World Travel Awards South & Central America Gala Ceremony 2014

“THE OSCARS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY” WALL STREET JOURNAL

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA GALA CEREMONY 9th August 2014

Centro Cultural Itchimbía, Quito - Ecuador

www.quito.com.ec worldtravelawards.com

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President of World Travel Awards On behalf of World Travel Awards, I warmly welcome you to our South & Central America Gala Ceremony 2014, which is this year being hosted in Quito, Ecuador, for the first time in our twenty one-year history. This exceptional event is part of our year-long journey to celebrate the world’s outstanding travel brands, covering six continents and featuring over 9,000 nominees.

It is indeed fitting to hold our South & Central America Gala Ceremony here at the Centro Cultural Itchimbía in Quito, with the destination having completed a city-wide restoration project just a few years ago. Tourism here continues to reap the benefits; with historic theatres bubbling back to life, new enticing restaurants opening, and the Old Town once again abuzz, the city’s colonial splendour is again on display. It is our honour to participate in this rebirth of Quito.

This year is World Travel Awards’ 21st anniversary.

Each year our locations, categories, nominees and, most importantly, the number of voting travel professionals increases exponentially, revealing the tremendous demand among the public for the recommendation a World Travel Award signifies.

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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. A World Travel Award is the result of hard work, innovation, dedication and passion. We are truly unique.

I wish to sincerely thank our gracious hosts the Municipality of Quito and Quito Turismo, and of course the Mayor of Quito, Mr Mauricio Rodas Espinel. Their tireless efforts and dedication will ensure that tonight’s event will be one of the most memorable ever.

My thanks and best wishes also goes to the people of Quito and the wonderful country of Ecuador for making World Travel Awards and our guests feel so welcome and at home. I would also like to recognise the work of our supporting partners for the annual South & Central America Gala Ceremony, LAN Airlines, Swissôtel and Tren Crucero.

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

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA CEREMONY 2014

El Presidente de World Travel Awards En nombre de World Travel Awards, doy una muy cálida bienvenida a nuestra Ceremonia de Gala 2014 de Sur y Centro América , este año organizado en Quito, Ecuador, por primera vez en veintiún años de la historia de la compañía . Este evento excepcional es parte del emprendimiento tras un año para celebrar destacadas marcas de viajes del mundo, que cubre seis continentes y cuenta con más de 9.000 candidatos.

Sin ninguna duda es muy apropiado celebrar la Ceremonia de Gala de Sur y Centro América aquí en el Centro Cultural Itchimbía de Quito, por el cual dicho destino ha completado un proyecto amplio de restauración de la cuidad hace pocos años atras. El Turismo aquí sigue cosechando los beneficios; con históricos teatros resurgiendo a la vida, encantadores nuevos restaurantes abriendo sus puertas, colaborando de esta manera a la renovación del vibrante esplendor colonial de La Vieja Ciudad. Es un honor para nosotros participar en el renacimiento de Quito.

Este año se cumple el vigésimo primer aniversario de World Travel Awards .

Cada año el numero de destinos, categorías, candidatos y, sobre todo, los votos de los profesionales del turismo, aumentan exponencialmente, poniendo de manifiesto la gran demanda del público para conocer la recomendación que un World Travel Award significa.

Otras organizaciones han intentado copiar los World Travel Awards, pero ninguna con la experiencia, la seriedad, ni la organización o el fiel seguimiento de casi medio millón de profesionales de viajes, turismo y hostelería a través del mundo. World Travel Award es el resultado de gran trabajo, innovación, dedicación y pasión. Somos verdaderamente únicos.

Deseo agradecer sinceramente a nuestros corteses anfitriones del Municipio de Quito y Quito Turismo, y por supuesto, al Señor Intendente de Quito, Don Mauricio Rodas Espinel. El incansable esfuerzo de todos ellos y su dedicación

asegurarán que el evento de esta noche sea uno de las más memorables de todos los tiempos.

Mi agradecimiento y los mejores deseos también van al pueblo de Quito y el maravilloso país de Ecuador por hacer que World Travel Awards y nuestros huéspedes se sientan bienvenidos y como en su casa. También me gustaría reconocer el trabajo y apoyo de nuestros socios patrocinadores por la Ceremonia de Gala Anual de Sur y Centro América , LAN Airlines, Swissôtel y Tren Crucero.

Gracias por acompañarnos en esta noche tan especial y felicitaciones a todos ustedes en sus esfuerzos y logros.

Graham E. Cooke President & Founder World Travel Awards

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Descubran la Mitad del Mundo Bienvenidos a Quito! es un honor recibirlos en esta noche, en la que Quito se deja admirar en todo su esplendor desde el Centro Cultural Itchimbía.

Quito es la tierra de la Mitad del Mundo, puerta de entrada a Ecuador, dueña del Centro Histórico más grande y mejor conservado de las Américas, es también el lugar donde crecen las rosas más hermosas del mundo, variedad de orquídeas y hogar de 54 de las 126 especies colibríes que habitan el país. En las 340.000 hectáreas del Distrito Metropolitano encontramos diversidad de pisos climáticos, desde el páramo andino hasta el bosque húmedo subtropical.

En estos días de estancia, les invitamos a disfrutar de los íconos del patrimonio edificado de este, el Primer Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad que según la UNESCO “forma un ensamble sui

generis armónico donde las acciones del hombre y la naturaleza se han juntado para crear una obra única y trascendental en su categoría”.

Quito es una ciudad que arraigada firmemente en su pasado milenario se proyecta hacia el futuro con el liderazgo de un Municipio convencido de que sus ciudadanos pueden vivir cada vez mejor.

Es un honor recibir a expertos en las diferentes ramas de la actividad turística, expertos en ofrecer lo mejor de la cultura, gastronomía, y experiencias inolvidables de un destino a sus huéspedes. Disfruten de esta velada y quienes vienen de países hermanos, regresen a Quito, puerta de entrada al Ecuador megadiverso.

Mauricio Rodas Espinel Alcalde de Quito

Discover the Middle of the World Welcome to Quito! It is an honour to welcome you tonight here at the Itchimbía Cultural Center, where we will be able to admire the city in all its splendor.

“a harmonious ensemble sui generis, where the actions of man and nature are brought together to create a work unique and transcendental of its kind”.

Quito is located along the Equator, in the Middle of the World. It is the gateway to Ecuador, home to the largest and best preserved Historic Center in the Americas, where an astounding variety of 54 species of hummingbirds and orchids, and the world’s most beautiful roses thrive. Throughout its 340,000 hectares, the Metropolitan District of Quito boasts a climatic diversity unparalleled in the world, from Andean highlands, colossal snow peeks to the humid cloud forests of the subtropics.

Quito is a city firmly rooted in its ancestral past, yet it constantly looks into the future under the leadership of a municipality convinced that its citizens can always make a better world for themselves and others.

During your stay, we invite you to enjoy the architectural icons of this precious cultural heritage site, as declared by UNESCO,

Mauricio Rodas Espinel Mayor of Quito

It is an honour to welcome experts in travel who work hard to develop their destination’s culture, cuisine, and unforgettable tourism experiences. Enjoy this evening and we hope you return to Quito, gateway to mega-diverse Ecuador.

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World Travel Awards

“THE OSCARS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY”

Proudly celebrating its 21st 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.

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.

Hollywood – New York – Las Vegas – Bahamas – London – Jamaica – Malaysia – St Lucia – Barbados Turks and Caicos – Abu Dhabi – Newcastle – Bangalore – Durban – Sydney – Shanghai – Orlando Poprad – Rio de Janeiro – Dubai – River Maya – Obidos – Johannesburg – Antalya – Delhi – Sharm El Sheikh – Bangkok – Qatar – Algarve – Singapore – Lima – Antigua – Nairobi – Quito – Athens

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MENU I

Langostino marinado con aceite de ají, acompañado de pastelito de pangora y choclo tierno aromatizado con crema de aguacate, cilantro y cristales de ceviche de langosta.

