The Sabre global distribution system has won the accolade of ‘World’s Leading GDS/CRS’ for a record twelfth consecutive year at the 2005 World Travel Awards in London. Travelocity was named the ‘World’s Leading Travel Internet Site’ for the eighth consecutive year.

“Our parent company, Sabre Holdings, has led the way in expanding and deepening its presence in every channel of travel distribution, offering travel suppliers huge distribution value,” said John Stow, president of Sabre Travel Network. “The Sabre GDS remains the most efficient and profitable way for travel suppliers to distribute their products. Travel agents and travel providers around the world have recognized this, and today’s tremendous honor is the result.”

Michelle Peluso, Travelocity’s president and chief executive officer, was named ‘Internet Travel Personality of the Year’ at the ceremony. She said the dotcom’s award was the result of its continued focus on “getting things right for the customer,” and its “before, during and after” approach to the entire travel experience.

“Our acquisition this year of lastminute.com was a natural extension to our view that travel is more than about getting to your destination - it’s about everything that happens during and after the trip. We’re just so pleased and grateful that this approach has been recognised by the World Travel Awards, and we’re looking forward to growing our presence in Europe still further through lastminute.com.”

“Since founding the World Travel Awards in 1993 we have seen a growing sophistication in the travel and tourism trade, and increased competition,” said Graham Cooke, president of the World Travel Awards.

“Although 2005 has seen its fair share of global events, from hurricanes to soaring oil prices, our winners have continued to survive and thrive. They’ve seen challenges as opportunities and led the way for the industry. They are having a major impact and influence on the world’s travel and tourism industry, and are true innovators and benchmarkers, especially in the areas of customer service, technology, operational efficiency, product offering and style.”
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