Etihad Airways has been awarded with the highly esteemed title of 'World's Leading Airline' for the second year running by the World Travel Awards (WTA).
Acknowledged by many as the ultimate recognition in the travel industry, WTA's top airline award was presented to Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer. The scintillating WTA Grand Final 2010 Ceremony took place at the London's Grosvenor House.
Etihad Airways sustained its dramatic rise by picking up the award following a year that saw the carrier launch several new cheap flights to various destinations.
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, added yet another feather in its cap by also winning the award for the 'World's Leading First Class' airline for the third year in a row.
The airline's Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, was elated with the twin accolades and has expressed his delight. “To win the award for 'World's Leading Airline' two years running is a phenomenal and unprecedented achievement for an airline that is only seven years old." Mr Hogan stated in the company's press release.
"It shows that our service ethic is well embedded and that we have the ability to consistently deliver what customers want. The aviation industry is fiercely competitive and to win an accolade like this, and be placed amongst the best in the world, is something we will continue to strive for year on year." James Hogan further added.
Mr Hogan also spoke about the various challenges that the aviation industry has experienced during the recent times. “The aviation industry continues to face stern challenges whether it is in security, the global recession, or natural disasters like the ash cloud in Europe, but Etihad has shown that it is equipped to manage through these difficulties and still deliver the best product and service to its customers."
The year 2010 has indeed been a great year for the Abu Dhabi-based airline as earlier this year Etihad Airways won multiple awards at the WTA ceremony for the Middle East.
In the year 2009 Etihad Airways became the first Middle Eastern airline to win this coveted award which was credited to its lavish airport lounges and onboard products.
VIP Attendees
A great number of VIPs graced the gala ceremony with their presence, including His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who was conferred with the prestigious 'Leading Personality of the Year' award for his remarkable contribution to the development of religious tourism in the Holy City of Makkah.
Other VIPs who attended the ceremony are Sally Chatterjee, CEO, VisitLondon; Fiona Jeffery, Chairman, World Travel Market & Just a Drop; Hon. Ed Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica; Adam Stewart, CEO, Sandals Resorts International; Josef Forstmayr, President, CHA and Tan Sri Dr.Mohd Munir bin Abdul Majid, Chairman, Malaysia Airlines.
World Travel Awards
Established 17 years ago, the World Travel Awards recognise and honour the best in airline, hospitality and tourism industries. Industry experts select nominations keeping in mind the quality of service offered, customer relations, business acumen and product innovation.
This year's WTA nominations included 5,000 companies in 1,000 categories across more than 160 countries throughout the world. Thousands of industry professionals and consumers around the world selected the winners by online voting. It has been reported that during the voting session itself the Etihad Airways was lauded for it outstanding services in the air as well as on the ground.
President and Founder of World Travel Awards, Graham Cooke was pleased with the proceedings and stated “This year, like the last, continues to challenge every strata of travel and tourism. However (tonight's) World Travel Awards winners see struggle not as sign of weakness or failure, but as an opportunity for growth and renewal, and a chance to put their business model through the ultimate test."
"By combining flair and ambition with savvy business acumen, these organisations are spearheading the worldwide recovery of travel and tourism. In doing so they are also reinforcing our industry's role as one of the mainstays of the global economy." Graham Cooke further added in his enriching speech.
It has been observed that consumers are increasingly shifting their loyalties to companies and destinations that make it on to the winners' podium as it offers them a reassurance of their quality. In such a scenario these awards become all the more important for the brands as they have commercial benefits attached with it.
Other Winners
In other developments, London was voted as the 'World's Leading Destination' beating off the likes of New York, Sydney and Cape Town.The cosmopolitan city of London experienced a boom in the tourist arrivals with as many as 27 million visitors reaching its shores ahead of the 2012 Olympics.
Meanwhile, Regine Sixt, president of Sixt, was declared the 'Woman of the Year' for her crucial role within the organisation and steering its way through a sluggish period.
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