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Quesos de Imbabura sobre mango y pera de Ambato con galleta de quinua y perlas de tomate de árbol A Traditional Ecuadorian cheese, accompanied with mango, pear, a quinoa wafer and tomato jam

Ecuadorian prawns marinated in chilli oil, served with a crab and tender corn cupcake, flavoured with avocado cream, cilantro and lobster ceviche.

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Semi congelado de higo con crocante de suspiro, acompañado de espuma de cilantro y chocolate con buñuelo de café sobre espumilla de guayaba.

Escarcha de aguardiente con Rosero de pétalos de rosas.

A crispy tart, accompanied with a chocolate and

Brandy and rose petal sorbet

coffee mousse donut on guava.

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Combinación de lomitos finos con zetas del Cotopaxi envuelto en maní y crema de sal prieta, caramelizado en panela y mortiño.

Fine tenderloin, wrapped in a mushroom and peanut-salt paste, caramelized in brown sugar and blue berry jus

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Breaking Travel News spotlight on:

SOUTH AMERICA

It might not have ended so well on the football field for Brazil, but the country has certainly been making the headlines when it comes to tourism in South America. Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at the regional tourism industry.

A roaring success on the field, with the tournament hailed as one of the greatest ever, Brazil is now counting the cash following the hosting the of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is expected to inject approximately USD$13.5 billion into the Brazilian economy, according to a survey conducted by the EconomicResearch Institute Foundation commissioned

by Brazil’s ministry of tourism. FIPE’s projection is based on a study of the economic impact of the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, which took place last June in the cities of Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.

According to the survey, last year’s tournament added USD$4.3 billion to Brazil’s GDP. The expectation is that

the World Cup will inject three times as much, or about USD$13.5 billion, into the Brazilian economy.

Vicente Neto, president of the Brazilian Tourism Board, highlighted the job figures in Rio de Janeiro, saying: “It is an extremely significant number that we are celebrating at this time. It is an extraordinary legacy.” Brazil’s ministry

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Proud Sponsor of World Travel Awards

Guest Editorial

of tourism estimates that the World Cup has generated about one million jobs in the country. The total number of jobs created by the World Cup represents more than 15 per cent of the 4.8 million formal jobs created during president Dilma Rousseff ’s administration.

LATAM In Chine, LAN Airlines and its affiliates and TAM Airlines, members of LATAM Airlines Group, have unveiled the new unified design for their cabins as they continue their integration. Two aircraft already feature the new design including a LAN Airbus A320, servicing domestic routes within Chile and a TAM Airbus A321, servicing domestic routes within

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Brazil. Moving forward, all of the new Airbus A320 and A321 short-haul aircraft will feature the new cabin interior and seats, giving passengers more space and comfort.

The fabric for the seats in the shorthaul cabins was designed incorporating four colours and two different leather textures. For the new long-haul cabins, the fabric incorporates more cloth elements to create maximum comfort for longer flights. Beginning in 2015, LATAM Airlines Group will incorporate two new aircraft models into the longhaul fleet with the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 that will feature the new cabin design and offer two classes

of service, Economy and Premium Business.

Jerome Cadier, marketing vice president, LATAM Airlines Group, said: “We hope our passengers continue to enjoy the experience of flying with LAN and TAM and that they share the same passion we have for flying.”

INCA UN cultural agency UNESCO has granted its coveted World Heritage status to a vast and ancient Inca road system spanning six countries in South America.

The listing of the Qhapaq Nan roads will boost efforts to preserve and promote the network - an engineering marvel

comparable to the vast road system of the Roman Empire. Delegates at UNESCO´s World Heritage Committee voted to grant the status at a gathering in Doha, where they are considering some 40 cultural and natural wonders for inclusion on the UN list.

Covering some 30,000 kilometres and constructed by the Incas over centuries, the system has long connected the peoples of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The six nations came together to submit the bid for its nomination and have vowed to work in concert to preserve and restore the road system. Inclusion on the list has significant economic implications as a World Heritage Site is eligible for financial assistance toward preservation and the status is also a powerful draw for tourists.

“This is a recognition of one of the most important sites in the world,” Luis Lumbreras Flores, who is responsible for the Qhapaq Nan project at Peru’s culture ministry, said.

AVIS CAR RENTAL In Argentina, Avis Car Rental is celebrating its 20th anniversary of operations in the country. Established in 1994 with two corporate locations - one at Ezeiza International Airport and the other in the city of Buenos Aires - and six licensees in other parts of the country, Avis Car Rental today boasts more than 60 corporate locations across the Argentine Republic.

“Avis Argentina was established to meet the car rental needs of residents and international travellers, and today, it continues to be a trusted brand for each, whether they are travelling for business or leisure,” said Patric Siniscalchi,

president, Latin American/Asia-Pacific, Avis Budget Group. “We appreciate Avis Argentina’s hard work and dedication to putting the customer first over the last two decades, and look forward to celebrating future milestones.”

Avis – which last year took the title of South America’s Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards - serves customers at approximately 30 airports and at convenient metropolitan locations in key markets in Argentina, including Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Cordoba, Iguazú, Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Salta, Tucumán and Ushuaia.

Avis Argentina offers business and leisure travellers a variety of well-maintained, late model vehicles from well-known brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Travellers also benefit from Avis’ premium customer service and amenities such as global positioning system navigation devices, child safety seats and vehicle damage coverage options.

“International tourism has nearly doubled in Argentina over the past ten years, as travellers see our country as an affordable, diverse and safe destination,” said Mariano Cavallaro, managing director, Avis Budget Argentina. “We look forward to the next two decades of serving our customers with the best quality vehicles and service.”

breakingtravelnews.com editor@breakingtravelnews.com

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REASONS TO COME TO

Quito

WHY VISIT QUITO? There is not only one reason, but several reasons which is why Quito is considered one of the leading destinations in South America, and therefore one of the best destinations to discover, according to the prestigious National Geographic Traveler magazine and the popular TripAdvisor website.

Quito is located in the middle of the world – Mitad del Mundo city Here you get close to the sun at 2,850 m and it is the only place in the world where you can put one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also experience the pure energy of the center of the world as you walk along the equator plotted by a French geodesic mission in the 17th century as it determined the point of Latitude 0 ° 0’0’’. This privileged location also gives Quito a wealth of virtues, evident in its climate and natural wealth.

CAPTIVATING CENTRO HISTORICO Discover the grandeur of Quito’s historic center, considered the largest and best preserved across America.

It is also the jewel that prompted the declaration of Quito as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Centre. Here, you will capture the history of the city: the Society of Jesus, a masterpiece of Baroque in America; the Plaza Grande once the core of important historical deeds that tell the history of Quito and the country; walking the religious complex of San Francisco; also exploring La Ronda, a street that exudes charm with its traditional crafts and workshops.

Don’t mistake The Centro Historico as a large museum when it is a dynamic,

vibrant place where its residents, merchants, clergymen, tourists, government officials and business people gather daily and night time comes alive with live culture and theatre.

LA COCINA QUITEÑA The flavors of Quito’s kitchens are worth exploring, including the traditional dishes of the mestizos (mix of pre-Columbian and colonial) and have a strong Andean and Iberian influence. Experience the flavor of the locro and the seco de chivo, some of the delicious dishes.

In addition, Quito also offers a wide variety of international flavours along with vegetarian cuisine.

ARTISTS AT WORK In colonial times, Quito was an important cultural and artistic centre, and continues to be today. In Quito’s Centro Historico it is common to find artisans practicing traditional craft making in silver, toquilla straw, and tin working alongside barbers and toy makers.

Some of the houses and original workshops of important contemporary artists such as Oswaldo Viteri, Eduardo Kingman Oswaldo Guayasamín are open to the public and wonderful places to explore and learn more about their lives and work.

OUR MUSEUMS, THEATERS AND CULTURAL CENTERS Quito is full of places that showcase

the history and vibrant stories of its past and where culture is also promoted through permanent and temporary exhibitions, theater, music and movies. The Museo de la Ciudad, the Museo Casa de El Alabado (with its extraordinary display of preColumbian art), the Museo de Cera, the Teatro Sucre, the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, and the Casa de la Música are all worth exploring.

