Caribbean Celebs: Caribbean Celebs

Miss Bahamas Universe 2011 Anastagia Pierre will tonight host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. The former Miss Florida Teen USA (2004) and Miss Florida USA (2009) who boasts Bahamian and Haitian roots, will be co-hosting the show with American actor and comedian Walt Willey.

The voting lines are closed, the trophies polished and the VIP guests which include hundreds of senior travel decision-makers from across the Caribbean and the Americas expected at the red-carpet event. This year’s travel awards will include a gourmet dinner and top entertainment, as well as the presentation of the prestigious awards.

The evening will serve as a glittering spotlight for the Turks & Caicos Islands. The paradise nation is entering an exciting new chapter in its history, with tourism poised to play an even greater role in its economic evolution.

“We are delighted to host our Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony 2012 in Turks & Caicos, a paradise destination currently enjoying a surge in tourism arrivals due to its overwhelming natural attractions and quality hotels and resorts,” says Graham E Cooke, President & Founder, WTA

He adds: “As the country’s largest private sector employer, Beaches exemplifies the importance of travel and tourism in Turks & Caicos in generating jobs and tourism revenue. The resort has also taken the family vacation concept to a whole new level in the Caribbean.”

Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, is pleased to welcome this year’s WTA’s Caribbean and The Americas Ceremony at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

“Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts strive to offer the best product and experience for our customers, and we are delighted to be in the company of those in the travel industry who share these values,” Stewart said. “We are thrilled to be in the Turks & Caicos Islands showcasing our first-class services and amenities, which are key in creating luxury vacations.”

Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, says: “The Turks & Caicos Islands is an economy driven by tourism and as the host country of these prestigious awards, we are delighted that our country, our people and our culture will be on display for the world to see and enjoy. Our tourism product is one that is constantly evolving and we are cognizant of our place in the market which only makes us capable to soar to higher success. WTA honours excellence in the tourism industry around the world but what it also highlights is new, emerging markets for investment opportunities and the Turks & Caicos with its growing economy welcomes all of the nominees from around the world.”

The WTA awards programme, hailed as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’ by the global media, highlights and rewards those travel brands that have made the greatest contribution to the industry over the past year.

Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony 2012 marks the second leg of WTA’s Grand Tour, a global search for the world’s leading travel brands, which also includes regional heats in Dubai, Singapore and The Algarve. The winners of these legs will then go head-to-head at WTA’s Grand Final, which takes place at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi, India on 12th December 2012.

The likes of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Port of Falmouth, The Ritz-Carlton, Avis, Air Jamaica, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Airlines are among the brands nominated for the prestigious awards programme.