The World Travel Awards is recognised as the world's only global awards ceremony with voting forms distributed by World Travel Awards to travel agencies in 181 countries around the world. Building on the strengths of last year over two million impressions were generated by the Official World Travel Awards Web Site. A promotion on travel web sites Travelocity, The Trip.com, Travel Now, Travel Base, LRVS and World Travel Net invited users to 'vote online' with the chance to win a holiday of a lifetime. The voting campaign was orchestrated by industry new media specialists, World Travel Media.
The World Travel Awards consists of over 100 categories split into geographical and worldwide categories. 1998 sees the introduction of a new regional category for Central America plus additional worldwide awards including World's Leading Economy, Business and First Class, World's Leading Sports Resort and World's Leading Private Island.
As the sounds of the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean lapped the shoreline, guests were treated to a feast of entertainment. This included performances by international stars Carol Connors, Abigail Charlowe, Bobby Kelton, Judie Tzuke, Rhonda Shear, Freddy Cole, Just Kloning, Barbie Benton, Roger Behr, as well as some stunning visual performances from local artists Danza Aquatica, Junkanoo Fantasy and the Munnings Brothers Showcase. A grand firework finale closed the show along with superstar Leo Sayer joined on stage by Hot Chocolate. The show's host was Freddie Roman.
As the World Travel Awards Orchestra played, guests enjoyed a sumptuous symphony of fine food including local specialties Oven Roasted Millefeuile of Hog Snapper, Nassau Grouper and Bahamian Crawfish.
The World Travel Awards Trophies have once again been hand cast in Bronze with a solid Mahogany plinth by Asprey & Garrard, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Crown Jewelers. Each Award weighs an incredible seven kilos and is worth over $5000. As well as collecting the world famous World Travel Awards statuette, nominees and winners have the right to use the symbol of excellence, the World Travel Awards 'Winners Shield' in all advertising and marketing media. The shield is used worldwide by previous winners including American Airlines, Travelocity, Air Jamaica and Sandals Resorts.