Additional museums around the city include Tulipe and Rumipamba (nature and archaeology museums) and La Florida, a site of archeologically significant burial chambers. Children also have special places to explore in Yaku Park Museum, the Interactive Science Museum and Train Museum.

CELEBRATING THE NIGHT There are several restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs in the neighborhoods of La Mariscal, La Floresta, Guápulo and La Carolina. Here you will find local music, local and international cuisine, festivals and many ways to celebrate life in Quito.

THE ROMANCE OF RAIL TRAVEL From the popular neighborhood Chimbacalle in Quito, is where you begin the journey on “the most difficult railway in the world”, now heritage tourist train. This rail line joined a country from the coast to the mountains and is an impressive example of engineering in the early twentieth century. There is also a Railroad Museum, which tells the early life story of this journey, which has been named one of the top railway experiences in the world.

SHOPPING In Quito, you’ll find a variety of shopping experiences for all tastes and budgets, including modern shopping centres like Quicentro

Shopping Mall and Scala Shopping Cenre, with the largest vertical garden in the Americas, featuring local and international fashion brands. And in the neighborhood of La Floresta and La Mariscal, you will find contemporary boutiques and galleries and explore the Centro Historico’s famous speciality craft stores like The Quinde.

For art lovers, Quito is also the ideal destination. At El Ejido you will find paintings, sculptures, and a wide variety of art. And La Mariscal is the best location for galleries and antique shops.

UP IN THE CLOUD FORESTS! Just a short one hour trip from Quito is where you can enjoy activities on farms and rural areas in the wilderness of the Andes: hot springs, horseback riding, hiking, mountaineering, ecotourism and more.

In the Northwest area, you will discover the beauty and richness of the Cloud Forest, a paradise for bird watching with more than 500 species, including quindes or hummingbirds and a wide variety of gorgeous orchids.

CLOSE TO EVERYTHING Quito is the gateway to all the amazing experiences in Ecuador: Pacific Coast beaches, fishing villages and wonderful cuisine; the Andes with its Avenue of the Volcanoes that dazzled the early German explorer Humboldt; Amazon and all its green and extraordinary magic that is home to an ancient civilization; the unique Galapagos Islands that showcases to the world the evolution of species and where Darwin shaped his famous scientific theory.

Quito is your perfect starting point.

Proud Sponsor of World Travel Awards

Guest Editorial

Breaking Travel News spotlight on:

SOUTH AMERICA

Quito has a rapidly emerging profile on the international tourism scene, with a new mayor, new marketing campaign and a host of world-class events all set to bolster its position in 2014. Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at the latest headlines from the World Travel Awards South & Central America Gala Ceremony host.

Tourism in Quito was handed a major boost in May this year when Mauricio Rodas Espinel was elected mayor of the city. In power until 2018, the new leader pledged tourism would continue to be one of the main focuses of the new administration in Quito.

Moreover, new projects such as investment in tourism, revitalisation of the historic centre and construction of a tube service will be taken into account.

The new mayor will complement this

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work with other proposals for security, infrastructure, and viability of support for small and medium companies which contribute to the modern vision of Quito’s future.

Internationally, Quito Tourism, the official tourism office in the capital of Ecuador, has chosen Branding Latin America as its representative in the Latin American market in the UK. The organisation will be in charge of relations with media and the professional tourism

industry, with the aim of promoting the Ecuadorian capital.

The promotional campaign will focus on the main tourist attractions of the city, such as Quito Historic Centre, the largest and best preserved colonial centre in South America and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. Visitors will also be captivated with the colourful and traditional life of La Ronda, one of the most traditional streets of Quito.

Around Quito, visitors will find endless attractions for everyone: hiking and biking trails in the Avenida de los Volcanes, trips to the Equator and to the Bosque Nublado, relaxing days in the hot springs of Papallacta or an interesting train ride from Quito to the Ecuadorian coast. A total of 609,277 tourists visited the city in 2013, which means a 14 per cent increase on the previous year. The Branding Latin America team has the firm intention to further increase this figure.

From September 15th-16th, Quito will host the seventh annual South American Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference, the annual investment forum for hotels and tourism and the most important forum in the region. The meeting will help to showcase the capital as a destination for project development, investment and new businesses in the tourism industry, as well as an ideal place to close deals within the industry. It will also help determine trends, identify business opportunities and engage in networking with potential partners and investors for projects.

During the event many international experts will dictate global and regional conferences of the tourism industry in the context of the current economy, and will present investment projects to be developed in the region. There will also be opportunities for networking among

attendees, as well as workshops and discussions on topics of current interest in the tourism industry. Previously, around 2,500 senior executives from about 30 countries participated in this forum. Since its inception in 2008, it has taken place in cities such as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena de Indias, Santiago, Lima and Bogota.

Finally, Quito is one step closer to becoming one of the Seven Wonder Cities of the World. The capital of Ecuador has passed the fifth round in the international competition and is among the 21 finalists, thanks to votes from all over the world in support of the city. This is the penultimate round in the competition, which will determine the 14 finalists who will meet each other on October 7th. After this round, voting will resume in order to reveal the 7 Wonder Cities of the World on December 7th.

To register support for Quito voters are urged to head over to www. new7wonders.com/en/cities.

MORE INFORMATION There is more information on Quito Tourism on the office website at www. quito.com.ec/en.

breakingtravelnews.com editor@breakingtravelnews.com

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA GALA CEREMONY 2014

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21ST YEAR ANNIVERSARY GRAND TOUR Middle East Gala Ceremony DUBAI, UAE 4 MAY 2014

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THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL 15 NOVEMBER 2014

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QUITO, ECUADOR 9 AUGUST 2014

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Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony

Grand Final Gala Ceremony

ABUJA, NIGERIA 5 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Guest Editorial Breaking Travel News spotlight on:

CENTRAL AMERICA

With the Panama Canal celebrating it centenary and Costa Rica putting its best foot forward with a new marketing campaign, there is plenty going on in the emerging tourism markets of Central America. Here Breaking Travel News brings you all the latest.

Panama has been making the headlines in Central America this year, celebrating the centenary of the Panama Canal; one of the modern wonders of the world.

Anniversary celebrations are due to take place on August 15th, marking the occasion when the SS Ancón crossed the canal for the first time in 1914. A Centennial Gala will take place in Panama City, a grand artistic, musical, and theatrical production that will be broadcast live on television.

Canal staff will be cast members in the

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show, retelling the story of the epic construction of the canal and the role it plays in the country today.

Cruising is also big business in Panama, with over 100 ships due in Colón before April 2015. Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Pullmantur are among the lines due to pull into port, with Lake Gatún in the Panama Canal also on the itinerary.

Last cruise season an average of 45,000 passengers disembarked monthly at the

port on the shores of the city of Colón and at Amador on the Pacific entrance to the Canal. The cruise tourism segment in Panama recorded the arrival of 215,581 passengers, January to May this year, a 5.75 per cent increase on the previous year. Tourists on these cruises spend an estimated $27 million dollars.

Neighbouring Costa Rica has been doing its part for regional tourism, unveiling a new tourism brand - ‘essential Costa Rica’ – at the recent New York Times

Travel Show. Situated in the heart of the Americas, between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a small nation with tremendous spirit, which served as the foundation for the new country brand. The new brand will be utilised as a tool not only to support tourism but also to attract international investors and boost foreign trade.

“The essential Costa Rica brand is an opportunity for us to present a comprehensive look at our evolving nation and share attributes that visitors may find surprising,” said the Costa Rica Tourism Board general manager, Juan Carlos Borbón. “We are proud to introduce the new campaign to the North American audience and look forward to having the opportunity to shine a light on our most valuable natural assets, our people.”

Designed to reflect some of the nation’s strongest traits, the new logo incorporates shades of green to express Costa Rica’s reputation in preserving its natural resources and biodiversity. The font’s bold letters and casual script are meant to convey the people’s friendly, open disposition but also the strength and stability of its political institutions.

Further elevating Guatemala as a desirable travel destination within

Central America, the Guatemala Tourism Institute recently confirmed the country will be the host for the most important tourism business event in the region, TravelMart LatinAmerica in 2015.

