World Travel Awards News

Delhi prepares for WTA Asia & Australasia
Delhi’s The Claridges has begun to prepare for the forthcoming World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony ahead of what is expected to be the most keenly fought competition ever. Set to take place on October 14th, the event will see more than 80 travel brands compete for recognition as the best in the industry.

Rixos Premium Belek to host WTA Europe
Rixos Premium Belek, Antalya on the Turkish Riviera has been chosen to host Europe’s most important travel and tourism event – the World Travel Awards. The Gala Ceremony, sponsored by Turkey’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, will take place on October 1st.

Mauritius tourism surges
Mauritius has experienced a surge in tourism revenues in the first half of the year, boosted by strong growth in visitor numbers from Asia, particularly in India. However its core European markets remained sluggish, due to ongoing financial woes across the continent plus the weakness of the Euro.

Hacienda Tres Ríos raises the green stakes
Since opening in November 2008, Mexico’s Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort has rapidly established a reputation as the ultimate green retreat. It has been nominated for “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Green Hotel” at the 2010 World Travel Awards in October.

Emirates Palace welcomes guest to the Ramadan Pavilion
Abu Dhabi’s iconic Emirates Palace is raising the hospitality bar not just in its native Arabia but across the world. The luxury hotel has unveiled its latest plans to welcome guests to the Emirates Palace Ramadan Pavilion for the holy month.
Etihad launches “all economy” service
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, is introducing its first “all economy” class aircraft into its fleet in October 2010. The launch aims to help the fast-growing carrier deliver an even more competitive product on key short-haul routes from its Abu Dhabi home base.

Jumeirah Group Enters Egypt
Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, has signed an agreement with Palm Hills Developments (PHD), one of Egypt’s premier developers, to manage Jumeirah Gamsha Bay Resort, a new five star deluxe resort located in PHD’s Palm Gamsha resort on the Red Sea, Egypt.

Jumeirah Hotels Celebrate Mid-Sha’ban
Jumeirah hotels are today celebrating mid-Sha’ban, which falls on the 15th of the Muslim month of Sha’ban. “Hag Al Leilah” is the traditional name for this night of festivities with family and neighbours.
Jumeirah Etihad Towers appoints Director of Sales and Marketing
Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, has appointed Cornelia Koebele as Director of Sales and Marketing for Jumeirah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi one year ahead of the hotel’s planned opening.

Mohamed Al Rais presents Al Rais Travel
Since its foundation in 1977, Al Rais Travel & Shipping has grown to become one of the largest independent travel agencies in the United Arab Emirates. Here Breaking Travel News sits down with deputy managing director Mohamed Al Rais to discuss what the future holds for the company.

Starwood shines bright at World Travel Awards
The Westin Grand Cape Town has taken the title of “Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Hotel” at the 2010 World Travel Awards Ceremony, whilst Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa walked away with the awards for “Africa’s Leading Luxury Hotel”, “Africa’s Leading Spa Resort” and “South Africa’s Leading Spa Resort”.
Mantis raises the bar
South Africa’s Mantis Collection has consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands by walking away with two top prizes at the World Travel Awards in Johannesburg. BTN finds out more about the group’s unique collection of worldwide properties.