact on the natural surroundings and preserve the pristine bush environment, thus making the resort one of the most eco-friendly in Africa. An exceptional, residential estate, comprising privately owned lodges will be complemented by an 18-hole PGA Championship Golf Course, Recreational facilities, Wellness Centre, Boutique Hotel, Field of Legends Sporting facility as well as Conference and Banqueting facilities.
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Gala Show Host
Gerry Rantseli Gerry Rantseli is a South African television presenter, host, MC and businesswoman best known for co-hosting the first season of the reality television competition Big Brother South Africa, in 2001. She uses her public profile as a celebrity to get involved in as many social projects as possible. She has assisted as an Aids Ambassador for the President's Office and frequently helps organisations like Reach for a Dream and the Orlando Children’s Home. Recently, at the invitation of the Minister of Health, Gerry assisted in highlighting the plight of those struggling with TB, HIV and Aids. In 2001 she was appointed Head of Television and Broadcasting for Allenby Campus. Gerry is determined to inspire an interest in the arts amongst young people and to encourage creativity as a means of expression while also instilling a culture of
leaning and teaching business skills to equip young performers and artists for the future. In 2002 Soulmate Productions headed by Gerry and Alex Rantseli got together with publishing house Carpe Diem Media to create an inspirational publication called Soul Magazine, of which Gerry was an Editor. In 2004 Soulmate Productions launched its personal development division aimed at creating a networking and training environment in which women can grow and develop their skills but also to develop the leaders of tomorrow. In August 2005, she was appointed the Patron of Othandweni Children’s Home and 2006 saw Gerry launching Cinnamon Communications (Learn, Grow and Experience the Essence of Life). She has been a presenter of the DStv channel ONE Gospel since 4 November, 2007.
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Gala Show Entertainment
Freshlyground For each of the seven members of Freshlyground, this band is about more than music. From each of their backgrounds comes a unique version of “being African”. When they rehearse, each of their styles, flavours, colours and attitudes is swirled into a process not unlike nuclear fission - and the result is not unlike an atomic blast. “Sheer exuberance”, “passion”, “redhot energy” are the first things that come out of reviewers' keyboards, closely followed by “honesty”, “depth” and “integrity”. The individuality of each member is part of the creativity in each track and tune. The process of reaching a consensus is democratic. And the results have been astonishing. Freshlyground adds violin and flute to the familiar band instrumentation of bass, drums, keys and guitar, and sometimes throws in the mbira, a traditional African “thumb piano” and sax. So typical of African groups, their dance routines are loosely choreographed to allow space for spontaneity, which comes with live-wire energy. “Forget about your
destiny, get off your feet and live!” the lead singer Zolani sings, and she knows exactly how to make an audience go wild. Everywhere they go, Freshlyground are a sensation. In South Africa audiences of every race cram in to see them. Old people get up and dance. Hip black teenagers sing to their lyrics. White kids emulate their moves. The very presence of this band in South Africa is the promise of a harmonious future. But they don't sit still for the picture. Sony BMG have lured them to the UK and Europe, where they're set to release “Nomvula” in July. There will be concerts in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Belgium. They'll be drawing the crowds as they go, making surprisingly good impressions, remarkably large impacts. That's what they've done all along. Bridged historical divides, defied musical stereotypes. And it's about time an Afropop band took some of Africa's magical music to the world.
Sterling EQ Sterling EQ was formed in May 2007 and has become one of South Africa’s most sought after new groups, having performed at high profile events like the Shoprite Checkers Woman of the Year Awards and the Dimension Data Pro Am 2008, as well as corporate events for companies such as ABSA, Hollard, Standard Bank, BMW, Maserati and many more.
In their individually capacity, Sterling’s members are renowned performers with many years of experience, and various accolades to their names. Combined, the Sterling performers are a virtuoso tour-de-force. Their show is an original and mesmerising collaboration that has been met with praise and enthusiasm from critics, fans and clients.