The event will bring together more than 1,000 attendees, including service providers, hotels, airlines, tour operators, tourism offices, media and other industry professionals.

TravelMart is expected to make both a short and long-term impact on the country’s economy by attracting important global buyers who will boost Guatemala’s tourism offerings. It also further positions Guatemala in the meetings and conventions segment, showcasing the country’s preparedness to host and execute international events with the latest technology and updated meeting spaces.

The event will take place from September 23rd-25th at the COPEREX Fairground Complex, one of the largest meeting venues in the country, which encompasses more than 200,000 square feet of space.

breakingtravelnews.com editor@breakingtravelnews.com

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South America Nominees 2014 SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING AIRLINE Aerogal Aerolineas Argentinas Avianca GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes LAN Airlines Taca International Airlines TAM Airlines SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING AIRPORT Brasilia International Airport, Brazil Buenos Aires International Airport, Argentina Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport, Peru Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito, Ecuador Rio de Janeiro Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport, Brazil Santiago International Airport, Chile SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING AIRPORT HOTEL Holiday Inn Santiago Airport, Chile Hotel Panamby, Sao Paulo, Brazil Pullman SP International Airport, Brazil Ramada Costa Del Sol Lima Airport, Peru Sao Paulo Airport Marriott Hotel, Brazil Venezuela Marriott Hotel Playa Grande, Venezuela SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING BEACH DESTINATION Bartolome, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Fernando de Noronha Beach, Brazil Ipanema Beach, Brazil Mar del Plata, Argentina Playa el Agua, Isla de Margarita, Venezuela San Andres Island, Colombia Vina del Mar, Acapulco Beach, Chile

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Casa Gangotena, Ecuador Correntoso Lake & River Hotel, Argentina Cumbres Art & Spa, Uruguay Design Suites Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina Esplendor El Calafate, Calafate, Argentina explora Patagonia, Chile Hotel 101 Park House Suites & Spa, Colombia Hotel Charleston Bogota, Colombia Hotel Cocoon, Brazil Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Hotel Fasano Sao Paulo, Brazil Hotel Plaza Grande Quito, Ecuador L’ Hotel Porto Bay São Paulo, Brazil La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa, Ecuador Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa, Argentina Ponta Dos Ganchos Resort, Brazil Saint Andrews Gramado, Brazil Tcherassi Hotel & Spa SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Belmond Miraflores Park, Peru Caesar Park Hotel, Argentina Copacabana Palace, Brazil Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo, Brazil Hilton Lima Miraflores, Peru Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil, Ecuador Hotel San Fernando Plaza Medellín, Colombia JW Marriott Hotel Lima, Peru Radisson Royal Bogotá Hotel, Colombia Swissôtel Lima, Peru The Ritz-Carlton Santiago, Chile

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING BUSINESS TRAVEL AGENCY Rotamund Sintectur Superdestino Turismo Pecom

Hotel San Fernando Plaza Medellín, Colombia Sheraton da Bahia Hotel, Salvador, Brazil The Ritz-Carlton Santiago, Chile

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING BUSINESS TRAVEL DESTINATION Bogota, Colombia Buenos Aires, Argentina Guayaquil, Ecuador Lima, Peru Medellin, Colombia Montevideo, Uruguay Quito, Ecuador Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Santiago, Chile São Paulo, Brazil

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CONFERENCE HOTEL Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema, Brazil Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo, Brazil Hilton Buenos Aires, Argentina Los Tajibos Hotel & Convention Centre, Bolivia Sheraton Santiago Hotel and Convention Center, Chile Swissôtel Quito, Ecuador

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CAR RENTAL COMPANY Avis Budget Dollar Hertz SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CASINO RESORT Conrad Punta Del Este Resort & Casino, Uruguay Delfines Hotel & Casino, Peru Iguazu Grand, Resort Spa & Casino, Argentina Park Hyatt Mendoza, Argentina SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CITY BREAK DESTINATION Bogota, Colombia Buenos Aires, Argentina Guayaquil, Ecuador Lima, Peru Montevideo, Uruguay Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Santiago, Chile SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CITY HOTEL Belmond Miraflores Park, Peru Grand Hyatt São Paulo, Brazil Hilton Buenos Aires, Argentina

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CRUISE LINE Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrity Cruises Fred Olsen Cruise Lines MSC Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CRUISE PORT Pier Mauá - Port of Rio de Janeiro Port of Buenos Aires Port of Cartagena, Colombia Port of Montevideo, Uruguay Port of Valparaíso, Chile SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CULINARY DESTINATION Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Ecuador Paraguay Peru Uruguay Venezuela

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South America Nominees 2014

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SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING CULTURAL DESTINATION Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Peru Uruguay SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING DESTINATION Bahia, Brazil Buenos Aires, Argentina Easter Island, Chile Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Lima, Peru Quito, Ecuador Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Santiago, Chile Sao Paulo, Brazil SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING EXPEDITION COMPANY Blue Parallel Explora Latin Excursions Nomads of the Seas The Singular Patagonia SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING FAMILY RESORT Beach Park Suites Resorts, Brazil Laguna Mar Hotel, Resort & Spa, Venezuela Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Argentina Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort, Uruguay Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, Brazil SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING GREEN DESTINATION Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Paraguay

Peru Uruguay Venezuela

Colombia The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center, Peru

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL Ariau Amazon Towers, Brazil Finch Bay Eco Hotel, Ecuador Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort, Brazil Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador Mine Hotel Boutique, Argentina Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands Posada Amazonas Lodge, Peru Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, Brazil

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING HOTEL BRAND Accor Hotels Fiestamericana Hotels & Resorts Four Seasons Global Hyatt Corporation Hilton Hotels Marriott Hotels & Resorts Radisson Hotels & Resorts

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING GREEN TOUR OPERATOR Explorandes Kuoni TERRA Group Tucan Travel Yampu Tours SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING HERITAGE DESTINATION Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Peru Uruguay SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING HOTEL Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, Peru Copacabana Palace, Brazil Faena Hotel & Universe, Buenos Aires, Argentina Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, Argentina Grand Hyatt Santiago, Chile JW Marriott Hotel Lima, Peru Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, Argentina Radisson Royal Bogotá Hotel,

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Charleston Penthouse Suite at Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena, Colombia Executive Suite at The RitzCarlton Santiago, Chile Fernando Botero Presidential Suite at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Colombia Penthouse Suite at Copacabana Palace, Brazil Plunge Pool Suite at Hotel Paracas, Peru Presidential Suite at JW Marriott Hotel Quito, Ecuador The Presidential Suite at San Cristobal Tower, Chile The St. Regis Suite at Park Tower Buenos Aires, Argentina SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING LUXURY TRAIN Andean Explorer Great Brazil Express Hiram Bingham Tren Crucero

RIOCENTRO Exhibition & Conference Center, Brazil Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center, Argentina Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center, Peru SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING MEETINGS & CONFERENCE DESTINATION Bogota, Colombia Buenos Aires, Argentina Guayaquil, Ecuador Lima, Peru Medellin, Colombia Quito, Ecuador Rio de Janeiro, Brazil São Paulo, Brazil SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING NEW HOTEL Botanique Hotel & Spa, Brazil Hub Porteño, Argentina JW Marriott Hotel Cusco, Peru Sheraton da Bahia Hotel, Salvador, Brazil Sheraton Tucuman Hotel, Argentina SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING PRIVATE JET CHARTER Aero Transporte S.A. (ATSA) American Jet Jetstream Air Services Líder Aviação Privé Jets

SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING MEETINGS & CONFERENCE CENTRE Fiesta Bahia Hotel & Convention Centre, Brazil Iguazu Grand, Resort Spa & Casino, Argentina La Rural Centro de Exposiciones, Argentina SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA GALA CEREMONY 2014

