In April, Global Traveler announced the first winners of its Leisure Travel Awards. Below are the winners, along with a preview of upcoming initiatives from these top leisure travel providers. Congratulations to all the winners.
Standing, left to right: Emmanuel Jeffers, senior beach and pool manager; Cheverton Persaud, assistant food and beverage manager; Mel van den Bergh, director of food and beverage; Susie Boggie, director of housekeeping; Ingo Brieke, assistant director of rooms; Jorge Paez, food and beverage manager; Allison Smith-Mason, sous chef; Sven Wiedenhaupt, general manager; and kneeling, left to right, Fabiano Lim, assistant front office manager; Shirley Bowrin, resort assistant manager, Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Best Resort in the Caribbean: Four Seasons Resort Nevis
What’s next for Four Seasons Resort Nevis?
Four Seasons Resort Nevis is emphasizing local experiences. The resort will introduce a range of on-property and island excursions that highlight Nevis’s natural landscape and history. New activities include Calypso dancing lessons, Nevisian dialect classes, a refreshed Caribbean Rim menu at Mango waterfront restaurant, guided snorkeling tours along the resort reef, and Ecobio Golf.
Alex Herrmann, director, Americas, Swiss National Tourist Office
Best Skiing: Switzerland
What’s next for Swiss National Tourist Office?
In 2014, Switzerland celebrates the 150th anniversary of winter tourism. The country continues to position itself as a premier destination for skiing and winter sports and looks forward to welcoming visitors for many years to come.
Jonathan Reap, managing director, Tahiti Tourism
Best Island in Asia and the South Pacific: Bora Bora
What’s next for Tahiti Tourism?
Tahiti has seen strong growth from the North American market. The focus going forward is to promote the Islands of Tahiti as a destination for travelers seeking privacy and authentic island experiences.
Alex Schneider, hotel manager, Emirates Palace
Best Resort in the Middle East: Emirates Palace
What’s next for Emirates Palace?
Emirates Palace continues to welcome a wide range of guests, from government dignitaries to leisure travelers. The resort emphasizes consistent, high-quality hospitality and aims to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to linger.
Sue Kanoho, executive director, Kaua’i Visitors Bureau
Best Island in the United States and Canada: Kaua’i
What’s next for Kaua’i Visitors Bureau?
Kaua’i will mark the 20th anniversary of the film Jurassic Park, celebrating the island locations featured in the movie, from rainforest scenes to waterfalls and panoramic landscapes. The bureau plans events tied to the updated Kaua’i Movie Book.
Sthu Zungu, president, South African Tourism
Best Safari Destination: South Africa
What’s next for South African Tourism?
South African Tourism is working to deepen the range of experiences available to visitors. Improved infrastructure since hosting the 2010 World Cup has supported growth; North American tourism increased notably in recent years, with more travelers combining business with cultural and heritage activities.
Gregg Anderson, general manager, Tourism New Zealand
Best Hiking: New Zealand
What’s next for Tourism New Zealand?
The international success of The Hobbit films has boosted visitation, a trend expected to continue with additional movie releases. Continued growth is also supported by success in the cruise market, expansion in the luxury sector, and strong reputations for golf, trekking and cycle trails.
Richard Marnell, senior vice president, marketing, Viking River Cruises
Best River Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
What’s next for Viking River Cruises?
Viking is experiencing rapid growth in the river cruise segment. After a record-setting christening of 10 new Longships, the company plans even larger fleet expansion and will launch new itineraries in Bordeaux and on the Irrawaddy River through Thailand and Myanmar. Viking is also preparing to introduce an ocean cruise line, with the 928-passenger Viking Star scheduled to debut in 2015, offering maiden voyages in Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean.
Paul James, senior vice president, global luxury brands leader, Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Best Resort in the United States and Canada: The Phoenician Best Resort in Europe: The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort
What’s next for Starwood Hotels & Resorts?
Starwood is focused on expanding into emerging markets while adapting to travelers who combine business and leisure. The brand has doubled its portfolio in ten years and expects continued growth through 2016.
Bill Flora, director, United States, Hong Kong Tourism Board
Best Shopping: Hong Kong
What’s next for Hong Kong Tourism Board?
