As the Middle East continues to buck the trend in the world’s global downturn, the region prepares for travel and tourism’s most important evening of the year when HH Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid is Guest of Honour.
In addition to holding various prominent positions, Prince Bandar is the Deputy Managing Director of the world renowned King Faisal Foundation, and also the Chairman of Al Khozama Management Company – a leading property investment and management company, developing Middle Eastern commercial properties in prime locations where business and pleasure can thrive in unrivalled surroundings.
World Travel Awards, the internationally recognised mark of excellence for every sector and area of travel and tourism, is at The Address Dubai Marina on Monday 3 May, immediately before Arabian Travel Market. More than 400 senior industry figures from the region’s leading travel and tourism companies will be attending.
Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards said he was delighted that Prince Bandar would be Guest of Honour at this important industry occasion.
He explained that no one should be surprised that the Middle East has defied the gloomy predictions forecast for international travel and tourism.
“The region has shown remarkable resilience to overcome the challenges of recent times, with an exceptional focus on excellent customer service and facilities that are simply second to none,” he said.
“The parade of winners at the Middle East World Travel Awards Ceremony demonstrates more powerfully than anything I can say about why the region continues to build on its success with solid growth and new initiatives, projects and improved inbound and outbound tourism products.
“Those companies that hold aloft their trophies on the night are an example to the world, raising standards with determination, creativity and innovation.”
World Travel Awards, now in its 17th year, is committed to helping the global industry improve business performance in a competitive marketplace.
Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts said: “The World Travel Awards is a celebration of excellence in hospitality and tourism, and puts the global spotlight on Dubai and the region. The Awards not only boost industry confidence but also highlight the robust developments in the region including new hotel brands such as The Address Hotels + Resorts that redefine the standards in hospitality. The Address Dubai Marina is privileged to host the event, which brings together the world’s finest minds in the hospitality and travel industry.”
More than a thousand of the Middle East’s premier travel companies and operators have been canvassing agents and industry professionals worldwide in the hope of taking home one of the coveted World Travel Awards.
Voting has now closed and votes counted.
In addition to the overall regional award categories, there are also awards for Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ra al-Khaimah and Sharjah.
In the running for Middle East’s Leading Airline, for example, are Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Middle East Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
There’s also fierce competition for the title of Middle East’s Leading Destination. In the running are: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Contenders for Middle East’s Leading Hotel are: Al Faisaliah Hotel, A Rosewood Hotel, Saudi Arabia, Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Burj Al Arab, Dubai, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons Hotel Amman, Jordan, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, Le Méridien Towers Makkah, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, Rosewood Corniche, Saudi Arabia, Shangri-La Abu Dhabi, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort, Oman, Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman, The Address, Downtown Dubai, The Chedi Muscat, Oman, The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai and The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Qatar.
