PROTEA WINS PRESTIGIOUS WORLD TRAVEL AWARD AGAIN! - 21 September 2006

21 September 2006

Protea Hotels has once again been awarded the prestigious Africa's Leading Hotel Brand at this year's World Travel Award's 13th annual ceremony. "This decision was reached by travel agents worldwide - our most discerning group of critics," said Otto Stehlik, Executive Chairman of Protea Hospitality Corporation. This year's voting reached a total of 167,000 travel professionals worldwide, including 110,000 travel agents, a phenomenal intake of votes. Stehlik reiterated his sentiment from last year's awards, marvelling at the magnitude of these awards, adding, "We feel so incredibly honoured to be recognised for the second year in a row by the international travel trade".

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements to be found in all sectors of the global travel industry. In the years since, new technology has ensured that travel has maintained its position as one of the fastest-growing industries. Also during that time, dedicated travel professionals and their clients have come to regard the World Travel Awards as the best endorsement that any travel product could receive. This is a true endorsement of a company's achievements and services by fellow travel professionals who are critical in their judgment. It is also a powerful means of communicating a message of excellence to both existing and potential customers.

Candidates for nomination are based upon the previous years' voting, culminating in an annual award ceremony, attended by international media. The ceremony was held at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort this year, with trophies awarded in all areas of the industry. Regional geographical categories are broken down from the Whole World category into eight smaller areas and then further divided into all areas of the travel industry.