Delhi’s The Claridges has begun to prepare for the forthcoming World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony ahead of what is expected to be the most keenly fought competition ever.

The event - the most important night of the year for Asia and Australasia’s tourism industry - will demonstrate just why the region is experiencing unprecedented uplift, despite of the challenging global economic environment.

WTA founder Graham Cooke said the event – to take place on October 14th - is a brilliant barometer of the region’s phenomenal success.

He added: “International tourism is slowly gaining momentum after extremely difficult times last year. What is remarkable though is that according to the latest official figures, Asia and the Pacific is leading the world.

“The region was up an incredible ten per cent in the first two months of the year, an indication of the industry’s resourcefulness, drive and determination to succeed.

“World Travel Awards was established 17 years ago to drive up standards of customer service and overall performance and this year’s winners will be an excellent business model for others to follow.

“The hotel is an ideal venue for such an event, combining both a business and luxury resort in one.”

Travel Industry Oscars

Viewed as the ultimate achievement for any Asian or Australasian company, more than 80 travel brands are competing to be the best at the World Travel Awards.

Winners of the regional ceremony will then go on to compete in World Travel Awards 2010 Grand Final in London on Sunday November 7th, immediately before World Travel Market.

Peter Leitgeb, president of The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, added: “It is our privilege to be chosen as the venue for the first ever World Travel Awards to be held in India.

“Today, India is on everyone’s radar. It is reiterated by the number of visitors the hotels are seeing in this part of the world. Such volume is practically unheard of anywhere else. 

“In keeping with the buoyant economy The Claridges Hotels & Resorts too has seen significant growth in occupancy and revenue over the years.

“Choosing New Delhi as the destination for World Travel Award Asia and Australasia further reinforces India as ‘the’ destination which no one can today overlook.”

In addition to the honour, prestige and global exposure of winning one of the awards, covering every sector of travel and tourism, World Travel Award winners enjoy considerable commercial benefits too.

Consumers, seeking peace of mind, are increasingly using the winners list as a reliable resource when choosing a holiday.

Online voting is now underway and nominees are campaigning hard with agents and industry executives to win support.

Log on to the website and click on the Vote button to participate.