Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: The Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourism offering was on full display at the 2005 World Travel Market trade show in London, highlighted by a host of awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards ceremony held in conjunction with the event.
Turks and Caicos was voted home to the “World’s Leading Beach” and the “World’s Leading Family All Inclusive” (Beaches Resort & Spa) by the most comprehensive travel trade poll of its kind in which a total of 156,000 travel agencies and professionals in over 140 countries were asked to vote.
Other Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) members also shared the spotlight at the 12th annual awards event, as Point Grace was named “Leading Boutique Hotel” in the entire Caribbean, and Beaches, Parrot Cay and the Como Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay received top honors in regional categories. The Palms was a finalist for “World’s Leading New Hotel” but was edged out by the Baglioni Hotel of London.
Trophies for the World Travel Awards, which will be hosted in the Turks and Caicos in 2006, were given out at a gala ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House. The event was broadcast globally by BBC World, Discovery Channel and the Arab Travel Channel, as well as other media outlets across the globe.
It was a night to remember as the 500 guests enjoyed the presence of TV personalities Ruby Wax and Maureen Lipman, as well as performances by Cirque de Soleil and London’s West End smash hit musical “Dancin’ in the Street.”
Turks & Caicos’ famous white sand beach beat out other nominees from around the world to receive the top honors, including South Beach, Miami (USA); Negril, Jamaica; Daytona Beach, Florida (USA); Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman; Wailea Beach, Hawaii (USA): Maldives; and Crane Beach, Barbados.
High-profile presence at World Travel Market
At the World Travel Market, an annual event that draws travel and tourism professionals from around the world, representatives from TCHTA members Ocean Club, Point Grace, The Palms, Grace Bay Club and Beaches supported the TCI Tourist Board’s presence on the exhibit floor.
They joined TCI government officials -- including Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism Michael Misick; Minister of Communication, Works and Utilities McAllister Hanchell; Tourist Board Chairman Don Gardiner; and Director of the Tourist Board Lindsey Musgrove -- in promoting the country as a premier destination.
“The event was a great success for Turks and Caicos and for all TCHTA members as we emerged as a truly world-class destination that is becoming increasingly well known and accessible. The awards won by our members are a testament to the outstanding product we have to offer the global tourism market, and we are anxious to host the prestigious World Travel Awards event next year right here in our country,” said Caesar Campbell, CEO of the TCHTA.
“Since founding the World Travel Awards in 1993, we have seen a growing sophistication in the travel and tourism trade and increased competition. Voted for independently by travel professionals worldwide, our award winners are having a major impact and influence on the world’s travel and tourism industry. Our winners have always been at the forefront of this process with their initiatives and products,” says Graham Cooke, president of the World Travel Awards. “This year’s winners are no different, although 2005 has seen its fair share of global events from hurricanes to soaring oil prices. Yet our winners have continued to survive and thrive -- they've seen challenges as opportunities and led the way for the industry."
The full list of World Travel Awards 2005 winners can be found at www.worldtravelawards.com.
World Travel Awards come to TCI in 2006
The 13th Annual World Travel Awards will be held September 19-21, 2006 in Turks and Caicos, the association announced at this year’s event. Attracting a global crowd of participants to the islands, the ceremony marks the culmination of a year-long voting process.
Every year World Travel Awards Fever hits the travel industry community around the world, building to the crescendo of the annual Awards Presentation, when tens of thousands of travel professionals cast votes for their favorites on the web and glue themselves to official World Travel Awards web site to learn who will receive the highest accolade of the year.
“We are delighted to be bringing the World Travel Awards to Turks and Caicos, a beautiful location which has been on our radar as a host destination for our annual ceremony for some time,” Cooke commented. “The tourism industry is the main revenue provider for Turks and Caicos with a 60% return rate for visitors, who travel to the islands to sample its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, world class spas and tasty cuisine.”
The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements to be found in all sectors of the global travel industry. Dedicated travel professionals and their clients have come to regard the World Travel Awards as the best endorsement that any travel product could receive.
In addition to the award ceremony itself, TCI will play host the event’s golf tournament and Travel Internet Conference.
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