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South America Nominees 2014 SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING RESORT Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa, Ecuador Conrad Punta Del Este Resort & Casino, Uruguay Costão Do Santinho Resort, Brazil Four Seasons Resort Carmelo, Uruguay Hotel Paracas, A Luxury Collection Resort, Peru Iguazu Grand, Resort Spa & Casino, Argentina Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Argentina Tambo del Inka Hotel, Peru Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa, Chile SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING SPA RESORT Blue Tree Park Buzios Beach Resort Casa Grande Hotel Resort & Spa, Brazil Four Seasons Resort Carmelo, Uruguay Kurotel - Medical Center for Longevity & Spa, Brazil La Samanna de Margarita Hotel & Thalasso, Venezuela Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa, Argentina Mantra Punta del Este Resort, Spa & Casino, Uruguay Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort, Uruguay Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, Brazil SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING TOUR OPERATOR Katur Tourism Kuoni Travel Latin Trails Luxury Latin America TERRA Group Tucan Travel Yampu Tours E&OE

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SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING TOURIST BOARD Argentina Government Tourist Office Ecuador Ministry of Tourism EMBRATUR - Brazilian Tourist Board Proexport Colombia PromPeru - Peruvian Tourism Board SERNATUR - National Tourist Board of Chile SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Costamar Discover Brazil Exito L’Alianxa Turismo Pecom SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY AVIATUR Group Carlson Wagonlit Travel CVC FCm Travel Solutions Rotamund SOUTH AMERICA’S LEADING TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER Illusions Online Juniper TourPlan SOUTH AMERICA’S MOST ROMANTIC RESORT Belmond Miraflores Park, Peru Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa, Argentina Copacabana Palace, Brazil Four Seasons Resort Carmelo, Uruguay UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, Brazil ARGENTINA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Aldebarán Hotel & Spa Art Hotel Casa Calma

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CasaSur Art Hotel Faena Hotel & Universe Hotel Home Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa Los Notros Mine Hotel Boutique PuroBaires Hotel Boutique ARGENTINA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Caesar Park Hotel Emperador Hotel Buenos Aires Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires Hilton Buenos Aires InterContinental Hotel Mendoza Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center Sheraton Cordoba Hotel Sofitel Buenos Aires ARGENTINA’S LEADING HOTEL Alvear Palace Hotel Caesar Park Hotel Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires Hotel Eurostars Claridge InterContinental Buenos Aires Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Marriott Plaza Hotel Buenos Aires Meliá Buenos Aires Park Tower ARGENTINA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Fundador Suite @ Marriott Plaza Hotel Buenos Aires La Mansión Presidential Suite @ Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires Presidential Suite @ Park Hyatt Mendoza Royal Suite @ Alvear Palace Hotel St. Regis Suite @ Park Tower

ARGENTINA’S LEADING RESORT Iguazu Grand, Resort Spa & Casino Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa Las Hayas Resort Hotel Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Park Hyatt Mendoza Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa Villa Huinid Resort & Spa Villa Sofia Hotel Resort & Spa ARGENTINA’S LEADING SPA RESORT Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa Faena Hotel & Universe, Argentina Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Park Hyatt Mendoza Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa BOLIVIA’S LEADING HOTEL Casa Grande Hotel Hotel Europa La Mision Hotel Radisson Plaza Hotel La Paz BRAZIL’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Casas Brancas Boutique Hotel & Spa Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro Hotel Fasano Sao Paulo Hotel Unique Insolitos Boutique Hotel Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort Saint Andrews Gramado UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa BRAZIL’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Copacabana Palace Grand Hyatt São Paulo Hilton São Paulo Morumbi Hotel Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana InterContinental São Paulo

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Pestana Convento Do Carmo Windsor Barra Hotel & Congress BRAZIL’S LEADING HOTEL Belmond Copacabana Palace Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema Crowne Plaza Hotel Belem Hotel Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro Meliá Jardim Europa Pestana Rio Atlantica Sheraton Barra Hotel & Suites Windsor Atlantica Hotel BRAZIL’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Mofarrej Presidential Suite @ Tivoli São Paulo – Mofarrej Penthouse Suite @ Belmond Copacabana Palace Presidential Suite @ JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro Royal Presidential Suite @ Ouro Minas Palace Hotel BRAZIL’S LEADING RESORT Casa Grande Hotel Resort & Spa Fazenda São Francisco do Corumbau Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro Ponta Dos Ganchos Resort BRAZIL’S LEADING SPA RESORT Casa Grande Hotel Resort & Spa Casas Brancas Boutique Hotel & Spa Hotel Transamérica Ilha de Comandatuba Kurotel - Medical Center for Longevity & Spa Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte CHILE’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Casa Real Hotel Clos Apalta Winery & Lodge

explora Atacama explora Patagonia CHILE’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Grand Hyatt Santiago Radisson Hotel Iquique Santiago Marriott Hotel W Santiago CHILE’S LEADING HOTEL Grand Hyatt Santiago InterContinental Santiago Radisson Acqua Hotel & Spa Concon Santiago Marriott Hotel The Ritz-Carlton Santiago W Santiago CHILE’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Extreme WOW Suite @ W Santiago Presidential Suite @ Grand Hyatt Santiago Presidential Suite @ Santiago Marriott Hotel CHILE’S LEADING RESORT Awasi explora Patagonia Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center The Cliffs Preserve Patagonia Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa

COLOMBIA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Bogota Royal, El Hotel del World Trade Center Hotel Charleston Bogota Hotel San Fernando Plaza Medellín InterContinental Cali InterContinental Medellin Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia COLOMBIA’S LEADING HOTEL Hilton Bogota Hilton Cartagena Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena Hotel San Fernando Plaza Medellín JW Marriott Bogota Radisson Royal Bogotá Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena COLOMBIA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Penthouse Suite @ Hotel Charleston Bogota Presidential Suite @ InterContinental Cali Presidential Suite @ JW Marriott Bogota Presidential Suite @ Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

CHILE’S LEADING SPA RESORT Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa San Cristobal Tower Tierra Atacama Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa

ECUADOR’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Casa Gangotena Hacienda San Augustin de Callo Hotel Patio Andaluz Hotel Plaza Grande La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa Mansion Del Angel

COLOMBIA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Hotel 101 Park House Hotel Charleston Bogota Hotel Charleston Casa Medina Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena

ECUADOR’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Hilton Colon Guayaquil Hilton Colon Quito Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil JW Marriott Hotel Quito Swissôtel Quito

ECUADOR’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL Casa Ceibo Boutique Hotel & Spa Finch Bay Eco Hotel Mashpi Lodge Pikaia Lodge ECUADOR’S LEADING HOTEL Hilton Colon Guayaquil Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil JW Marriott Hotel Quito Le Parc Hotel Radisson Royal Quito Hotel Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos Swissôtel Quito ECUADOR’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Hilton Colon Guayaquil Hotel Presidential Suite @ JW Marriott Hotel Quito Presidential Suite @ Swissôtel Quito Royal Suite @ Radisson Royal Quito Hotel ECUADOR’S LEADING RESORT Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa Barceló Colon Miramar Finch Bay Eco Hotel Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve Royal Palm Hotel ECUADOR’S LEADING SPA RESORT Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa Swissotel Quito Termas de Papallacta FRENCH GUIANA’S LEADING HOTEL Best Western Hotel Amazonia Mercure Kourou Ariatel Novotel Cayenne

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101 exciting ways to discover Qatar!

