Raising the Standard
The world’s only global ‘Oscars’ for the travel and tourism industry – as described by the Wall Street Journal – finishes spectacularly in a grand final at the Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, London, on Sunday 7 November, immediately before World Travel Market.
The final, watched by more than a thousand senior industry professionals worldwide, will reveal the best of the best from winners of six regional ceremonies across every sector.
Attended by Government Ministers, CEO’s and directors as well as association heads gathering for World Travel Market week, the final is the culmination of World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2010 with regional presentation ceremonies taking place throughout the year.
Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards, established 17 years ago to improve standards of customer service and overall business performance of travel and tourism, said the evening will represent a sea change for the industry.
“In a world where time is judged not in days and weeks but minutes and even seconds, where consumers are under more pressure and stress than ever before, travel and tourism has also had to change”, he explained.
“It’s no longer just an industry that sells dreams, but one that has had to adapt to a new kind of working with instant access and instant answers.
Consumer service and a more flexible approach are key to everything we do.
“Sadly, there are still horror stories out there of how consumers have not received the attention or the care that they deserve and have a right to expect from operators. But happily, these negatives are diminishing. We are recognising what the customer needs – and wants.
“World Travel Awards is a champion of universal good practice across the world. But this means increasing the level of high standards across the board, helping others to be inspired and uplifted by example.
“That’s why the World Travel Awards Tour and the subsequent final are fundamental if the industry is to continue improving quality.”
The Middle East ceremony has already taken place last month in Dubai, before Prince Bandar, Chairman of Al Khozama Management Company and attended by 600 captains of industry from the region.
Other ceremonies scheduled are: Africa & Indian Ocean (7 July, Johannesburg); North & Central America & Caribbean (Orlando, 11 September); Europe (Antalya, Turkey, 1 October); Asia & Australasia (14 October, New Delhi, India); and South America (20 October, Rio de Janeiro).
“Increasingly, consumers are using World Travel Award winners as an assurance guide of high quality, giving them peace of mind when they make their holiday choice”, added Cooke.
“Only the very best will succeed at the final but the commercial benefits are worth fighting for. Nominees are now actively canvassing for support with their business contacts.”
Thousands of professionals are expected to vote during the year by logging on to www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.
Deadlines for voting are:
• Africa – 6 June
• Indian Ocean – 6 June
• North America – 6 August
• Caribbean – 6 August
• Central America – 6 August
• Europe – 10 September
• Australasia – 17 September
• Asia – 17 September
• South America – 24 September
