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As well as addressing the challenges that a deteriorating world economy will bring to the travel and tourism industry, the key message in the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer is that times of crisis

2009 – The Year for Positive Action

As well as addressing the challenges that a deteriorating world economy will bring to the travel and tourism industry, the key message in the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer is that times of crisis often lead to the biggest opportunities.

The industry is under no illusions that the course of 2009 will enforce wide scale strategic re-thinks and many tough decisions will have to be made.

But what is just as certain is that the industry is a highly resilient sector and will eventually return to strong growth.

These challenging economic times will only succeed in separating those companies who with fortitude and vision remain unbowed in their commitment to excellence from those companies complacent or average.

As the travel industry’s highest accolade, there has never been a more valuable time to demonstrate the pursuit of excellence and to win a World Travel Award.

This year, all eyes will be on the World Travel Awards Programme where the Winners will show what it truly takes to make a difference and will act as beacons of hope for the industry at large.

"World Travel Awards is proud of its impartial nature and the comprehensive process of its voting programme. This level of accountability makes winning an award the greatest form of recognition in the travel business," said Graham Cooke, President & Founder of the World Travel Awards.

History will prove, that 2009’s World Travel Awards Winners will be those companies who best navigate economic fluctuations and will emerge from these challenging times with exponential growth, augmented market share and galvanised reputations.

Around the World in 7 Ceremonies

The all important Winners will be unveiled in a series of landmark Gala Ceremonies.

World Travel Awards have now announced the dates and locations where the leading industry bodies, government representatives and the world’s media will gather to discover who has been voted the very best of the best.

Middle East - Dubai, UAE - 4th May
Africa – Durban, South Africa - 10th May
N & C America – Yucatan, Mexico – 9th September
Europe – Obidos, Portugal - 17th October
South America - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 20th October
Asia – Singapore - 24th October
Word Grand Final – Jamaica - 30th October

The Time for Action

There has never been a more important year for positive action. Now is the time for companies and individuals alike to step forward and demonstrate what can be done to make a difference.

“Through an unswerving commitment to excellence, through recognising examples of best practise and through collective learning and solidarity, these challenging times present us with the opportunity to re-enforce the overall industry infrastructure.” added Cooke.

“2009 is a year of positive action for everyone involved in the travel and tourism industry.”