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GUYANA’S LEADING HOTEL Cara Lodge Pegasus Hotel Guyana Regency Suites Hotel PARAGUAY’S LEADING HOTEL Granados Park Hotel Hotel Excelsior Hotel Guarani Esplendor Resort Yacht y Golf Club Paraguayo Sheraton Asuncion Hotel PARAGUAY’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Hotel Excelsior Presidential Suite @ La Misión Hotel Boutique Presidential Suite @ Sheraton Asuncion Hotel PERU’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco DCO Suites Lounge and Spa, Mancora Duo Hotel Boutique Las Casitas Del Colca Sonesta Posadas del Inca Sacred Valley PERU’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Belmond Miraflores Park Hilton Lima Miraflores JW Marriott Hotel Lima Meliá Lima Plaza del Bosque Royal Park Hotel Lima San Augustin Exclusive Hotel Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center Swissôtel Lima

South America Nominees 2014 PERU’S LEADING HOTEL Belmond Hotel Monasterio Belmond Miraflores Park Country Club Lima Hotel Delfines Hotel & Casino El Pardo DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hilton Lima Miraflores JW Marriott Hotel Lima Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco Swissôtel Lima The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center PERU’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Pool Suite @ Belmond Miraflores Park Presidential Suite @ Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Presidential Suite @ Hilton Lima Miraflores Presidential Suite @ JW Marriott Hotel Lima Presidential Suite @ The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center Royal Suite @ Belmond Hotel Monasterio PERU’S LEADING RESORT Amazon Yarapa River Lodge Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel Paracas, A Luxury Collection Resort Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado SURINAME’S LEADING HOTEL Eco Resort Inn Hotel Krasnapolsky Residence Inn Paramaribo Torarica Hotel & Casino

URUGUAY’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Cumbres Art & Spa Hotel L’Auberge Le Bibló Radisson Hotel Colonia del Sacramento URUGUAY’S LEADING HOTEL Conrad Punta Del Este Resort & Casino Cumbres Art & Spa Four Seasons Resort Carmelo Hotel Fasano Punta del Este Sheraton Montevideo Hotel URUGUAY’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE BI-LEVEL SUITE @ Four Seasons Resort Carmelo Presidential Suite @ Conrad Punta Del Este Resort & Casino Presidential Suite @ Sheraton Montevideo Hotel

VENEZUELA’S LEADING HOTEL Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas Gran Meliá Caracas Intercontinental Maracaibo JW Marriott Hotel Caracas Pestana Caracas Hotel & Suites VENEZUELA’S LEADING RESORT Hesperia Isla Margarita La Samanna de Margarita Hotel & Thalasso Laguna Mar Hotel, Resort & Spa

URUGUAY’S LEADING RESORT Conrad Punta Del Este Resort & Casino Four Seasons Resort Carmelo Mantra Resort Spa & Casino Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort URUGUAY’S LEADING SPA RESORT Four Seasons Resort Carmelo Las Dunas Beach Hotel & Spa Mantra Resort Spa & Casino Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort Unique Luxury Colony VENEZUELA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Crowne Plaza Maruma Hotel & Casino Gran Meliá Caracas InterContinental Tamanaco Caracas JW Marriott Hotel Caracas

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Proud Sponsor of World Travel Awards

Guest Editorial San Francisco Church (image courtesy of Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel)

Breaking Travel News spotlight on: QUITO - SOUTH AMERICA’S HOTTEST CITY Composed of an ancient mixture of peoples, cultures and traditions, the city of Quito – capital of Ecuador – has been a unique and treasured place for generations of Ecuadorians. Throughout its history the city has hosted travellers, worshipers, scientists, warriors, architects, emperors and any number of great men. Each knew the value of the land and offered their unique contribution to the development of this metropolis strategically located on the equator.

OLD TOWN Quito boasts a host of historical attractions, reflected in the city’s victory at World Travel Awards 2013 when it was voted “South America’s Leading Destination”.

At the heart of the city is the Spanish colonial centre, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site as long ago as 1978.

The area has recently undergone a renaissance, with the city government investing hundreds of millions of US dollars on improvements to infrastructure, attractions and amenities.

The cobblestoned streets and pastelcolored mansions which hem the revitalised San Francisco Church now dazzle once again as they welcome guests from around the world. Other projects planned as part of the 35th anniversary celebrations include recovering landmark buildings to house two new universities, the construction of the cultural complex and recreational Cumandá (in a former bus terminal), the opening of the Monastery of Carmen Alto Museum, the rehabilitation of the St. Augustine Sala Capitular and San Blas squares, Victoria

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Square and the Capitol Theatre.

These interventions are already underway, and add to a broad agenda that includes citizen participation, academic and educational institutions and specific exhibits. Events such as the International Forum ‘Inhabiting Heritage’, and the ‘Conservation Asset: Quito-Krakow Exchange’ seminar, will join traditional festivals such as Summer Q, Liberty Eve, and the Quito foundation festivities on the agenda. In early November, Ecuador will host the prestigious Adventure Racing World Championships, with Quito positioned as the race headquarters where the world’s best adventure racing athletes will meet and prepare for the epic multidisciplinary adventure race. Christmas & New Year will hold a host of activities that allow visitors and citizens to reflect on the heritage and diversity of Quito, as well as making the historic centre a meeting place for the reappropriation of public spaces.

Close by, La Mariscal is considered the centre of entertainment in Quito.

Here the city offers visitors endless

options for dining, shopping, dancing and anything else they might desire.

A meeting point for local people, the cosmopolitan atmosphere also takes in a huge array of cultural experiences, dance schools and craft shops. Latin Americans are renowned for their sense of fun, meaning festivities will extend well into the night! But it is not all partying, with Quito also offering a developed cultural sector. In recent years the city has carried out various projects to offer residents and visitors a range cultural sites and opportunities for artistic expression.

These projects have adapted heritage buildings to allow them to accommodate exhibitions, shows, contests, and all kinds of cultural events. Top attractions include the Cultural Center Benjamin Carrion, the Contemporary Art Center and the Cultural Center Tianguez.

Quito will step up to host its inaugural World Travel Awards ceremony in the summer of 2014. The glittering red carpet event will take place at the historic Centro Cultural Itchimbia. Forming the centrepiece of Parque Itchimbia, the Centro Cultural Itchimbia is a

CAPTIONS TOP TO BOTTOM: Virgin of “El Panecillo”. San Francisco Church. The Cathedral Dome. Historical Center

magnificent glass-and-iron building, modelled after the city’s original Mercado Santa Clara. The centre hosts regular art exhibits and cultural events, as well as serving as a museum.

GREEN SPACES On the more sedate side, wider Quito is also home to a number of relaxing parks, which act as the lungs of the city.

These are spaces where people meet to walk, play sports, fly kites and enjoy nature at its finest. Most famous is the Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park, which is located almost 3,000 meters above sea level. Surrounded by trees and gigantic art installations, visitors can spot over 70 bird species in this natural haven of 557 hectares. Located just a few minutes from Guanguiltagua Street in the urban neighborhood of Batán Alto, the park is easily accessible to guests. Also popular with locals is Las Cuadras Park, located south of the city. Declared an ecological area of special interest because of its native trees and exotic plants, there is also a wide variety of wildlife.

WORLD CITY Offering a significant boost to tourism in Ecuador, the Mariscal Antonio Jose d Sucre International Airport in Quito

opened last year. Set to welcome five million passengers in its first year, the airport offers a longer runway than its predecessor meaning planes no longer have to stop at Guayaquil to refuel on the way to European destinations. “In addition, the new airport is located 400 meters below the current terminal, which enables aircraft to take off from the new airport with the highest passenger and cargo capacity possible, on non-stop flights,” explains Freddy Egüez, general manager, Metropolitan Public Airport Services.

Quito is also set to boost its business credentials with the launch of one of the largest urban development projects in recent years: the Quito Convention & Events Centre Complex. The project will be created as a public/private partnership, and will occupy an 11 hectares site on the grounds of the old airport. With the construction of this new development, Quito aims to become one of the top ten destinations for conventions and trade fairs in Latin America and rank among the first 50 countries worldwide in the industry of events tourism, as per guidelines of its strategic tourism promotion plan.

Head over to www.quito.com.ec/en for more information

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CrĂŠdits photos : Thinkstock

The TV channel for travellers

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Unforgettable

Marrakech

Historically, a trading post for Eastern and Western treasures, today the great city of Marrakech is an artistic crossroads, an international cultural centre and a “must-see” tourist destination.

Its surroundings are just as unforgettable.

From the splendour of the High Atlas Mountains towering over the city’s 19 km ochre ramparts, to the beauty of the Berber villages and the wonder of the Medina – each one of them has so much to offer that some visitors never leave.

In 1062, the first Almoravid emir, Youssef Ibn Tachfin, founded Marrakech and made it the capital city of an empire stretching from Barcelona to Ghana.

