World Travel Awards Supplement - Travel Weekly WTM 2009 Day 1

November 9 2009 | Connecting today’s travel industry | www.travelweekly.co.uk

The O�icial World Travel Market Daily

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World Winners 2009

worldtravelawards.com

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About Us

The World Travel Awards acknowledges and celebrates those organisations that havemade the greatest contribution to the global tourismand travel industry. It also recognisesthose brands that are driving the industry to greater heights and innovation in travel.

Now celebrating its 16th anniversary, the awards hasgrown into a truly global search for the very best traveland tourism brands, with winners from seven regionalceremonies then progressing to the World TravelAwards Grand Final.This year, 183,000 travel professionals registered to

vote and participate in the prestigious World TravelAwards programme – a phenomenal 10% rise inregistrations this year compared to last year.This record number is conclusive evidence that World

Travel Awards has become the “Oscars” of the globaltravel industry.Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President, World Travel

Awards, said: “World Travel Awards is a unique

benchmark for industry quality and business excellencein every region and sector.”“The increase in registered voters, despite a global

recession, demonstrates the vital role of performancedelivery in a challenging and highly competitivemarketplace,” he added.This level of accountability makes the World Travel

Awards one of the highest accolades in the travelbusiness and is why the award ceremony is broadcastby BBC World News and other networks to over 254million households worldwide and attended by theindustry’s global decision makers.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, aswell as gold seal to the consumer of travel excellenceguaranteed.The World Travel Awards has continuously evolved,

expanding the number of awards as the industry hasgrown. There are now over 1,000 different categories –an understandable number seeing how the industryhas diversified and given the fact that there were over3,600 different nominees this year.And as confidence returns to the global economy, the

World Travel Awards will be there to reward thosetravel and tourism players that spearhead the recovery.

worldtravelawards.comVisit us at WTM, South Gallery Level 2, Suite 33

“Oscars of the Travel Industry”Wall Street Journal



The glittering gala ceremony took place in Mayfair’sGrosvenor House, JW Marriott Hotel and featured thevery cream of the global travel and tourism industry.Over 183,000 travel professionals across the world

registered their votes, with their entries whittled downto last night’s elite few brands, which included AbuDhabi Tourism, American Express Travel, Etihad,Europcar, Royal Jet, Tui Travel and Virgin Atlantic.Dubai’s Burj Al Arab won “World’s Leading Hotel”,

whilst the rapidly-expanding Etihad collected two blueriband awards – “World’s Leading Airline” as well as“World’s Leading First Class”.Also in the airline category, easyJet scooped “World’s

Leading Budget Airline”; oneworld picked up “World’s

Leading Airline Alliance”; and Virgin Atlantic won“World’s Leading Transatlantic Airline”, as well ascollecting “World’s Leading Travel Commercial” for itseye-catching 25 Years Still Red Hot campaignAustralia’s Bondi picked up “World’s Leading Beach”,

and Dominican Republic luxury resort Casa de Campowon “World’s Leading Golf Resort”.Attendees included the winners from each of the

World Travel Awards 2009 regional events – the MiddleEast Ceremony at The Monarch Dubai on 5 May, theAfrica Ceremony at the ICC Durban on 12 May, theNorth & Central America Gala Ceremony at theHacienda Tres Ríos in Mexico on 21 September, andthe Europe Ceremony at the Praia D'El Rey Marriott

Golf & Beach Resort in Portugal on 17 October.Winners from Saturday night’s regional ceremonies –featuring the South America Ceremony, the CaribbeanCeremony, as well as the Asia, Australasia & IndianOcean Ceremony – were also out in force, eager tobecome a world winner.Since bursting on to the international travel and

tourism scene 16 years ago, the World Travel Awardshas been making steady and significant, long-termimpact on the industry and encouraging it to raise thebar of excellence.It has taken a global lead on one of the most

important aspects of travel and tourism – the qualitycustomer experience.

Grand Final 2009

Picture caption of we need one

After a year-long search covering seven continents, 166 countries, and over 3,600 travelorganisations, the winners of the 2009 World Travel Awards Grand Final emergedvictorious in London last night.