Following in the footsteps of Vanessa Mae and BOND, Sterling EQ adds another dimension by including the electric flute. As with these international acts, the repertoire makes reference to Classical themes, however, Sterling boasts a world-first in this genre by adding a specifically South African flavour.
In response to the growing demand from new fans, Sterling is currently recording their debut album with the renowned producer, Gabi le Roux, who made his name in the South African music industry as Mandoza’s producer. His diverse creativity and experience ensure that Sterling’s recorded offering will be a much-anticipated new release.
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The world’s le
Europe’s number one eco Welcome to AquaCity Resort, Slovakia. The world's leading green resort, saving you money by being green AquaCity is virtually self-powered, using freely available geothermal water and the sun's energy, saving around 27 tonnes of carbon emissions each day and millions of euros in energy costs each year. By using green technology to heat and power the resort, these cost savings are ploughed back into first class hotel and leisure facilities to offer a fun and affordable waterpark, spa and holiday destination. But it's not just about green energy. AquaCity is a fun and relaxing place for a day trip, a holiday, business event, party or celebration. With 14 indoor and outdoor geothermal pools, a fabulous spa centre with inhalation rooms, saunas and relaxation areas, two award winning hotels, a restaurant, bar areas, meeting rooms and kids' play areas, AquaCity offers affordable luxury, at the same time as minimising the impact on the planet
How to get there AquaCity is located in the north east of Slovakia, immediately south of the High Tatras Mountains. Three times weekly flights from London Luton to Poprad with Sky Europe Poprad - (8min) v Kosice - Poprad 125kms (1hr 50min) Krakow - Poprad 160kms (2hr 20min) Budapest - Poprad 330kms (5hr) Bratislava - Poprad 340kms (4hr 30min) Vienna - Poprad 390kms (5hr)
www.aquacityresort.com
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leading green resort
-holiday destination
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A EE R
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Award winning AquaCity AquaCity is the world’s leading green resort, winner of the World’s first green Travel Award, nominated as the British Guild of Travel Writer’s top overseas destination and accredited to the highest standards of environmental management. It was the first destination in Europe to be given Green Hero status and has achieved both Green Apple and Live Earth accreditations.
AQUAPARK Poprad s.r.o., Sportová 1397/1, 058 01 Poprad, Slovak Republic Tel: +421 52 7851 111 Web: www.aquacityresort.com Email: reservations@aquacityresort.com
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World Travel Awards Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence World Travel Awards is the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programme in the global travel and tourism industry.
Established in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the industry, World Travel Awards are recognised as the hallmark of excellence, with the winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The Wall Street Journal recently heralded the World Travel Awards as the "travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars". World Travel Awards is proud of its impartial nature and the comprehensive process of its voting programme. Votes are cast by an audience of 167,000 travel agents and tourism professionals from 198 participating countries. Voted for by industry peers, this level of accountability makes winning an award the greatest form of recognition in the travel business. Attended by the industry’s key decision makers and figure heads, Word Travel Awards brings together all corners of the globe and all areas of travel and tourism to celebrate both individual success and the collective achievements of the industry.
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World Travel Awards Grand Tour
The Word Travel Awards attracts an unprecedented amount of both trade and consumer media coverage spearheaded by BBC World – our global media partner – whose coverage spans a global audience of over 274 million.
Africa Awards Ceremony Durban, South Africa 12th May
In recognition of “15 Years of Excellence”, World Travel Awards has expanded its portfolio by adding a Grand Tour of Regional Awards to recognise winners in their own territory.
Asia & Indian Ocean Awards Ceremony Shanghai, China 19th June
Regional Awards will be staged in each key geographic region, culminating in the World Travel Awards Gala Reception in London on the eve of World Travel Market and the Gala Ceremony in Turks & Caicos in December. In addition, the growing importance of sustainability is recognised in the launch of the inaugural Green Awards taking place in Poprad, Slovakia and excellence and innovation within the online travel industry will be celebrated at the Online Travel Awards in Bangalore, India.
