Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa will host the ceremony on September 14th

The paradise islands of Turks & Caicos will become the focus of the travel and tourism industry as they host World Travel Awards - the Oscars of the travel industry - on September 14th 2012.

The WTA Caribbean & the Americas Gala Ceremony 2012 will take place at the family-favourite, all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

Decision-makers from leading travel organisations across the Caribbean and Americas are scheduled to attend the gala evening.

The red-carpet ceremony will include a gourmet dinner, top entertainment, as well as the presentation of the coveted awards.

WTA president Graham Cooke said: “We are delighted to be hosting our Caribbean & the Americas Ceremony 2012 in Turks & Caicos, a paradise destination currently enjoying a surge in tourism arrivals.

“The nation is entering an exciting new chapter in its history, and tourism will play an even greater role in its economic evolution.

He added: “As the country’s largest private sector employer, Beaches exemplifies the importance of travel and tourism in Turks & Caicos in generating jobs and tourism revenue.

“The resort has also taken the family vacation concept to a whole new level in the Caribbean.”

Sandals chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, left, will join WTA president Graham Cooke, centre, at the Caribbean & the Americas Gala Ceremony later this year

WTA was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognise excellence in the global travel and tourism industry, and is now regarded as the very highest achievement that a product could hope to receive.

Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman of Sandals & Beaches Resorts, is thrilled to once again host the awards.

He said: “There is no better event that epitomises the incredible products of the travel and tourism industry than the World Travel Awards.

“Beaches Resorts is honoured to host this year’s Caribbean & the Americas Gala in the beautiful Turks & Caicos.”

The Caribbean & the Americas Gala Ceremony 2012 marks the second leg of the WTA Grand Tour, a global search for the world’s leading travel brands.

Other stops will include regional heats in Dubai, Nairobi, Singapore and The Algarve.

The winners of these legs will then go head-to-head at the WTA Grand Final, which takes place at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi, India on 12 December 2012.

Ralph Higgs, director of tourism, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board said: “The Turks & Caicos Islands are indeed very proud to once again be the host country for WTA.

“These awards recognise the best in the travel industry while also celebrating the rich diversity of the nominees: their culture, heritage and people.

“Turks & Caicos Tourist Board welcomes WTA back to our beautiful shores where memories will be made for a lifetime, the hospitality and spirit of the people will forever be etched in the history of such an esteemed group of nominees.”

“Our destination is poised for success as the global economic recovery begins to take shape and with WTA taking place here, it signifies to the world that the

“Turks & Caicos Islands is open for business, ready to provide a unique travel experience for all.

“Best of luck to all the nominees and a warm welcome to all,” concluded Higgs.