James Hogan, Chief Executive, Etihad Airways, World’s Leading Airline, World’s Leading Airline First Class

Three years ago Etihad set itself one clearand simple goal – to be the best airline inthe world. I am proud of the way Etihadpeople all over the world have embracedthat vision, backing our investment instate of the art product with the highestlevels of service.We regard this award as a great honour,and a testament to the commitment ofour staff.We are delighted, also, that ourcontinued attention to the needs of ourpremium travellers has been rewardedwith the top award for first class for thesecond consecutive year.As we move into 2010, we have nointention of resting on our laurels. We willcontinue to reinvent premium air travel aswe cement our place as the world’s bestairline, opening up new routes, takingdelivery of new aircraft, investing in newproducts in the air and on the ground,and rolling out an exciting range of onlineinitiatives.

His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi,Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism AuthorityWorld’s Leading Tourist Board

The World Travel Award is most valued bythe authority as it comes from peerswithin the industry we serve, manage andpromote. It is also very timely as this yearmarks the fifth anniversary of the AbuDhabi Tourism Authority and the award,if you like, represents our ‘coming of age.’We plan to significantly build upon itand to live up to the confidence ourvalued trade partners have placed in usby voting for us.This year has been one of numerousmilestones for the authority. We haveimplemented an accommodationclassification system which isacknowledged as world-class. We havealso rolled out our first generationstakeholder programme to form a moreunified approach to destinationdevelopment and promotion.Abu Dhabi has pushed the boundaries –with the opening of many significantresorts, the Qasr Al Sarab desert retreatand seven hotels on Yas Island. Thestaging of the 2009 Etihad Airways’Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wasobviously a high point.In the coming year we will welcomeadditional attractions to Abu Dhabiincluding the planned Ferrari Worldindoor theme park on Yas Island. We arealso targeting 10% additional hotel guestarrivals during 2010.

Jehan de Thé, Global Marketing Director, EuropcarWorld’s Leading Car Hire Company, World’s Leading Leisure Car Rental Company

I would like to thank those among the187,000 travel professionals who votedfor Europcar. It is an honour for us to winthis prestigious award once again.At Europcar, our priority is to offerbusiness and leisure customers aconsistently good experience and a broadrange of services spanning fivecontinents.In keeping with that, we have progressedin three main areas: our geographic reach,innovations to benefit customers, andpartnerships with other leading travelindustry players.We are established in all Europeanmarkets, but have also continued topursue our strategy of expanding aroundthe world, especially in North America,Australia and New Zealand.We are deploying our “click4Wheels”B2B site. We have also recently launcheda new mobile phone service forconsumers (http://mobile.europcar.com).We have renewed agreements witheasyJet and TUI, launched a new servicein the context of our relationship withAccor, and have renewed our partnershipagreement with Swiss.

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Meet the World’s Best Travel BrandsThe Winners

James Hogan

His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi

Jehan de Thé





Meet the World’s Best Travel BrandsThe WinnersCharlie Dang, Area Managing Director,Northern China, Starwood Hotels &Resorts and GM, Westin Beijing Financial StreetWorld’s Leading Financial District Hotel

It is indeed a great honour to receive anaward that recognizes us not only inChina but globally. The World TravelAward is one of the most esteemedaccolades one can receive in the globaltravel and tourism industry and we thankit for its continuous support.What separates us from the competitionis our unwavering commitment toexcellence and the willingness to alwaysseek ways in which to improve ourselves.In 2010 and beyond, we promise tocontinue this commitment in providingoutstanding service and quality to all our guests.

Hanlie Kotze, Acting Executive Manager,The Blue Train LoungeWorld’s Leading Luxury Train

Everyone would like to be associated withwinning! Winning in whatever form,always brings with it a sense ofgratification. But when you get chosen asa winner by your peers – in this case over180,000 learned professionals, in thetravel and tourism, now that is very special!Winning this accolade is theembodiment of all the hard work andinitiatives that have gone into making ourbrand accessible and “a brand of choice”,especially in the past 18 months.Oh, it will be displayed especially at ourPre-departure Lounges for all to see! Afterall what good is a “diamond” that nobodycan see?!

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Hanlie KotzeThe Blue Train

Charlie Dang



Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai International AirportWorld’s Leading Airport

This award recognizes DubaiInternational’s consistent delivery ofquality customer service over the years.Service excellence is the single mostimportant priority for any airport aftersafety and security and this awardacknowledges our customer – centric approach.The opening of Dubai International’sTerminal 3 was acknowledged the worldover as the most successful launch of aterminal its size and has definitely madeus stand out from competition. Theexpansion and refurbishment of Terminal2 has not only doubled operationalcapacity but has helped in considerablyenhancing the customer serviceexperience at the Airport.

