World Travel Awards sparkles with winners at Middle East ceremony

Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Beach and Saadiyat Island development project; the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi were among the leisure industry (non accommodation) winners at the recent World Travel Awards 2013 Middle East ceremony, held at Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa Dubai.

Among a range of winners, Abu Dhabi's rise as a leisure destination was recognised with a host of top honours, including the awards for the Middle East's Leading:

Exhibition & Convention Centre - Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre;

Beach Destination - Saadiyat Beach;

Tourism Development Project - Saadiyat Island (pictured);

Tourist Attraction - Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi (click here to view report from yesterday); and

Leading Tourist Board - Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

Other significant leisure sector winners included:

Middle East's Leading Beach Resort - Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai;

Middle East's Leading Desert Resort - Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai;

Middle East's Leading Desert Spa Resort - Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates;

Middle East's Leading Resort - Atlantis The Palm, Dubai; and

Middle East's Leading Sports Resort - Meydan, Dubai.

Etihad Airways was also one of the shining stars on the night, capturing Middle East's Leading Airline, Middle East's Leading Airline First Class, and Middle East's Leading Cabin Crew.

Not to be outshone, Emirates took Middle East's Leading Airline Business Class, Middle East's Leading Airline Awards Program and Middle East's Leading Airline Website.

Acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service, the World Travel Awards celebrate their 20th anniversary this year.

Regional award ceremonies are being held around the world prior to the WTA Grand Final 2013 which will take place in Las Vegas later this year.

Awards President and Founder Graham E Cooke explains "the Middle East was the perfect region to mark the start of the World Travel Awards 2013 Grand Tour, setting the highest possible bar for the rest of the world to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism."

For a full list of winners go to www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2013-10

16th May 2013 - YAS WATERWORLD ABU DHABI NAMED MIDDLE EAST’S LEADING ATTRACTION AT THE 2013 AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS