World Travel Awards, known as ‘the Oscars of the Travel Industry’, has arrived in Doha, Qatar for what is certain to be a glittering Grand Final Gala Ceremony.

The event will take place at the magnificent La Cigale Hotel on November 30th 2013.
World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and the Grand Final Gala Ceremony completes the annual Grand Tour.

Regional events have taken place in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Kenya, the Maldives, and Antigua in the Caribbean, with the winners from each now competing for the global titles.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993, to recognise, acknowledge and reward the leading travel, tourism and hospitality organisations in the world, those companies which push the boundaries of excellence in product and service, and create ground-breaking innovation.

The premier global travel awards concept has since developed into the most prestigious and comprehensive awards programme in travel, tourism and hospitality and is now recognised worldwide as the hallmark of industry excellence. 

The Grand Final will see well over 1,200 nominees in 148 categories competing for an award.

World Travel Awards group senior vice president Kevin Taylor said:  “We are thrilled to take World Travel Awards to Doha, Qatar for the second time, and to have La Cigale Hotel as host is an extra delight for us. 

“Over the years the World Travel Awards winners shield has become trusted by the travel industry and leisure and business travellers as signifying excellence in quality of product and service, and we are looking forward to the next twenty years.

La Cigale Hotel is a five star deluxe property offering a stylish yet relaxing haven for business and leisure travellers, in the Business District of the City, 15 min away from Doha International Airport and with proximate distance from major city’s landmarks.

One of the top celebrities in the Middle East, Maya Diab will be headlining the event.

The national spokeswoman for the Children’s Cancer Foundation in Lebanon, she is also involved in an award winning Egyptian drama series as an actress in a leading role and is currently hosting the entertainment show on MTV ‘Heik Minghanne’ which is one of the most highly watched TV programs of all time in the Middle East. 

Housni El Yaman, director of sales and marketing at La Cigale Hotel said: “La Cigale Hotel is privileged to host the World Travel Awards Final gala ceremony at its unique Venetian style, Al Wajba ballroom; the venue that hosted prestigious events attended by high-end guests, worldwide iconic stars and presidents.

“We are proud to bring this event for the second time to Doha and welcome more than 750 travel tourism and hospitality professionals from all over the world.

“We are also delighted to be associated with our exceptional corporate event partner, Qatar National Bank and main sponsor, Doha Insurance Company.“

Acclaimed celebrity Ece Vahapoglu will be master of ceremonies for the awards.