Randy Powell, President & CEO, Rocky MountaineerWorld’s Leading Travel Experience by Train

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“Our organization is delighted to bethe recipient of this distinguishedaward for the fourth time. For 20years we have been providing themost spectacular travel experiencesin the world and it is truly anhonour to be recognized amongstso many internationally renownedand iconic trains.The Rocky Mountaineer

Paul Griffiths

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Meet the World’s Best Travel BrandsThe WinnersTareq Abdullatif Taha, Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Regency Travel and ToursWorld’s Leading Travel Agency

Winning a world travel award is a greatachievement and an appreciation for theexcellence of service provided. And thatmakes our responsibility bigger inmaintaining being the world’s leadingtravel agency.It is so important to be recognized as theleader because reaching the top is mucheasier than staying on the top.This year we have expanded ouroperation and our network to 30 branchesand implants in the State of Qatar. In our state-of the-art head office, wehave innovated a unique concept –housing airlines, hotel, car rental, banks,courier and cargo services, plus a host ofother services all under one roof.

Pamela C. Conover, President & CEO, The Yachts of SeabournWorld’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line

Seabourn Odyssey is the first new vesselto enter the luxury segment in over sixyears, and she has brought a newexcitement to the market. Along withSeabourn Sojourn next year and a thirdnew sister in 2011, she representsSeabourn's commitment to the small-ship, ultra luxury cruising style for guestswho prefer sailing with fewer than 500 others.These new Seabourn yachts provide uswith the opportunity to introducemore and more people to the intimate,personalised style that has earnedSeabourn this award, and a loyalfollowing among discerning travellers.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive, Virgin AtlanticWorld’s Leading Travel Commercial

Pamela C. Conover

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Tareq Abdullatif Taha

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“ “We are still redhot after 25years and we areall over the moonthat we havescooped thisWorld TravelAward. Thankyou to everyonewho’s backed ussince 1984.”

Steve Ridgway

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Meet the World’s Best Travel BrandsThe WinnersBrian Richardson, Vice President, BrandMarketing & Communications, Fairmont Hotels & ResortsWorld’s Leading Hotel Brand Website

Receiving awards and accolades is alwaysa great honour, but to have our brand andso many of our hotels recognised byrespected industry professionals is trulyan outstanding achievement.The World Travel Awards is an excellentmark of distinction and serve as anotherindependent testament to Fairmont’sunyielding commitment to qualityand service.

Michael Blunt, Vice-President CorporateCommunications, OneWorldWorld’s Leading Airline Alliance

The year ahead promises to be veryexciting for oneworld and its member airlines. Mexicana, voted Mexico and CentralAmerica’s Leading Airline at the WorldTravel Awards, joins us on 10 November,adding another quality carrier to our line-up and extending our leadership in Latin America. Next year, we bring on board Russia’sleading domestic airline, S7, expandingour network considerably throughout the CIS. We will continue to focus on deliveringquality service to our customers – withthe aim of ensuring that the title of WorldTravel Awards’ “Leading Airline Alliance”stays in the hands of oneworld – a title ithas held ever since the award was firstpresented seven years ago.

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Brian Richardson

Michael Blunt






Aiming for the Skies

Celebrate the winning spirit ofthe Commonwealth Games in India.OCTOBER 3-14, 2010


How to Enter 2010The World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge,

reward and celebrate the achievements of the brightest players in the global travel and tourism industry.

If you think your organisation stands in a class of its own then visit worldtravelawards.com for an online entry form.

Self nomination for 2010 opens 11 January.




Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has scooped the World’s LeadingAirline Award for a number of reasons. The airline hascontinued to expand, invest and innovate despite theglobal recession.At the start of this year chief executive James Hogan

pledged to have a fleet of 50 aircraft by year end –Etihad will have 52 aircraft by December.The airline also continues to add routes, setting atarget of 55 by the end of 2009, which it has alreadysurpassed. This year alone, it launched Chicago,Melbourne, Cape Town and Hyderabad.The airline also invested heavily in a new premium

lounge at its home airport in Abu Dhabi, and continuesto open dedicated premium lounges including one atHeathrow’s Terminal 4. Etihad also won the World’s Leading First Class for

its new Diamond Class cabin, which it started rollingout across the fleet in August. The cabin is in a 1-2-1 configuration, with each seat

transforming into a 6ft flat bed, complete withadjustable headrest, footrest, lumbar support, inbuiltmassage and 23-inch TV with a choice of more than600 movies. The seat also turns into a private cabin,with a sliding screen door.Diamond Class includes a dedicated limousine service,

a premium lounge and on-board Food & BeverageManager.

