The Algarve has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, says founder of World Travel Awards.
Organisers of the World Travel Awards (WTA) have chosen the Algarve to host the European 2012 ceremony of the prestigious ‘Tourism Oscars’ that “acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry”.
To be held at the five star resort Conrad Algarve in Quinta do Lago on October 6, the WTA Europe 2012 event is being viewed as an opportunity to showcase the potential of the Algarve as a first-class tourism destination to decision-makers in the industry.
Commenting on the decision to select the Algarve for the event, Graham E Cooke, president and founder of the WTA, said: “We are delighted to be holding our first ceremony in the Algarve, a decision that reflects the importance of tourism for the region and its contribution in general to the Portuguese economy.
“The Algarve has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and the new Conrad Algarve is expected to bring a different level of luxury to the area.
“The WTA event will be the perfect opportunity to show off the resort’s facilities to leading decision-makers in the travel and tourism industry.”
Resort manager Joachim Hartl said he was delighted to be launching the first Conrad in Europe in the Algarve at around the same time that it was holding such a prestigious event as the World Travel Awards.
“The inauguration of the Conrad Algarve this summer is much-awaited not only in the region but also in Europe,” he said, adding that the hotel would be offering a “Premium luxury experience without precedent”.
The WTA Europe 2012 event will be attended by representatives of leading European brands in the travel and tourism industry, who will also be competing for the prestigious awards.
Organised by Conrad Algarve, in cooperation with Turismo do Algarve and Publituris, the ceremony will include a gala dinner and a varied programme of entertainment.
Guests from around the world will also have the opportunity to participate in a golf tournament, the WTA Europe Golf Classic, which will take place at “one of the best golf courses in the Algarve”.
António Pina, president of Turismo do Algarve, said the WTA will be an opportunity to promote the region as a “first class destination, with superb infrastructures and an enviable climate, with the sun shining 300 days of the year”.
The European 2012 ceremony will mark the fourth stage of the WTA Grand Tour, which includes regional finals in Dubai, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Nairobi and Singapore.
Winners of these stages will then move on to the Grand Final to be held at The Oberi Hotel in New Deli on December 12.
The Conrad Algarve is hoping to attract widespread interest from visitors looking for a five star experience with a difference in the region. “Located at Quinta do Lago, one of the world’s most alluring destinations, known for its world-class golf courses and stunning beaches, the resort’s surrounding scenery also includes the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected reserve,” said a statement from the resort.
The Conrad Algarve is to be inaugurated this summer at a date yet to be announced with reservations only available from October 1. I.L.
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