WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS BACKS INDIA

World Travel Awards has confirmed it will go ahead with its planned Asia and Australasia Gala Ceremony in Delhi on October 14th. Despite sensational stories emanating from build up to the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony in Delhi will take place on October 14th – offering a significant boost to regional industry. The Claridges, Surajkund, Delhi is set to host the 17th staging of the World Travel Awards.

This will be only the second time the event has visited India. World Travel Awards president and founder, Graham Cooke argues global media coverage of the Commonwealth Games preparations has been wildly disproportionate:

“India maintains a fantastic, world-leading, tourism product,” he explained.

“Millions of visitors from around the world visit India each year to take in everything from the Taj Mahal to the beaches of Goa.”

Mr Peter J. Leitgeb, President & CEO, The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, adds: “As one of the fastest growing economies, India today is on the radar screen of everyone and a key player in the world economy. No one can afford to ignore it.”

“The business climate and the economy in India is very bullish, especially so the hospitality industry. The industry has enjoyed an amazing run in this part of the world in the last five years.”

“The country itself has so much to offer to a visitor. It is fascinating to see the amazing diversity of the country and its vibrant and colourful culture.”

“I take this opportunity to thank the organising committee of the WTA for choosing The Claridges, Surajkund as the venue for World Travel Awards 2010 Asia & Australasia Ceremony, a much awaited annual event that truly recognises excellence in the world’s travel and tourism industry.”

Cooke continues, “The destination will grow to become one of the most important on the map over the next decade, despite misplaced perceptions over the Commonwealth Games.

We wholeheartedly support India and their continuous effort in developing the country, its economy and tourism. Through our event, we are firmly committed to placing a positive spotlight on the incredible destination that is India.”

World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia Gala Ceremony is in partnership with World Mobi, The Claridges, Surajkund, Air India, BBC World, Breaking Travel News, eTurbo News, TravTalk, Travel & Leisure China and Travel & Leisure Golf China.

ENDS

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

Now celebrating its 17th 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, ASTA Network Magazine, BBC World News, Breaking Travel News, CNBC Arabiya, Khaleej Times, L’Agenzia di Viaggi, Trav Talk, Trade Arabia, TTN, Travel Daily News International, Focus on Travel News, New Focus Travel Magazine, Tourism Review, JAX FAX, Travel & Leisure China, Travel & Leisure Golf China, Xenios & Xenios World.


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