Tui Travel

Tui Travel secured two awards this year, the World’sLeading Tour Operator and the Reponsible TourismAward.The group is a consistently high performer in an

extremely challenging environment and appeared toshrug off the economic downturn by posting anastonishing 57% increase in profits to £102m in thesix months to June this year. Europe’s largest travel group cited receding fears of

swine flu, including a flurry of last-minute bookings toMexico, contributing to figures that remain on targetfor the financial year ending 30 September.The group has also been instrumental in the Tourism

2023 Campaign which pledges the travel industry to asustainable future, and this year reaffirmed its pledgeto create 500 new apprenticeship places for youngpeople in 2010.Tui has an established Apprenticeship programme,

and has trained more than 3,500 apprentices in thelast five years.

London

London has secured the World’s Leading Destinationin this year’s awards. Visit London has beeninstrumental in ensuring that despite the tougheconomic conditions, the capital continued to attractvisitors. The tourist board has been running acampaign across the key markets of the UK, Europeand North America, to highlight all the unique places,attractions and experiences that you can only find inLondon. Its aim has been to keep London front of mindand a must-visit destination for both domestic andinternational visitors.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has been awarded theWorld’s Leading Cruise Brand. The line has continuedto invest through a tough year and will be launchingthe world’s biggest cruise ship, the 5,400-passengerOasis of the Seas this month. The world’s secondlargest cruise line also won for innovation, in particularthe success of Azamara, the informal luxury line whichgoes to off the beaten track destinations. RCCL alsolaunched a family-friendly programme which allowskids to complete meals in the main dining room in 45minutes and then be escorted back to the AdventureOcean activity facilities whilst parents finish dinner.

InterContinental Hotel Group

InterContinental Hotel Group secured the World’sLeading Hotel Brand. The world’s biggest hotel groupcounts seven brands – Holiday Inn, Holiday InnExpress, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo,Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites – more than180m stays per year, 630,000 rooms and more than4,300 hotels in nearly 100 countries. The group waspraised particularly for its generous loyalty scheme,Priority Club Rewards, which has 42m members and isnow the world’s largest.

Jumeirah Group

Jumeirah Group’s iconic landmark hotel, Burj al Arabhas secured the World’s Leading Hotel forconsistently pushing the luxury bar higher and higher.In 2009, the hotel took delivery of four bespoke RollsRoyce Phantoms, with hotel logo embroidered into theupholstered leather seats. The Rolls-Royce chauffeurservice is just one of many luxury services, whichinclude in-suite check in, a private reception desk onevery floor and highly trained butlers.

World Winners 2009

RCCL’s new Oasis of the Sea

What does it take to be a world class brand?



Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority secured the World’sLeading Tourist Board trophy for its key role insecuring the Formula 1 Grand Prix, as well as a numberof other high-profile achievements. This includes theintroduction of a hotel and hotel apartmentsclassification system which has led to a number ofaccommodation upgrades. The authority has alsostepped up its training of tourist guides, introduced anumber of new events, such as the Gourmet AbuDhabi festival and expanded its marketing outreachwith the opening of overseas offices in Italy and theopening of new visitor centres with additional facilitiesnow being planned for Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain and AbuDhabi International Airport

Royal Jet Group

Royal Jet Group won World’s Leading Private JetCharter. The company bucked worldwide trends andreported a 15% increase in VIP charter business duringthe summer period. It also revamped its VIP Terminalfacilities ahead of the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix andbecoming the only private jet charter which haspersonal chefs on board.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic was the clear winner of the World’sLeading Travel Commercial for its Virgin – 25 YearsStill Red Hot advertisement. The £6m campaign, whichlaunched in January, uses a mixture of 80’s nostalgiaand iconic images of huge mobile phones and Rubik’sCubes, a classic song (Relax by Frankie Goes toHollywood) and some extremely glamorous cabin crewto mark the airline’s 25th anniversary of its first flightto Newark on June 22, 1984.

