The event will mark the first time that WTA’s
Grand Final will be hosted in Asia. The WTA organisers chose Delhi as host due
to the Indian capital’s continuing evolution as a world-class business and
leisure destination. In particular, Delhi’s luxury hospitality sector is
enjoying a golden age, spearheaded by the likes of The Oberoi, Gurgaon.
This was reflected at WTA’s Grand Final 2011 in
Qatar, when The Oberoi, Gurgaon emerged victorious in the hotly-contested
“World’s Leading Luxury Hotel” category. Meanwhile India saw off competition
from London, New York, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney to win the award
for “World’s Leading Destination”.
Graham E Cooke, President & Founder, WTA,
says: “The selection of our hosts is fundamental to the success of our awards
programme, and Delhi possesses all the ingredients to rise to the challenge of
hosting our Grand Final. The ceremony also aims to highlight the growing
contribution of travel and tourism to the Indian economy. The number of
international tourists has doubled in less than a decade, and by 2015 the
industry is expected to create an additional 25 million jobs in India.”
He adds: “The Oberoi, Gurgaon exemplifies
India’s emergence as a new tourism superpower. Since opening last year, this
exquisite property has set a new precedent for luxury, not just in India but
globally, and it serves as an excellent hub both for business and for leisure.”
Set over nine lush acres of landscaped gardens,
The Oberoi, Gurgaon offers an urban sanctuary presiding over a quiet resort
setting, personalised service and the best of modern amenities, all in the
heart of the business and commercial district of Delhi.
The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Delhi
International Airport, and also within easy reach from the New Delhi city
centre, major sightseeing destinations and the entertainment, shopping and
recreation hubs in Gurgaon city.
Kapil Chopra, Executive Vice President, The
Oberoi Group, says: “We are indeed privileged to host the Grand Final Gala
Ceremony in December 2012. WTA celebrates the best in the hospitality and
tourism industries. Having just bagged the honour of ‘World’s Leading Luxury
Hotel’ in 2011, we are very excited to welcome the crème de la crème of the
travel industry to The Oberoi, Gurgaon and look forward to offering them a
memorable experience. The event is also an excellent opportunity for Indian
tourism industry. The spotlight of the world’s travel industry will definitely
be shining on India this December.”
The glittering WTA Grand Final 2012 will attract
the most important decision-makers in global travel and tourism as they compete
for the most revered accolade in the industry.
The
night will mark the culmination of a year-long search for the very best travel
and tourism brands in the world, and will feature the regional winners from
WTA’s Grand Tour 2012 competing head to head. Regional heats in 2012 will be
taking place in Dubai (UAE), Turks & Caicos, Nairobi (Kenya), Algarve
(Portugal), and Singapore.