Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East and Africa (MEA) president and CEO Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi has been named the Middle East’s 'Leading Travel Personality' during a special presentation at the 2014 World Travel Awards Middle East.

Alzaabi was honoured for his contribution to the industry and strategic role in propagating tourism growth in the region through his role at the helm of one of the region’s fastest-growing hotel groups.

The awards gala ceremony was held at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai with guest of honour Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum in attendance.

Etihad Airways successfully defended its title of Middle East’s Leading Airline, while Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing took the titles of Middle East’s Leading Destination and Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board.

Other winners included Rotana Hotels, which took the title of Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand; Dubai International, which won Middle East’s Leading Airport; and Royal Jet, which walked away with the title of Middle East’s Leading Private Jet Charter.

Hosts JW Marriott Marquis Dubai took the title of Middle East’s Leading MICE Hotel.

World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “Dubai has come back to reclaim its place at the forefront of global tourism in 2014 and I am delighted World Travel Awards has returned this year to share in its success. Having been selected to host Expo 2020 in six years time, the future is certainly bright for the destination.”

He added: “We have welcomed some fantastic winners this year, and I look forward to seeiing them all in Morocco for the Grand Final at the end of 2014.”

Accepting his award, Alzaabi said: “As a leading global hospitality brand we see huge potential for development across the region and, as a UAE national and lifelong hotelier, to be an active player in shaping the future travel and tourism landscape continues to be extremely challenging, inspiring and rewarding.”

The gala ceremony was hosted by Mark Lloyd and Lucy Taylor, presenters of ‘The Travel Show’, a two-hour live programme on Dubai Eye 103.8FM, and welcomed entertainment from Music Hall stars Sabreen Staples, Hayke and Veronique. - TradeArabia News Service