Other winners...

The other winners are Sandals Resort International forthe World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company;American Express for the World’s Leading BusinessTravel Agency; Adam & Eve for the World’s LeadingDesign Hotel; India for its Incredible India campaign,which secured the World’s Leading DestinationMarketing Campaign; Holland America for theWorld’s Leading Green Cruise Line; Tobago MainRidge Rain Forest for World’s Leading GreenDestination; and Adventures by Disney for World’sLeading Luxury Travel Operator.

Visit us at WTM, South Gallery Level 2, Suite 33

Etihad Airways

Virgin Atlantic Airways, 25 Years Still Red Hot campaign





If you’re looking for more than just miles of beautiful unspoiled, white sandy beaches and warm turquoise lagoons, Mauritius is for you. Trek in the lush interior

with its majestic mountains, pristine forests and breathtaking waterfalls, tee off on one our award winning golf courses or take to the air kite surfing. Explore the colourful

markets for designer fashions and exquisite jewellery or simply relax and be pampered in a luxurious spa at one

of our world-class hotels. You will be charmed by the warmth of our welcome and delighted by our unrivalled

levels of service that brings visitors back year after year.

For a brochure or more information call the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority on Tel 020 7902 2955, email [email protected] or visit www.mauritiustourism.co.uk

Mauritius. So much more than perfect beaches.

C‘est un pla is ir



Abu Dhabithe world’s leadingtourism authority

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authoritywas established in 2004 withthe goal of positioning the

Emirate of Abu Dhabi as anoutstanding, globally recognized,

sustainable tourism destination. Justfive years on and it has been voted

“World’s Leading TourismAuthority” at the World TravelAwards Grand Final in London.

Winner's Showcase



We met the Chairman of Abu Dhabi TourismAuthority, His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin TahnoonAl Nahyan, to find out his thoughts on how therapidly burgeoning emirate has risen so quickly totourism stardom, and its plans to keep themomentum rolling.Abu Dhabi won a record 10 awards at the World

Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony in May, andprogressed to the Grand Final in London on Sundaywhere it was voted “World’s Leading Tourist Board”.

What has it been doing to gain such recognitionfrom the travel and tourism industry?SSBT: This was very much a reflection of superb effortsby the entire tourism sector in upgrading thedestination’s product offering, its accommodationinventory and first-class travel links. From the tourismauthority’s side, we have introduced a hotel and hotelapartments classification system which has led to anumber of accommodation upgrades and which bringsadded integrity to the destination.The authority has also stepped up its training of

tourist guides, introduced a whole host of new eventsfor the destination, such as the highly successfulGourmet Abu Dhabi festival and expanded itsmarketing outreach with the opening of overseasoffices in Italy and the opening of new visitor centreswith additional facilities now being planned for Al JahiliFort in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi International Airport.Much of the acclaim though also belongs to the

private sector which is consistently expanding withnew golf courses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, new hotels,an increase in the number of cruise stop-overs, newdestinations launched by Etihad, new attractions, suchas the Ferrari World planned for Yas Island, and thearrival of new carriers into Abu Dhabi InternationalAirport – Ukraine International Airlines, for instance,commenced a twice-weekly flight to the UAE capital inSeptember. Together with the wider industry we have built

considerable momentum and we intend to keep this going.

How are the cultural projects progressing, inparticular the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum and theGuggenheim?SSBT: Again we are making significant progress.Foundation work commenced recently on the LouvreAbu Dhabi and all design and engineering work for theother assets on the Cultural District of Saadiyat Islandis progressing according to plan.

In what way do you think it will create a blueprintfor the modern Arabia?SSBT: The Cultural District will be a hub for cross-cultural knowledge transfer building greaterunderstanding of our own indigenous culture,particularly through the planned Sheikh ZayedNational Museum, but also the understanding in this

part of the world of the many cultures the region nowengages with. The Cultural District in many ways is avisual manifestation of the emergence of a newdialogue of civilisations.

