World Travel Awards, the biggest and the most prestigious awards programme in the travel industry worldwide, has unveiled the regional nominees for the 2011 awards.

Contenders include each region’s leading tourist boards, airlines and luxury hotels. Over 5,000 organisations from across 160 countries will be competing in over 900 categories. Nominees of the world categories will be announced at the end of September, a statement said.

Online voting has now opened and the organisers of the awards are urging both trade and consumers to submit their votes in order to seek out those who excel in the travel industry.

Self nominations in 2011 has increased by 35 per cent compared to the previous year as companies and destinations are becoming more aware of the global coverage and commercial benefits those who make it onto the winners’ podium can expect to achieve.

The first of the regional heats will take place this May at The Armani Hotel in Dubai and will see Middle East companies battle it out for the World Travel Awards trophies.

This will be followed closely by ceremonies in Jamaica, Antalya, Egypt and Bangkok. Winners from the regional events will then go on to compete in the grand final later in the year.

Graham E Cooke, founder and president, World Travel Awards, said: “As the tension surrounding the regional ceremonies builds, we are looking forward to revealing the leading players and tracking their progress as they head to our Grand Final 2011.”

“More companies than ever have put themselves forward for self nominations in 2011 and we have been equally overwhelmed by the number of multinational companies who have been spearheading their global marketing campaigns with their award victories.”

“With the global recession affecting travellers and their budget, the ability to choose quality travel products is becoming increasingly important to both business and consumer travellers,” Cooke noted.

“2010 demonstrated how consumers are increasingly using the list of winners as a reliable guide and means of reassurance when choosing their holiday, which is why winning one of the World Travel Awards has become more hotly contended than ever,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service