Hong Kong continues to develop world-class visitor infrastructure, including the new Kai Tak cruise terminal with views of Victoria Harbour. The city will also host the Hong Kong Wine & Dine festival later in the year, moving to a new central harborfront location on Hong Kong Island.
Perla George, general manager, North America marketing and operations, BVI Tourist Board
Best Beach Destination: British Virgin Islands
What’s next for the British Virgin Islands?
The BVI plans airport expansion to support more direct flights. The destination will continue promoting festivals, fishing, boating and adventure travel packages that draw visitors to the islands.
Ebru Ejder, director, Turkish Culture and Tourism Office
Best Historical Attractions: Turkey
What’s next for the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office?
Turkey—the bridge between East and West—offers rich history and culture with sites such as Ephesus, Troy, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Ongoing archaeological work, including hundreds of projects nationwide, will reveal lesser-known sites and expand the country’s appeal as an open-air museum for travelers.
Phil Otterson, chief executive officer, Abercrombie & Kent
Best Luxury Tour Operator: Abercrombie & Kent
What’s next for Abercrombie & Kent?
Recent developments include a private jet product and the Connections program, which offers personalized cultural experiences. The company plans to expand into new markets and introduce new travel products, including Arctic journeys and itineraries to coastal Norway, Russia, Ireland and Great Britain.
Jane Whitehead, vice president, Americas, Tourism Australia
Best Natural Attractions: Australia Best Adventure Travel Destination: Australia
What’s next for Tourism Australia?
Tourism Australia aims to build on growing interest from American travelers by promoting the country’s unique food, wine and cultural experiences along with its renowned natural attractions. The focus is on showcasing Australia’s diverse experiences and friendly hospitality to attract more visitors.
Ellen Bettridge, president, Americas, Silversea Cruises
Best Small Ship Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
What’s next for Silversea Cruises?
In its 20th anniversary year, Silversea has curated a special collection of voyages featuring overnight stays and extended itineraries to allow guests more time to explore destinations. In 2014, the seven-ship fleet will visit more than 500 destinations across seven continents.
Guillaume Epinette, general manager, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Best Resort in Asia and the South Pacific: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
What’s next for InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa?
The resort plans to keep creating new guest experiences to ensure every stay remains a memorable, dreamlike escape brought to life by the dedicated team.
Michael Bayley, chief executive officer, Celebrity Cruises
Best Large Ship Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
What’s next for Celebrity Cruises?
Celebrity Cruises aims to deliver premium modern luxury across its fleet of 11 ships, focusing on culinary excellence, personalized service, distinctive entertainment and immersive shore excursions. The line looks forward to welcoming guests on voyages around the world.
Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Best Resort in Hawaii: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort / Best Resort in Mexico: Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort / Best Resort in Africa: Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
What’s next for Hilton Hotels & Resorts?
Hilton continues to innovate across its global portfolio by researching traveler needs and developing products and services that meet evolving expectations. The brand focuses on maintaining its leadership through strategic growth and guest-centered innovation.
Sandra Estornell, general manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Best Resort in South America: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
What’s next for The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago?
The hotel recently reopened a renovated spa and plans further updates in 2014, including renovations to banquet spaces and guestrooms, to enhance its reputation as a refined urban oasis for meetings, events and leisure stays.
Josephine Png, director of marketing; Katja Henke, general manager; Jitrawan Phrueksasri, director of spa; Mark Choon, hotel manager, The Peninsula Bangkok
Best Spa: The Peninsula Bangkok
What’s next for The Peninsula Bangkok?
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, The Peninsula Bangkok is launching several projects: a refreshed lobby design, a library donation initiative for underprivileged children, and the introduction of a Chef’s Table at the award-winning Mei Jiang restaurant.
Eugenio Magnani, director, Italian Government Tourist Board
Best Island in Europe: Capri
What’s next for the Italian Government Tourist Board?
The Italian Government Tourist Board has been active in promoting Italian culture, including events linked to the “2013 Year of Italian Culture in the US.” Initiatives include the “Italy Much More” workshop connecting American buyers with Italian suppliers and support for educational cultural exchanges like The Grand Tour, which brings American students to Italy to study language and culture. A trip to Italy offers visitors a wealth of experiences, surprises and lasting memories.