How is the global downturn influencing your planning?SSBT: The global financial crisis is having an obviousimpact on international tourism however, the impactand its severity differs from destination to destination. Our first step has been to review the nature of the

downturn and Abu Dhabi’s relative strengths as adestination. Our initial conclusion is that we are stillwell placed to ride out some of the worst effects.We have reached this conclusion because of our

visitor base, which is largely from within the region, thefact that our international visitor profile is largelydominated by the business tourism sector, Abu Dhabi’semerging status as a global aviation hub with anexpanding Etihad network, the emirate’s strongeconomic fundamentals. We are fortunate in havingaccess to the 30 million plus consumers in the GCCwho have a tendency to travel locally in times ofuncertainty gives and we have solid government’ssupport and resource commitment to the developmentof a strong tourism sector.We are also expanding our geographic outreach so

that we are not at risk from any single market – hencethe recent opening of offices in Australia, China andItaly which could be growth areas for us.We have no intention of taking our eyes off the

longer term vision and commitment to the realisationof major development projects such as Saadiyat Islandis unwavering. That being said we realise that AbuDhabi’s tourism is not immune from the impact, it isjust well inoculated.

To date, most of our demand has been business-based tourism – both from the MICE segment and

from people visiting to conduct business here. Leisuretourism is an emerging sector and we are specificallyworking on a longer term 50/50 split of business andleisure visitors.Importantly, as the UAE’s and Abu Dhabi’s economy

widens, business tourism will continue – it is proven tobe the most resilient segment of the wider visitorpanorama. Our main markets are the Middle East, UKand Germany with other European, Asian and theAustralian market also expanding as destinationawareness grows. ADTA currently operates overseasoffices in the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Chinaand Italy and others are under feasibility study.Access to the destination is also improving as Etihad

continues to expand its route network.Given the healthy prognosis for business tourism, we

believe the demand will continue. Abu Dhabi does notintend to become a mass market leisure dominantdestination. We will continue to develop at thepremium end of the spectrum in a sustainable andculturally appropriate manner. Our hotels are currentlyrunning at occupancy around 80% and hoteliersremain bullish about prospects for 2009. The public and private sector is creating a more

expansive product range of visitor attractions, thelatest of which is the ADACH initiative of therenovation of Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain and the creation of the highly educational and informative visitor centre there.We have, of course, reviewed our forecasts, as we do

regularly and found that there was little adjustmentneeded. We expect this year to maintain our hotelguest levels achieved last year when we received 1.5million guests. We anticipate this rising by 10% nextyear and then 15% each in 2011 and 2012 to reachour target of 2.3 million hotels guests by 2012 end.





Treasured Time.Our promise to you.

rotana.com



In Search of Excellence inSport TourismSport tourism powers South Africathrough global downturn

As anticipation reaches fever pitch ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, thesuccess of three mega sporting events hosted in South Africa over the pasttwelve months has given the country’s tourism sector a significant boost

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup match



Despite the global downturn, South Africa remainscautiously optimistic it is on track to hit its target of 10million visitors next year. The FIFA World Cup 2010 willhelp boost visitor numbers from just over 9.5m in 2008to top the 10 million mark by year end, according totourism officials.Visitors from regional markets helped the country

record a 5.5% increase in arrivals last year comparedto the year before. However, there was a 2.5% fall inforeign visitor numbers in the second half of the year.Numbers fell from almost half a million to 485,000 inthe last six months of 2007 compared to the sameperiod in 2008.Three sporting events this year – the Indian Premier

League (IPL), British Lions tour to South Africa and theConfederations Cup – have boosted arrivals figuresand will be a boon to the South African industry duringa time when the global industry is feeling the squeezeof continuing economic turbulence.2009 was the year when South Africa cemented its

reputation as one of the world’s leading sportingevents destinations. The last-minute relocation of the IPL due to the

Indian national election was a considerable coup forthe African nation, and its runaway success silencedthe critics who had voiced concern over South Africa’sreadiness to host events of this stature.The tournament injected almost R2-billion ($258-

million) into the South African economy with over40,000 hotel rooms and 10,000 domestic flightsbooked. The British and Irish Lions tour in June and July

contributed R1-billion ($128-million) to the SouthAfrican economy, with R250-million ($32.2-million) indirect foreign exchange.June’s 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was the next

opportunity to showcase South Africa’s readiness aswell as rigorously testing, much of the 2010 FIFAWorld Cup infrastructure. Almost 600,000 fansattended the two-week tournament which took place

in four of the nine 2010 FIFA World Cup Host Cities.According to Tourism Minister Marthinus van

