The Claridges, a leading luxury hotel in Delhi, will host the World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia Ceremony in October.

The event, the most important night of the year for Asia and Australasia’s tourism industry, will demonstrate just why the region is experiencing unprecedented uplift, regardless of the challenging global economic environment.

Graham E Cooke, founder and president of World Travel Awards, described as the ‘Oscars’ of the global industry, said the event is a brilliant barometer of the region’s phenomenal success.

“International tourism is slowly gaining momentum after extremely difficult times last year,” he said. “What is remarkable though is that according to the latest official figures, Asia and the Pacific is leading the world.”

“The region was up an incredible 10 per cent in the first two months of the year, an indication of the industry’s resourcefulness, drive and determination to succeed.”

“World Travel Awards was established 17 years ago to drive up standards of customer service and overall performance and this year’s winners will be an excellent business model for others to follow. The hotel is an ideal venue for such an event, combining both a business and luxury resort in one,” he added.

Peter J Leitgeb, president and CEO, The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, said: “It is our privilege to be chosen as the venue for the first ever World Travel Awards to be held in India.”

“Today, India is on everyone’s radar. It is reiterated by the number of visitors the hotels are seeing in this part of the world. Such volume is practically unheard of anywhere else.”

“In keeping with the buoyant economy The Claridges Hotels & Resorts too has seen significant growth in occupancy and revenue over the years. Choosing New Delhi as the destination for World Travel Award Asia and Australasia further reinforces India as ‘the’ destination which no one can today overlook,” Leitgeb said.

Viewed as the ultimate achievement for any Asian or Australasian company, more than 80 travel brands are competing to be the best.

Online voting is now underway at worldtravelawards.com and nominees are campaigning hard with agents and industry executives to win support, said a statement.

Winners of the regional ceremony will then go on to compete in World Travel Awards 2010 final in London on November 7, immediately before World Travel Market, which will run from November 8 to 11.

Consumers are increasingly using the winners list as a reliable resource when choosing a holiday, the statement added. – TradeArabia News Service