Condé Nast Traveller India gives away first Readers' Travel Awards

Union Minister of Tourism Subodh Kant Sahay felicitates the winners at a gala ceremony in New Delhi

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | December 6, 2011

Condé Nast Traveller India, the last word in travel, announced the winners of its inaugural Condé Nast Traveller India Readers' Travel Awards (RTA) at The Leela Palace, New Delhi.

The glittering awards ceremony was attended by captains of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, such as Omar Abdullah, Bina Kak, Captain Nair, Raymond Bickson, Nakul Anand, Vikram Oberoi, Vijay Mallya, Marcel Hungerbuehler, Lekha Poddar, Priti & Priya Paul, Vir Sanghvi; among other prominent personalities. Subodh Kant Sahay, Honourable Minister of Tourism, Government of India, graced the event as Chief Guest and also presented the Lifetime Achievement Awards (details enclosed).

The Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards enjoy industry-wide credibility because they are judged by the most important stakeholders – the travelers themselves. As the global travel industry increasingly focuses on Asia for growth, the opinions of India's most sophisticated and up-market travelers are being closely monitored.

The Indian readers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite destinations, hotels, airlines, spas, airports and more. The winners were chosen after being scored on several parameters unique to each category. Five lucky winners even got luxury hotel stays in Phuket, Dubai, Singapore, Tokyo and Bangkok.

Commenting on the inaugural awards ceremony, Alex Kuruvilla, Managing Director, Condé Nast India said, “Globally, Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards are recognised as a benchmark for excellence in the travel and tourism industry, because they are voted for by the world's most discerning travelers, the readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine. India is recognised as a favored luxury destination world over and the arrival of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards in India is a testament to Condé Nast Traveller's longstanding commitment to spearhead growth in the luxury travel space.”

Divia Thani Daswani, Editor, Condé Nast Traveller India said, “The time is perfect for the launch of India's very own Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards as the focus of the world's travel industry shifts to Asia for future growth. With the Indian outbound travel market expected to reach $40 billion in the next five years, the choices of India's opinion-makers and affluent travelers are more important than ever. We are extremely encouraged by the growth and popularity of the magazine since its launch last year and by the sheer number of votes cast. Luxury travel is something Indians are getting more familiar and comfortable with every day.” 

Subodh Kant Sahay, Honourable Minister of Tourism, Government of India shared, “Our vision is to double the number of tourists. Now is the time to properly market India's tourist destinations.  Condé Nast Traveller has contributed extensively to the Indian tourism industry since their arrival in India and the magazine will be our helping hand for the future thanks to its circulation and credentials - which are tremendous, no doubt.”

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER READERS' TRAVEL AWARDS INDIA 2011 WINNERS

1. 1. Country: Thailand
2. Overseas City: London
3. Indian City: Mumbai
4. Leisure Destination–India: Udaipur
5. Emerging Destination–Overseas: Turkey
6. Emerging Destination–India: Leh, Ladakh
7. Business Hotel –Overseas: Grand Hyatt, Dubai
8. Business Hotel –India: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
9. Leisure Hotel –Overseas: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
10. Leisure Hotel–India : The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
11. New Hotel – Overseas: W London – Leicester Square
12. New Hotel –India: Taj Falaknuma Palace
13. Boutique Hotel –India: Devi Garh Fort Palace, Udaipur
14. Hotel  Loyalty Programme: Taj InnerCircle, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
15. Airport: Singapore Changi Airport
16. Business Airline–Overseas: Singapore Airlines
17. Business Airline- Domestic: Kingfisher Airlines
18. Leisure Travel Airline- Overseas: Emirates
19. Leisure Travel Airline-Domestic: Kingfisher Airlines
20. Cruise Liner: Royal Caribbean International
21. Specialist Tour Operator: Thomas Cook
22. Spa in Hotel – Overseas: CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
23. Spa in Hotel – India: Kaya Kalp – the Royal Spa, ITC Mughal, Agra
24. Destination Spa - Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa
25. Excellence in Design - Ms. Priya Paul
26. Excellence in Energy and Environmental Design - ITC Limited (Mr. Nakul Anand)
27. Lifetime Achievement Award - P.R. S. Oberoi
28. Lifetime Achievement Award - Captain Nair

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