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Five ways to unearth ten centuries of history include a walk in the rose garden surrounding the mosque and the minaret of the Koutoubia, a jewel of Hispano-Moresque art; the Bahia Arab-Andalusian palace with its gardens, patios, 150 richly decorated rooms, painted, gilded and inlaid wooden ceilings; the impressive Saadian Tombs, a magnificently decorated mausoleum; the Koranic school Ben Youssef Madrasa, formerly the biggest in northern Africa

and another jewel of Hispano-Moresque art; and finally, right next to it, the Marrakech Museum where treasures of Morocco’s cultural heritage and contemporary art exhibitions meet

THE HEART OF THE CITY...

Jemaâ El Fna Square was listed as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity site in 2001. As the gateway between traditional Morocco and modern Morocco, it is irreplaceable. The

events organised for its recognition by UNESCO re-established the role it plays for Marrakech and Morocco. Worldwide, it is a symbol of deep rooted modernity and tradition.

Located at the entrance of the Medina, in a huge enclosed pedestrian area lined with cafĂŠs, restaurants, shops and public buildings, the square is an explosion of culture, entertainment and commercial activity. It is alive late into the night, until the last lights go out and its pulsating nightlife goes quiet for a few hours.

When morning comes, everything begins again; musicians, dancers, acrobats, fireeaters, fortune-tellers, henna tattooists, water carriers and storytellers reappear in their eye-catching costumes. They create, invent and share their knowledge of speech, movement and sound with their fellow citizens and with visitors from all over the world.

MARRAKECH, THE GARDEN CITY The Palmeraie of Marrakech, which dates back to the Almoravids dynasty, is a heritage symbol of the Red City.

Covering 12,000 hectares, it is prized by local and foreign visitors. Over the years it has been subject to both internal and external soil erosion and degradation which has had impacted on the surrounding natural environment.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI has taken hold of this situation, by creating The Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, chaired

by HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa. One of the programmes initiated by this foundation aims to mobilise different stakeholders to safeguard this natural heritage.

Since the launch of this programme in 2007 and in accordance with the commitments of the partners, the rate of planting is on target: so far 412,552

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seedlings have been planted and over the next six years, the foundation will continue to increase public awareness by running programmes and improving environmental education. This consists of plans to create an urban planning code of conduct and the creation of the International Living Museum, which will feature an oasis built around the three themes: Water, Gardens and Architecture.

The water system is over 700 years old and is located in the Menara in the Hivernage area. It irrigates a vast, yet peaceful garden lined with olive trees.

In the nearby Gueliz, the Majorelle Gardens, created in 1920 and later restored by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent, provide a habitat for three hundred species of plants and house the Islamic Art Museum, which displays more than four hundred objects.

MARRAKECH, THE MUSE Marrakech is an urban oasis. It knows how to make people feel welcome and inspired, and more and more creative adventurers favour Marrakech as their chosen place to share and develop inspiration.

The abundance of studios, art galleries, literary cafés and restaurants showcase the city’s appreciation of art, design, architecture, interior decoration, fashion, craftsmanship and gastronomy. Its atmosphere goes beyond the medina and the history of the city: it bubbles in the old colonial cities Gueliz, Hivernage and in the very trendy Sidi Ghanem “industrial area”, where the most audacious showrooms have opened celebrating

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the countries’ 1920s avant-garde urban planning and style.

From candied Moroccan orange, to meltin-the-mouth lamb dishes combining the country’s famed fragrant spices, British Chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal have been inspired to bring Moroccan cooking to their own restaurants.

COSMOPOLITAN MARRAKECH Five-star accommodations such as Le Royal Mansour, La Mamounia and stunning guesthouses meet all the requirements for luxury travel in Marrakech.

Famous restaurants, designer boutiques, show-rooms, fairs and festivals highlight the city’s appeal when it comes to attracting investors or stimulating entrepreneurship.

Strategically, the priority now is to make such growth sustainable by combining it with the protection of the environment and with a

development which will benefit the whole population.

‘Openness’ and ‘worldly’ are characteristics that run in Marrakech’s veins. People are sophisticated but they feel at ease here; they can recharge their batteries or party at any time.

GASTRONOMY Marrakech gastronomy is famous for its outstanding “sweet and sour” flavours; from its saffron, cinnamon, cumin, chilli, ginger, mint and coriander aromas to its stewed meats and vegetable tagine.

For special occasions, elaborate recipes are selected such as preserved mutton with raisins and almonds, pastillas, minced beef or chicken briquettes. And to end the meal, sweet honey pastries transform mint tea for an experience of pure culinary ecstasy.

Gushing down the steep slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, rivers have carved out fertile valleys and given birth to dozens of Berber villages. More and more of these villages and their clay Kasbah are now being restored and embellished with botanical gardens. In the Ourika Valley, a visit to the Safranière reveals all the secrets of the “red treasure”, Saffron. Used for fabric dying as well as in medicine and cooking, it is the most important aromatic and medicinal plant garden in Morocco.

SHOPPING Marrakech’s souks hold 40,000 craftsmen organised into zones according to occupation: dyers, ironmongers, blacksmiths, leather workers, basket makers, jewellers...

Continuing along the Ourika, go deeper into the Toubkal National Park and up the slopes of Mount Toubkal to the Oukaïmeden ski resort... The roads, which go through mountain passes from Tichka to Ouarzazate and from Test to Taroudant, reveal natural marvels such as the Zat Valley or the villages of Tighdouine and Talatast, Asni, Ouirgane and Imlil, and the lake Lalla Takerkoust.

Fabrics, clothes, rugs and spices are found here in a labyrinth of different markets.

Behind the cries, scents, crowds and bargaining games lies an extraordinary social structure.

There are souks... and there is Sidi Ghanem, Marrakech’s “industrial” area which has been reclaimed by new wave designers. In Sidi Ghanem, you can find contemporary crafts alongside traditional Moroccan design. Here, artists, decorators and craftsmen combine ancestral knowhow and international trends and exhibit in boutiques or show-rooms.

They have approached all occupations – wrought-iron work, leather work, weaving, jewels, furniture, lights and lamps - in a unique way, reinventing the Moroccan art of entertaining. In March, the Riad Art Expo Fair opens to professionals and the general public, to showcase Marrakech’s contribution to contemporary design.

Only a few dozen kilometres away from Marrakech, their landscapes and panoramas are a ‘must see’ for any visitor.

For more information about Marrakech go to www.visitmorocco.com

With culturally-influenced cuisine – be it Berber, Arabic, Jewish or Christian – Marrakech is open to all and invites the world to come and enjoy a multicultural experience from Moroccan and international chefs.

VALLEYS IN THE HIGH ATLAS

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MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING AIRLINE Aeromexico Copa Airlines TACA International Airlines VivaAerobus MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING AIRPORT Benito Juarez International Airport, Mexico City, Mexico Cancun International Airport, Mexico General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport, Acapulco, Mexico Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala Tocumen International Airport, Panama City, Panama MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING AIRPORT HOTEL Barcelo San Jose Palacio, Costa Rica Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico Excellence Riviera Cancun, Mexico Hilton Mexico City Airport, Mexico MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT Doubletree Resort by Hilton Costa RicaPuntarenas, Costa Rica Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Hacienda Tresrios Resort, Spa & Nature Park, Mexico Occidental Grand Cozumel, Mexico The Westin Golf Resort and Spa Playa Conchal, Costa Rica MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING BEACH DESTINATION Bocas Del Toro, Panama Cancun, Mexico Jaco Beach, Costa Rica Placencia Belize, Belize Tulum, Mexico

Central America Nominees 2014 MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING BEACH RESORT Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa, Mexico Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa, Panama JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Sunset Royal Beach Resort, Mexico MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Bristol Panama Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Costa Rica Hotel Parador Resort & Spa, Costa Rica Hotel Secreto, Mexico La Casa Que Canta, Mexico Rancho Pacifico, Costa Rica Villa Caletas MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING BUSINESS CAR RENTAL COMPANY Alamo Avis Budget Dollar Hertz MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Bristol Panama Presidente InterContinental Mexico City, Mexico Real InterContinental Guatemala Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers, Mexico The Westin Santa Fe, Mexico City W Mexico City, Mexico

