The Americas travel and tourism industry ‘elite’ celebrated with the legendary Boney M
It was a night of jubilation for the elite of The Americas travel and tourism industry on Friday 22 October as they picked up the top honours at this year’s World Travel Awards The Americas Ceremony.
Held at Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa, winners of the coveted World Travel Awards trophies celebrated in style with the legendary Boney M, who headlined the evening’s entertainment.
Since forming in 1975, the group has sold over 800 million records, and notched up no less than 15 number ones in the European charts including Daddy Cool, Rivers of Babylon, Brown Girl in the Ring, Rasputin and Mary’s Boy Child.
VIPs in attendance included Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and Jamaica’s Minister of Transport and Works, Hon. Mike Henry.
The Americas elite – including CEOs and directors of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourist board chiefs – all gathered to see who would be crowned the ‘best of the best’ during the most important evening of the year in The Americas travel and tourism calendar.
Leading destinations within The Americas were Jamaica (Caribbean’s Leading Destination), Cancun (Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination), New York (North America’s Leading Destination) and Rio de Janeiro (South America’s Leading Destination).
The Americas’ leading airline awards were presented to Caribbean Airlines (Caribbean’s Leading Airline), Copa Airlines (Mexico & Central America’s Leading Airline), American Airlines (North America’s Leading Airline) and TAM Airlines (South America’s Leading Airline).
The awards for The Americas leading resorts went to Grace Bay Club (Caribbean’s Leading Resort), ME by Melia Cabo (Mexico & Central America’s Leading Resort), Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin (North America’s Leading Resort) and Villarrica Park Lake Hotel (South America’s Leading Resort).
The trophies for The Americas leading hotels went to Coco Reef Resort (Caribbean’s Leading Hotel), W Mexico City (Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel), The Mansion on Turtle Creek, A Rosewood Hotel (North America’s Leading Hotel) and Copacabana Palace (South America’s Leading Hotel).
The Americas leading hotel brands were awarded to Sandals Resorts International (Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand), InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel Brand), Hilton Hotels (North America’s Leading Hotel Brand) and Marriott Resorts, Hotels & Suites (South America’s Leading Hotel Brand).
Thousands Voted
The winners were selected by thousands of industry professionals and consumers worldwide who have been voting online.
Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards said: “Form the multifaceted charm of the United States, through to the sun drenched Caribbean and historic charm of the South American communities, the Americas have emerged stronger than ever from the global recession.
“Brazil has been recognised as the rising star of the region, following recent endorsement from FIFA and the International Olympics Committee – but success stories are too numerous to name.
“Tonight we celebrate this success and look forward to a resurgent tourism sector across the Americas in the coming years.”
Established 17 years ago, World Travel Awards is committed to raising the standards of customer service and overall business performance throughout the international industry.
Winners of the regional ceremony will now go on to compete in World Travel Awards 2010 Grand Final in London, immediately before World Travel Market on Sunday 7 November.
