Travel industry leaders from around the world recently gathered in New York City to honor the winners of this year’s GT Tested Awards. The celebration took place at the brand-new Andaz Wall Street, where guests enjoyed a reception at Wall & Water, the hotel’s striking restaurant with a showcase kitchen and East River views. The event combined elegance and energy as hundreds of attendees from the business and luxury travel sectors came together to recognize excellence.
Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard attended to congratulate winners and launch Global Traveler’s annual silent auction. This year’s auction supports The Mentor Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1993 that works to prevent drug misuse by supporting those who work with young people. The Mentor Foundation focuses on training and resources to help implement effective prevention programs—an initiative that resonates with Howard and many in the travel community.
The GT Tested Awards are among the industry’s most respected honors. Winners are chosen from an open-ended survey of Global Traveler readers—an experienced and discerning group of frequent travelers. Many award recipients also contribute generously to Global Traveler’s auction each year by donating goods and services that benefit important causes.
“Sincere thanks for including me in the GT Tested Awards reception. The venue, food and guests were nothing short of fabulous. Congratulations on hosting a truly successful event.”
– Heather M. Broward, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Dawson Media Direct
“Thanks for the great evening at the Andaz Wall Street. What a nice crowd and location, complemented by excellent food and wine. And of course, thank you for the awards.”
– Martin Riecken, director, head of corporate communications The Americas, Deutsche Lufthansa AG
“Thank you on behalf of TAP for the wonderful and warm reception at the GT Tested Awards. The food, wine and venue were superb.”
– Gloria Melo, customer relations and advertising, TAP Portugal
“Great job in a very cool venue.”
– John Massey, manager, marketing programs and industry affairs, Air India
“The GT Tested Awards reception was extremely well done. The turnout, given the tough advertising climate, was very encouraging. You certainly have a fan club.”
– Rick Irwin, senior vice president, Clifford Paper
Award Recipients
1. Asiana Airlines flight attendants; Terrence Howard; Ja Joon Goo, general manager, cabin crew operations, Asiana Airlines
2. Terrence Howard; John Wroblewski, distribution specialist, Global Traveler
Terrence Howard; Fatima da Gloria De Sousa, director, brand and communications, SkyTeam
John Massey, manager, marketing programs and industry affairs, Air India
Nihan Bekar, director, Turkish Culture and Tourism Office
Patrick Khoury, senior director, sales, USA, Air Canada
Pam Hufnagel, director of marketing management, voice services, AT&T Wireless
Frank Bowling, ambassador, Montage Beverly Hills
Robin Middleton, regional general manager, Etihad Airways
Terrence Howard; Ken Bright, vice president of marketing, Americas, Singapore Airlines
Dawn Callahan, vice president, consumer marketing, Boingo Wireless
Andrea Zaretsky, vice president, Membership Rewards marketing, American Express
Richard Chambers, vice president, leisure marketing, luxury brands, Hilton Corporation
Annette Reantragoon, general manager, USA, Swiss International Air Lines