In what promises to be one of the most important events in the travel business calendar, World Travel Awards, regarded worldwide as the “Oscars of the Travel Industry”, is to host a star-studded evening at Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa on October 1st.
Jean-Francois Laurent, General Manager at Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa said: “Just days ago, we were preparing to open a brand new resort on Dubai’s most iconic tourist attraction, The Palm Jumeirah; now we are the proud hosts of one of the industry’s most anticipated events of the year.
“The Gala Ceremony for World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia will celebrate the achievements of some of the most unique and exciting hotels and resorts in the region.
“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing great people being acknowledged for their excellence. Our teams here at Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa have worked hard to deliver a truly inspiring event that will allow us all to appreciate the effort, hard work and pure passion that goes into running a successful resort or hotel.” Laurent added.
Tourism and hospitality organisations from 40 countries will compete for these prestigious accolades during an evening of excellence hosted by the world-renowned Simone Heng, a Singapore-born Australian TV and Radio host. After working for Singapore’s Power 98FM, Simone moved to Richard Branson’s Virgin Radio International to join “the jewel in the crown” of its international franchise, 104.4 Virgin Radio Dubai. On top of hosting the highest-rating English radio lunch-time show for almost half a decade, Simone also established her name on television across the Arab world as host of “Dubai 101” on Dubai One TV, which she fronted for two seasons. Simone is currently the face of Dove hair and has been the face of Ponds Arabia, BlackBerry Middle East and Philip Stein Watches. She has also been asked to represent iconic Dubai events like The Dubai World Cup’s (the world’s richest horse race) Jaguar Style Stakes 2013 where she was chosen as a judge of the fashions on the field. CNN International has also chosen Simone as one of Dubai’s travel guides for their global travel show CNN Go, which will air in October 2013. In 2012, Simone was cast in a cameo in the film “Switch” opposite Chinese superstar, Andy Lau. She’s been named by Elle Arabia and Chanel Middle East as one of their 2013 “It Women” who personify the “spirit and grace” of both brands.