2012 World Travel Market Globe Awards Announced

A number of travel agencies and tourism companies walked off with the prestigious World Travel Market Global Awards presented every year at the World Travel Market in London. This time around, organizations from China, Russia, Brazil and the U.S. came out the winners in this contest aimed at recognizing the best contributions to the leisure industry worldwide.

Brazilian accommodation resort Pousada do Toque won the prestigious World Travel Market Globe Award in recognition for its commitment to customer service and positive impact on the local community.

New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO, J. Stephen Perry also won the World Travel Market Globe Award in recognition for his instrumental role in restoring the city as a tourism destination following the devastating Hurricane  Katrina.

Chinese online agency Ctrip.com was also one of the winners last Monday night in London for its contribution to the country’s travel and tourism industry over the past 12 months. Ctrip has made the most significant contribution to the Chinese travel and tourism industry over the past 12 months and has experienced substantial growth since being launched in 1999.

Leading Russian Tour Operator UTS Group nabbed the World Travel Market Globe Award in recognition for being the first to introduce a financial guarantee for their customers.

The organization is at the heart of raising standards in the Russian travel and tourism industry. It has established a strong and well respected education and training program for senior staff as well as setting up international standards.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Chairman World Travel Market Fiona Jeffery presented the awards to the winners at the WTM VIP Opening & Reception Ceremony held last Monday in London.

WTM's Global Media Network, comprising of key travel industry media around the world, put forward a shortlist of organizations and individuals which have contributed to their region's travel and tourism industry.

A Panel of Reed Travel Exhibitions Director World Travel Market Simon Press and Visit USA Chairperson Kate Burgess-Craddy judged a shortlist of entries put forward by Mercado & Eventos. Its International Marketing Director Ropsa Masgrau jointly presented the award with Jeffery.

Every year, World Travel Market Global Awards are presented. The other 2012 winners are: Lorca City, Gianluca Picone, R&D Manager of the Royal Continental Hotel Naples, Abreu Travel Agency, UTS Group, Ctrip.com International Ltd, Indigo Airlines, Priceline.com, Kuoni Travel, J. Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, Surjit S Babra, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SkyLink Travel Group and Mr. Selim El Zyr, co-founder, president and CEO at Rotana Group of Hotels.