World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced the destinations for its 2009 Grand Tour. Reigning Miss World, Zi Lin Zhang of China assisted in the official unveiling at World Travel Market,.Recognised as the hallmark of travel excellence, the World Travel Awards acknowledges the leading travel products across the globe. The regional award ceremonies recognise winners in their own territory and celebrate both individuals and companies setting new boundaries in travel and tourism.

The WTA 2009 Tour will kick off in May 2009 with the Africa Ceremony in Durban, South Africa, followed by North America and Caribbean (Miami, USA), Australia (Melbourne), Asia (Shanghai, China), Europe (Lisbon, Portugal), Latin America (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Middle East (Dubai). This will culminate in the spectacular Grand Finale in November in London, and a special winners’ dinner in Johannesburg.
The Tour will coincide with international exhibitions including INDABA at the ICC Durban, POWOW in Miami, Australia Travel Exchange, Asia Luxury Travel Market Shanghai, ABAV and the World Travel Awards Final will take place during World Travel Market.                   

In 2008, almost 3,600 companies have been nominated from 137 countries around the world. VIP and senior industry figureheads who attended WTA ceremonies also found them excellent forums to access, network and do business with the people who shape the industry and its future.

“World Travel Awards is proud of its impartial nature and the comprehensive process of its voting programme. Votes are cast by an audience of 167,000 travel agents and tourism professionals from 164 participating countries. This level of accountability makes winning an award the greatest form of recognition in the travel business,” said Graham Cooke, President & Founder of the World Travel Awards.

“With a host of exciting new partnership deals and a global media campaign reaching in excess of 270 million in place, our 2009 Tour is set to be our best yet. Over the past 15 years, our objective has been to identify and reward excellence, and are honoured to be recognised as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’,” added Cooke.
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