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING BUSINESS TRAVEL DESTINATION Cancun, Mexico Mexico City, Mexico Panama City, Panama San Salvador, El Salvador Tegucigalpa, Honduras MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING CAR RENTAL COMPANY Alamo Avis Budget Dollar Hertz MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING CONFERENCE HOTEL Grand Tikal Futura Hotel, Guatemala Hilton Mexico City Reforma, Mexico Occidental Grand Xcaret, Mexico Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center, Panama MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING CRUISE PORT Costa Maya Cruise Port, Mexico Panama Port Port of Cozumel, Mexico Port of Mazatlan, Mexico Port of Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING DESTINATION Acapulco, Mexico Bay Islands, Honduras Cancun, Mexico Granada, Nicaragua Los Cabos, Mexico Panama City, Panama San Jose, Costa Rica

E&OE

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Central America Nominees 2014

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING FAMILY RESORT Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica Hacienda Tresrios Resort, Spa & Nature Park, Mexico Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica One&Only Palmilla Resort, Mexico The Westin Golf Resort and Spa Playa Conchal, Costa Rica

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING HOTEL BRAND Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Camino Real Hotels & Resorts Hilton Hotels InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Marriott Hotels & Resorts Radisson Hotels Riu Hotels & Resorts Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Costa Rica Hacienda & Ecolodge Morgan’s Rock, Nicaragua Hacienda Tresrios Resort, Spa & Nature Park, Mexico Rancho Pacifico, Costa Rica Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING MEETINGS & CONFERENCE CENTRE Atlapa Convention Centre, Panama Cancun Center, Cancun, Mexico International Fair & Convention Center, El Salvador

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING HOTEL Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, Costa Rica Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F. InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, Mexico Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City, Panama Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica Real InterContinental San Salvador, El Salvador The Westin Playa Bonita Panama, Republic of Panama Zephyr Palace, Costa Rica

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING MEETINGS & CONFERENCE DESTINATION Cancun, Mexico Guatemala City, Guatemala Mexico City, Mexico Panama City, Panama San Jose, Costa Rica San Salvador, El Salvador Tegucigalpa, Honduras MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING NATURE RESERVE Barro Colorado Nature Monument, Panama Bladen Nature Reserve, Belize Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica Punta Laguna Spider Monkey Reserve, Mexico Rio Secreto, Mexico MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING NEW HOTEL Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico Live Aqua México City Hotel & Spa, Mexico Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa, Nicaragua Waldorf Astoria Panama

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING RESORT Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Panama Hotel Parador Resort & Spa, Costa Rica InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa, Panama Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, Mexico ME by Melia Cabo, Mexico The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING SPA RESORT Banyan Tree Cabo Marquez, Mexico Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Hotel Parador Resort & Spa, Costa Rica InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa, Panama JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Costa Rica Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, Mexico One&Only Palmilla Resort, Mexico Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Mexico MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING TOUR OPERATOR Adventure Life Asuaire Travel Costa Rica Tour Grand American Adventures Pesantez Tours Panama VacationCity Yampu Tours MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING TOURIST BOARD Belize Tourism Board Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau Consejo de Promocion Turistica de Mexico Costa Rica Tourism Board Guatemalan Tourist Board (INGUAT) Nicaragua Tourist Board Panama Tourism Authority E&OE

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MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY Central America Travel Services Discover Travel Group FCm Travel Solutions L’alianXa Viajes Tivoli

COSTA RICA’S LEADING HOTEL Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose Hotel Parador Resort & Spa Hotel Punta Islita Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica Zephyr Palace

MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA’S LEADING TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY Authentic Travel Condor Verde Discover Travel Group FCm Travel Solutions Viaventure Central America

COSTA RICA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Presidential Suite @ Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort Presidential Suite @ Hotel Parador Resort & Spa Presidential Suite @ JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa Presidential Suite @ Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica

BELIZE’S LEADING HOTEL Captain Morgan’s Retreat Caribe Island Resort Cayo Espanto Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina Victoria House BELIZE’S LEADING RESORT Cayo Espanto Resort El Secreto Las Terrazas Resort Princess Hotel & Casino Radissons Fort George Hotel and Marina Turtle Inn BELIZE’S LEADING SPA RESORT Blancaneaux Lodge Cayo Espanto Resort Chaa Creek Maruba Resort Jungle Spa BELIZE’S LEADING VILLA RESORT Blancaneaux Lodge Chaa Creek Hopkins Bay Belize Mata Chica Resort & Spa Turtle Inn

COSTA RICA’S LEADING RESORT Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa Hotel Parador Resort & Spa JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa The Westin Golf Resort and Spa Playa Conchal COSTA RICA’S LEADING SPA RESORT Hotel Parador Resort & Spa Hotel Punta Islita JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort Tango Mar Hotel Beach, Spa & Golf Resort EL SALVADOR’S LEADING HOTEL Hilton Princess San Salvador Hotel Real InterContinental San Salvador Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel EL SALVADOR’S LEADING RESORT La Coco Tera Resort & Ecolodge Las Flores Surf Club The Royal Decameron Salinitas

GUATEMALA’S LEADING HOTEL Casa Santo Domingo Crowne Plaza Hotel Guatemala Grand Tikal Futura Hotel Real InterContinental Guatemala The Westin Camino Real HONDURAS’S LEADING HOTEL Hilton Princess San Pedro Sula Hotel InterContinental Real San Pedro Sula InterContinental Real Tegucigalpa Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort Palmetto Bay Plantation MEXICO’S LEADING ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort, by Karisma, Cancun Hacienda Tresrios Resort, Spa & Nature Park Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Hotel Riu Yucatan Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort MEXICO’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Hacienda San Angel Hotel Deseo, Playa del Carmen Hotel Secreto La Casa Que Canta La Tortuga Hotel MEXICO’S LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL Dominion Corporate Suites Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F. Hilton Mexico City Reforma InterContinental Presidente Mexico City JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers The St Regis Mexico City W Mexico City MEXICO’S LEADING FAMILY RESORT Cozumel Palace Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Hacienda Tresrios Resort, Spa & Nature Park One&Only Palmilla Resort The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta E&OE

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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

BREAKINGTRAVELNEWS.COM

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Central America Nominees 2014

MEXICO’S LEADING HOTEL Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F. InterContinental Presidente Mexico City JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Live Aqua México City Hotel & Spa The Ritz-Carlton Cancun The St Regis Mexico City W Mexico City MEXICO’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Casa Laguna @ Rosewood Mayakobá, Riviera Maya Exteme WOW Suite @ W Mexico City Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F. Presidential Suite “El Camaleon” @ Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya Rock Star Suite @ Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta Royale Presidential Suite @ Le Blanc Spa Resort The Ritz-Carlton Presidential Suite @ The Ritz-Carlton Cancun The St. Regis Suite @ The St. Regis Mexico City MEXICO’S LEADING RESORT Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort Royal Hideaway Playacar The Fairmont Acapulco Princess The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita MEXICO’S LEADING SPA RESORT Banyan Tree Mayakoba Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Fairmont Mayakoba JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Le Blanc Spa Resort One&Only Palmilla Resort Rosewood Mayakobá, Riviera Maya The Fairmont Acapulco Princess

NICARAGUA’S LEADING HOTEL Barcelo Montelimar Beach Crowne Plaza Hotel Managua Hilton Princess Managua Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa Real InterContinental Metrocentro Managua PANAMA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL Las Clementinas Los Establos Boutique Hotel Tantalo Hotel The Canal House PANAMA’S LEADING HOTEL Bristol Panama InterContinental Mirimar Panama Le Méridien Panama Panama Marriott Hotel Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center Waldorf Astoria Panama PANAMA’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE Diamond Suite @ Le Méridien Panama JW Suite @ JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort Presidential Suite @ Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower Panama PANAMA’S LEADING RESORT Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel Coronado Golf & Beach Resort InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort Melia Panama Canal

E&OE

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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 our gracious host, the incredible city of Quito. We would also like to thank our event partners Latam Airlines, Tren Ecuador and TV5Monde.

EVENT PARTNERS

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Project Manager Kelly Footit

Group Senior Vice President Kevin Taylor

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