Hindustan Times: Hindustan Times

12.12.12 will be the date when India plays host to the world's biggest travel awards - World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final 2012, for the first time. Established 19 years ago, WTA is considered the highest honour in the global tourism industry. The gala ceremony will be held at The Oberoi, Gurgaon. The hotel was recently voted the World's Leading Luxury Hotel, 2011 by WTA in Doha.

Kapil Chopra, executive vice president, The Oberoi Group, says, "The spotlight of the world's travel industry will shine on India this December. We are excited to welcome the crème de la crème of the travel industry and give them a memorable experience."

While India has hosted the Asia ceremony twice earlier, the Grand Final World Awards ceremony will take place in the country for the first time. More than 300 leading travel and hotel representatives from across the world are expected to participate in the event. The awards call for entries for categories in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Caribbean, Europe, Indian Ocean, Middle East, and North, South & Central America. The winners of these regional rounds will progress to the Grand Final, which will take place in India.

Graham E Cooke, president-founder, WTA, says, "We chose the Indian capital to host due to the Indian capital's continuing evolution as a world-class business and leisure destination. Delhi possesses all the ingredients to host our Grand Final."