Australasia Awards Ceremony Sydney, Australia 10th June
Middle East Awards Ceremony Abu Dhabi, UAE 27th November North America Awards Ceremony Las Vegas, USA 3rd December World & Caribbean Gala Ceremony Turks & Caicos Islands 12th December
Green Awards Ceremony Poprad, Slovakia 20th September Europe Awards Ceremony Crete, Greece 3rd October South America Awards Ceremony Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 21st October World Travel Awards Gala Reception London, England 9th November
www.worldtravelawards.com
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Thank you to our partners
World Travel Awards team would like to thank all of our sponsors and partners for their everlasting support and firm commitment to make this event a great success. Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to ICC Durban, Gearhouse South Africa and Cape Media. Our very special thanks goes to John Elford at J P E Communications.
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World’s No 1
dƌĂǀĞů /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ^ŽƵƌĐĞ ͧ Online & Hard Copy
ƌĞĂŬŝŶŐ dƌĂǀĞů EĞǁƐ ƌĂŶŬƐ ĂƐ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ƚƌĂǀĞů ŶĞǁƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƐŝƚĞƐ͕ ĂƩƌĂĐƟŶŐ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ƵƐĞƌƐ ĞǀĞƌLJ month. BreakingTravelNews.com ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ďƌŽĂĚ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐŽǀĞƌŝŶŐ ĚĂŝůLJ ŶĞǁƐ͕ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ĐĂůĞŶĚĂƌ ŽĨ ƚƌĂǀĞů ƚƌĂĚĞ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ ĂŶ ŽĸĐŝĂů ŶĞǁƐƉĂƉĞƌ ĨŽƌ ƐŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂǀĞů ƚƌĂĚĞ͘ ƌĞĂŬŝŶŐ dƌĂǀĞů EĞǁƐ ŝƐ Ă ŚŝŐŚůLJ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ĨŽƌ ĐƌĞĂƟŶŐ ŚƵŐĞ ĂǁĂƌĞŶĞƐƐ ĨŽƌ ƚƌĂǀĞů ƚƌĂĚĞ ĂĚǀĞƌƟƐĞƌƐ͘ dŽ ƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞ ʹ dŽ ĂĚǀĞƌƟƐĞ ʹ dŽ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƚŚĞ ĞĚŝƚŽƌ͗ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚΛďƌĞĂŬŝŶŐƚƌĂǀĞůŶĞǁƐ͘ĐŽŵ ǁǁǁ͘ďƌĞĂŬŝŶŐƚƌĂǀĞůŶĞǁƐ͘ĐŽŵ
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World Travel Awards Team President & Founder Graham E. Cooke Senior Vice President David Falcon Executive Vice President & Event Director Manon Han Director of Global Project Tony Pancaldi Global Sales & Marketing Director James A. Khan Directors, Global Business Rupert Daniels Sion Rapson PR Director Jane Larcombe Sales Director Tony Prince Commercial Manager Christopher Frost
Head of Business Development Khalil El-Mouelhy
E-Commerce Managers Kelly Footit Hayden Pitout
Sales Executives Antonio Castro Neves Christopher Courtney
Systems Administrators George Cooke Joe McCann Tom Fogarty
World Travel Awards 12-16 Laystall Street London EC1R 4PF United Kingdom T +44 (0)20 7925 0000 F +44 (0)20 7925 2552 awards@worldtravelawards.com www.worldtravelawards.com
Financial Assistant Xiaolam Tang
Copyright Š World Travel Awards 2008
Media Production Manager Laura Tavernor Event Manager Scott Holland
Creative Director Mike Gibas
Event Organising Executive Rosalyn Newbery Event Production Manager Andy Beardmore
Designers Adam Williams Mark Askam Jackie Maddocks
Event & Marketing Manager Nora Suwaidi Editors Anton Strack Alex Lewis Official Photographers Mark Hakansson Gareth Morris Online Media Publishing Ben Roberts
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Local information, places to eat, events and the best nightlife are just some of the things you will find at Durban.city.mobi
World Mobi Limited +44 (0) 20 7925 0000 info@world.mobi www.worldmobi.co.uk +27 (0)31 561 2211
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