Schalkwyk, the success of the IPL, the Lions tour andthe Confederations Cup, unlocked the potential for the2010 FIFA World Cup to return South Africa to its pre-recession tourism high.He said construction linked to the World Cup would

contribute R50bn to the economy, while tourismwould generate a further R15bn, with 3.5 million fansexpected to attend the tournament. Foreign arrivals would also receive a huge boost with

450,000 fans expected in the country next year.He said: “The World Cup affords us a once-in-a-

lifetime chance to showcase the best we have as atourism destination.” “Together with exposure to billions of television

viewers, 2010 provides an unparalleled opportunity toenhance the brand awareness of SA as a premiertourist destination.” Lebohang Mokhesi, country manager UK for South

African Tourism, said there had been “unprecedenteddemand” for World Cup tickets and predicted thatmany South Africans would choose to holidaydomestically this year. Held concurrently with the 2010 FIFA World Cup,

South Africa will play host to World Sport DestinationExpo (WSDE) – the first ever exhibition dedicated tothe $600 billion a year sport tourism industry. As well as being the prime opportunity for the travel

industry to cement future business with the industry’stop buyers, WSDE will act as a platform for SouthAfrica to create a lasting legacy and capitalise on theworld-wide exposure that the event will provide.South Africa’s travel and tourism industry is expected

to present a show of force at the internationalexhibition. Citing the success of the 2006 FIFA WorldCup to the German tourism industry, WSDE ispositioned to generate years of follow-on tourists anddeliver South Africa with future tourism growth.

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup spectacular closing ceremony British and Irish Lions Tour 2009

WSDE will change thelandscape of the sporttourism industry. Weare privileged andhonoured to be theinaugural hosts and tobe part of creating alasting legacy forSouth Africa and sporttourism worldwide.

“

”Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO, JohannesburgTourism Company.





The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the‘Oscars’ of the global travel and tourism industry,revealed who are the “best of the best” in the region,and formed the fourth leg of the World Travel AwardsGrand Tour, a search of seven continents for the verybest travel and tourism brands in the world.Lufthansa won the title “Europe’s Leading Airline”

and Marriott Hotels Resorts & Suites picked up“Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand”. Meanwhile “Europe’sLeading Destination” went to Lisbon, whilst CarlsonWagonlit Travel took home “Europe’s Leading TravelManagement Company” and Viajes Iberia picked up

“Europe’s Leading Travel Agency”.Virgin Atlantic Airways won Europe’s Leading

Marketing Campaign for its “25 Years Still Red Hot”campaign. A number of national category awards werealso presented throughout the evening.Increasingly, the awards are known as raising the bar

for ultimate customer service and overall businessperformance. Growing numbers of travel companies,airlines, operators and resorts compete to walk awaywith one of the coveted titles. Organisers say researchhas shown that winners increase international brandrecognition, building consumer loyalty.

Nearly 1,500 travel companies were nominated in177 categories in the prestigious ceremony, held inpartnership with Marriott Praia D’El Rey, Bom Sucesso,TAP Portugal and Turismo Do Oeste. Seniormanagement and decision makers of Europe’s traveland tourism industry came together to celebrate theirachievements during the ceremony.Graham Cooke, President, World Travel Awards

commented: “The past 12 months have broughtseveral challenges, namely the economic downturnand the outbreak of swine flu, which has impactedtravel and tourism worldwide; today’s winners have

Europcar, Adam & Eve Hotels, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Virgin Atlantic wereamongst companies that triumphed at the World Travel Awards EuropeanCeremony, staged in the sumptuous luxury of the Marriott Praia D’El Rey inPortugal on 17th October 2009.

Grand Tour 2009 - Europe

Europe’s star travel brands triumphat World Travel Awards

Stuart Swycher, President, Beltico Group and Jose Pampolim, Vice President, Beltico Group and Telmo Faria, Mayor of Obidos and Bobby Davro



remained focused on their long term objectives, andcontinued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty,setting an industry example.”These inspirational organisations will continue to reap

profile and commercial benefits over the next year.Cooke explained: “This year’s winners can display the

official World Travel Awards symbol with pride on theirsales and marketing literature, offering travellers acast-iron assurance that what they are buying is aguarantee of travel excellence.”Each winner has automatically been put forward for

the spectacular WTA Grand Final which took place at

the Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel in Londonlast Sunday. Throughout the evening, winners were presented with

their prestigious awards by key industry figures. Liveentertainment included performances from discolegend George McCrae, whilst international comedianand actor Bobby Davro hosted the gala evening.

