World Travel Awards has arrived in Antigua ready to welcome the travel industry’s elite to the Caribbean & North American Gala Ceremony tomorrow evening.

The awards are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, with travel, tourism and hospitality organisations from 30 countries this year heading to Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa for the event.

“Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa is honored to open its doors to the World Travel Awards for this distinguished occasion,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman, Sandals Resorts International.

“It is our pleasure and sincere privilege to extend Sandals’ rich tradition of hospitality to
our fellow leaders of the travel industry and invite all to enjoy our beautiful beachfront setting and all the amenities this wonderful resort has to offer.”

The North America region will introduce winners in three new categories: Leading Hotel Suite, Leading Family Resort and Leading Meetings & Conference Destination.

Key categories to watch at the event also include Caribbean’s Leading Hotel, with 18 nominees competing for the title.

Top global cities including Denver, Maui, Miami, New York, Orlando, and Washington DC will also go head-to-head for the coveted title of North America’s Leading Destination.

A formidable line-up of entertainment has been lined up for the ceremony, with celebrity presenter Walt Willey overseeing proceedings. 

He co-hosted the 20th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards and is best known to many as All My Children’s Jackson Montgomery, a role he played for almost 25 years. 

Co-Host is the gorgeous and talented Samoya Kirby, a previous title holder of Miss Antigua & Barbuda who has represented her island in numerous regional competitions, charities and international events.

Turning up the heat will be the famous band The Burning Flames headed by the legendary King Onyan, while Passion de Dance and Kayla complete the line up.