World Travel Awards will hold the awards event for Europe’s top destinations and travel companies at the Europe Gala Ceremony on October 1 in Antalya.

The Rixos Premium Belek, Antalya on the Turkish Riviera will play host for the awards, described as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry.

European nominees are among 5,000 nominated companies across more than a 1,000 categories, including airlines, cruise companies, destinations, resorts and hotels in 162 countries.

Entertainment for the evening comes in the form of the 45-strong world-famous ‘Fire of Anatolia’ dance act. Traditional Turkish dancing with a collaboration of ballet and modern dance, the performance is backed by swirling Turkish music and drumming.

Nominees include some of the leading travel names in the business including Europcar, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Hilton Hotels, Lufthansa, Hertz, Mardan Palace, Tui Travel, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and The Rocco Forte Collection.

The highly contended title for Europe’s leading airline sees Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, TAP Portugal and Turkish Airlines fighting it out for the coveted title.

The contenders for Europe’s leading destination include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Crete, Dublin, Dubrovnik, Istanbul, Lisbon, London, Pafos, Paris, Prague, Rome, Tallinn, Venice, Vienna and Vilnuis. Italy has the highest odds being the only country to have two destinations nominated.

In addition to overall Europe categories, there are awards for 57 countries including: Andorra, Belgium, England, France, Greece, Iceland, Monaco, Poland, Slovakia and Turkey, among others.

Travel industry professionals throughout the world have been voting online for their preferred companies and organisations during the past four months. Voting has now closed and votes counted ready for the big night, a statement said.

Winners of the Europe Gala Ceremony go through to the final of the World Travel Awards in London on November 7, immediately prior to World Travel Market.

Consumers increasingly use the list of winners as a reliable guide and means of reassurance when choosing their holiday. Companies and destinations that finish up on the winners podium, receive extensive commercial benefits and global profile. – TradeArabia News Service