World Travel Market 2012, the global event for the travel industry, has got off to a flying start with exhibitor invitation visitors up five percent on last year’s event. Delegates included a host of travel celebrities who made guest appearances on the stands.

Abu Dhabi is strengthening its links with China with a special visit by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) to Shanghai as part of an overall programme to increase the number of Chinese inbound guests to the UAE emirate.

Dolores Semeraro, press & PR manager Maldives-Asia, LUX* Maldives, at the World Travel Awards Asia, Australasia and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2012

InterContinental Asiana Saigon has been recognised as the Vietnam’s Leading Hotel and Vietnam’s Leading Business Hotels by the prestigious World Travel Awards. The property is considered of the flagship hotels under InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in the region.

Korean Air has received the prestigious title of Asia’s Leading Airline First Class at the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony 2012. Founded in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry, the World Travel Awards are recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Rebecca Kwan, general manager, Lan Kwai Fong Hotel, Hong Kong at the World Travel Awards Asia, Australasia and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2012