EUROPE’S TRAVEL ELITE CELEBRATE IN TURKEY

2 September 2011 - Antalya, Turkey

The travel brands that have demonstrated greatest strength amid global economic uncertainty have emerged victorious at World Travel Awards 2011 Europe Ceremony, hosted at Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa in Antalya, Turkey on 2 September 2011.

Hailed as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry”, World Travel Awards is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, and celebrates those brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence.

Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa proved the perfect host for the evening’s proceedings, exemplifying the spirit of World Travel Awards to push the boundaries of excellence in travel and tourism. Since opening in 2008, the resort has rapidly established itself as the ultimate place for golf and luxury, amid a beautiful Mediterranean setting.

More than 500 organisations across Europe, spanning more than 125 categories, entered the competition for the most influential accolade in travel.

Lufthansa was one of the big stars on the night, walking off with the blue riband category “Europe’s Leading Airline”, whilst Le Bristol Paris was voted “Europe’s Leading Hotel”, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts won “Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand”, Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa named “Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort” and Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, Conference Centre and Spa picked up “Europe’s Leading Resort”.

Turkey in particular enjoyed a large slice of the evening’s honours, reflecting its role as one of the few tourism success stories of the global downturn. Home-grown winners included Istanbul (“Europe’s Leading City Break Destination”); Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism (“Europe’s Leading Tourist Board”). Antalya hotels winning top awards included Cornelia Hotels Golf & Spa, Mardan Palace and Adam & Eve Hotels.

The industry’s elite – including CEOs of leading travel companies, government ministers, tourist board chiefs – attended the glittering gala event, which was headlined by Turkish pop sensation Aydan Kaya and violin rock supremos, Fuse. The raft of media covering the event included Bloomberg TV, Hürriyet, CNBC and CNN Türk.

Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards said: “During times of economic uncertainty world-class brands come into their own, continuing to grow market share whilst competitors flounder. Turkey in particular has showed its credentials as a world-class tourism brand, demonstrated in the number of top honours won by the nation’s top hotels and travel organisations.

“Antalya in particular represents brand Turkey at its finest. Its winning mix of heritage, sun-kissed beaches, state-of-the-art facilities and superb value has propelled it into the league of one of the world’s great destination cities.”

The Europe Ceremony marks the second leg of World Travel Awards 2011 Grand Tour. Regional events will follow in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt (16 Sept); Bangkok, Thailand (28 Sept) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (7 Oct). The winners of these regional events will progress to the Grand Final in Doha, Qatar on 29 November.

For the full list of Europe winners visit www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2011-8

The event partners were Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, BBC World News and WeClickMedia. WTA’s global media partner network includes CNBC Arabiya, National Geographic Traveller, ABTA magazine, Focus on Travel News, Breaking Travel News, Travel Daily News, Xenios World and ASTA Network magazine.

To view all images of World Travel Awards 2011 Europe Ceremony visit: www.worldtravelawards.com/gallery?y=2011&e=59

– Ends –

Notes to Editors


About World Travel Awards


World Travel Awards was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognise excellence in the world's travel and tourism industry.

Now celebrating its 18th anniversary, the awards is regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could ever hope to receive.

Attended by senior executives from major travel companies, operators and destinations, WTA events are universally respected as providing established, top level networking opportunities, regionally and globally.

The World Travel Award’s official list of worldwide media partners includes: ABTA Magazine, Breaking Travel News, CNBC Arabiya, Khaleej Times, Trav Talk, Trade Arabia, TTN, Travel Daily News International, Focus on Travel News, New Focus Travel Magazine, Tourism Review, JAX FAX, Passport Magazine, Travel & Leisure China and National Geographic Traveller.

For further press information contact Anton Santos:
t: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000
e: [email protected]
w: www.worldtravelawards.com

About Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa


Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa opened on 7 May 2008 in the prestigious tourist region of Antalya in Belek.

Hotel Cornelia Diamond, with its original architecture by Tuncar Çavdara and interior design by Ayhan Geveli, reflects the transition from the past to the future in "Retro" styling, entertaining areas, original pools, villas, connected to the swimming pool.

One of the most distinctive features of the hotel Cornelia Diamond is its SPA centre. It is built over a 5.000 sq.m. area, and provides over 100 different types of massages from the Far East using natural methods, exclusive water procedures and saunas – all this is Cornelia Diamond Crassula SPA proving the true sense of the word "best".

The philosophy is service based on Turkish hospitality. Traditional themes and specialities, which are complimented by the architecture, modern structure and high technology, are on offer to the guests of Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & SPA in order to guarantee the happiest moments and make unique memories. Great importance is placed upon quality and safety.

Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa has Gold Certificate of Travelife Sustainability system, Blue Flag for cleanliness of beach area. The hotel is a member of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and the SPA centre is a member of European SPA association (ESPA). Golf Course of 27 holes was designed by world golf champion – Nick Faldo, in a golf club there is a professional golf academy of David Leadbetter – world famous golf coach.

w: www.corneliaresort.com

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