Indian Ocean “Oscars of the Travel Industry” named

Hilton Hotels, Air Mauritius, Sun Island Resort & Spa, Seychelles, and Lux Resorts were among the big names to emerge victorious at World Travel Awards 2013 Indian Ocean ceremony, held at the Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives, on May 12, 2013.

The industry’s elite, including CEOs and SVPs of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourist board chiefs, attended the idyllic island gala event hailed as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry.” World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.

Air Mauritius was one of the shining stars of the night, capturing Indian Oceans Leading Airline. Other award winners from across the region, saw Indian Oceans Leading New Hotel going to Coco Prive Kuda Hithi Island; Indian Oceans Leading Resort to One&Only Reethi Rah; Leading Water Villa Resort and Most Romantic Resort went to Baros; and Leading Luxury Resort to Gili Lankanfushi; with Lets Go Maldives taking Leading Luxury Tour Operator; along with a new award that went to SriLankan Airlines for Outstanding Services to the Tourist Industry, Indian Ocean.

The Maldives’ continuing rise to tourism stardom was rewarded, too, as it took home top honors for Best Airport, awarded to Maldives Airports Company Limited for Ibrahim Nasir International Airport; Indian Oceans Leading Tourist Board; and Indian Oceans Leading Destination.

Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “The Indian Ocean continues to serve as an example of a responsible eco-tourism region whilst offering the most unique hospitality products and services. It strives to set the highest possible bar to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism and it has been an honor to hold the first ever Indian Ocean World Travel Awards here.”