The Oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi will host the event

The votes have been counted and the trophies polished as the incredible nation of India prepares to host the most important night of the tourism calendar – World Travel Awards 2012 Grand Final Gala Ceremony.

The VIP event, which is officially supported by the Indian ministry of tourism, will be hosted at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi Capital Region, the new business and commercial district of the capital.

The likes of The Ritz-Carlton, Lufthansa, Starwood Hotels, Jumeirah, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Avis, Kuoni and Four Seasons are among the brands in the running for top honours.

The most important decision-makers in global travel and tourism are set to attend the glittering ceremony.

Categories to watch include “World’s Leading Airline”, which features a heavy Asian and Middle Eastern contingent.

Nominees include Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates and Malaysia Airlines.

Another key category is “World’s Leading Hotel”, with Copacabana Palace (Rio), Le Bristol (Paris), St. Regis (Singapore), The Dorchester (London), Burj Al Arab (Dubai) and W Hotel (Barcelona) among the hot contenders.

Graham Cooke, president, World Travel Awards, explained India is a fitting destination for the world’s best travel brands in 2012 to celebrate their achievements.

He said: “It is an honour to have India host WTA’s Grand Final 2012.

“In less than a decade, the number of international tourists here has more than doubled, reflecting how travel and tourism is linked inextricably with the economic evolution of this new superpower.

“This thriving country will also prove a gracious host for our Grand Final, which will feature the elite of travel and tourism: the winners from each of our WTA regional ceremonies going head-to-head.

“I look forward to finding out which ones will make it on to the winner’s podium on December 12th 2012.”

The evening marks the culmination of a year-long search for the very best travel and tourism brands in the world, and will feature the regional winners WTA’s Grand Tour 2012 competing head to head.

Regional heats have taken place in Dubai, The Algarve (Portugal), Turks & Caicos and Singapore.

Dr. K Chiranjeevi, minister of tourism, India, added: “The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is honoured to host the World Travel Awards Grand Final in India and sincerely hopes that this prestigious event will help in promoting our nation as an incredible destination.

“Tourists from the world over can find their destination or product of desire in India.

“We can proudly say that India is an incredible destination with range of products like nowhere else,” he added.

WTA Grand Finals have previously been held in Doha, London and Turks & Caicos.

Kapil Chopra, executive vice president, The Oberoi Group, added: “We are indeed privileged to be chosen as the venue for the WTA’s Grand Final Gala, the first time these are being held in India.

“These awards recognise excellence in travel and hospitality and we are delighted to have the finalists from all over the world visit The Oberoi, Gurgaon.

“This evening is a tribute to our excellent hotels and gracious hospitality.”

More information on the official World Travel Awards website.