We were truly delightedto participate in thisexceptional event.Philippe M.E. RequinChief Executive OfficerGrace Hotels Group

“”

Carol Dawes, Tui, Manon Han, Executive Vice President, World Travel Awards, Jan Viebrock, Sport & SPA Resort A-ROSA Scharmuetzelsee, Fiona Downie, Tui

World Travel Golf Tournament Europe's Leading Travel Agency - Viajes Iberia, Jorge Carurla, Enrique Riera(Managing Director), Emilio Castillejos


AYANA Resort and Spa Bali thanks our guests for voting us

Asia’s Leading Luxury Resortin the World Travel Awards 2009

We couldn’t have done itwithout

a 290-room hotel

o


you...

One destination,a world of distinction

Escapea world of rich cultural heritage, omnipresent in the architecture,

decor, and most of all, the warm hospitality and daily rituals of your hosts.

Explore the 1.3 kilometer coastline with secluded white-sand beach, ocean-

front pools, golf-putting course, and secret gardens.

Savor a different dining experience every day, at 13 venues including the

new Rock Bar perched on rocks directly over the ocean.

Rejuvenate in �alasso healing and Balinese therapies at �ermes Marins Bali

Spa, Aquatonic Pool and Spa on the Rocks.

Each day offers new discovery.Don’t take our word for it; take theirs.

Bali’s most breath-taking sanctuarywith 78 private villas and a 290-room hotel

on 77 hectares of cliff-top land over Jimbaran Bay

Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran Bali 80361T.+62 361-702222 | F. +62 361-701555

www.ayanaresort.com


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Polar VoyagesExpedition Cruises

www.oceanwide-expeditions.com

Oceanwide Expeditions: Winner of World Travel Award - World’s LeadingPolar Expedition Operator 2009

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E-mail: [email protected]

Al Asmakh StreetTel: 4315007/4315008

Fax: 4315005

GharrafaTel: 4869610Fax: 4118955

Ras LaffanTel: 4748836Fax: 4748838

Industrial AreaTel: 4604953/4604950

Fax: 4604938

MasaieedTel: 4771900/4771988

Fax: 4772014

General Post OfficeTel: 4831486Fax: 4831480

Al-RayyanTel: 4820675Fax: 4806036

Al Asmakh Centerpoint MallTel: 4325381Fax: 4364340

Al WakraTel: 4647068/4647725

Fax: 4641145

Lulu HypermarketTel: 4550851Fax: 4672141

Branches

At Regency Travel & Tours, we understand the

importance of your trip, whether it is business or

leisure. Our expert travel professionals are proactive

enough to understand your requirements and offer

appropriate travel solutions.





golfoesteP O R T U G A L

GOLFOESTERua Direita, n.º 87 – Apartado 42 – 2510-914 Óbidos – PortugalTel. +351 262 955 060 – Fax +351 262 955 [email protected] | www.turismodooeste.pt

A fantastic silver coast

waiting for you

Praia d’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort (Marriott Hotel) | Óbidos | www.praia-del-rey.comTel. +351 262 905 005

The CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa(CampoReal Hotel) | Torres Vedras | www.camporeal.ptTel. +351 261 960 900

Golden Eagle, Residence & Golf Resort Rio Maior | www.goldeneagle-golfresort.comTel. +351 243 940 040

Bom Sucesso Design, Leisure & Golf ResortÓbidos | www.bomsucesso.netTel. +351 262 965 310

Vimeiro Golf Resort (Golf Mar Hotel) | Torres Vedras | www.hotelgolfmar.comTel. +351 261 980 800

Botado Golf Club(Atlântico Golfe Hotel) | Penichewww.atlanticogolfehotel.comTel. +351 262 757 700

Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort(open 2011) | Óbidos | www.royalobidos.comTel. +351 262 960 241



World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2010

Our events are attended by the top-level decision makers - more than 70 percent of our attendees are Director level or above.

Our events are the perfect platform to gain top-level exposure for your product or brand.

Our events are famed for the great networking opportunities.

For more information and to book tickets please email: [email protected]


“Oscars of the Travel Industry”Wall Street Journal




World Travel Awards Supplement - Travel Weekly WTM 2009 Day 1

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