New frontiers award confirms final three destinations

The award will be given to the destination that has made the outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Industry professionals were consulted, which represented international charities, global travel and tourism associations and journalists from leading travel publications. Initially, ten destinations were selected of which three made it to the short-list. Destinations such as Bali, Sri Lanka, Egypt and the Maldives have all made tremendous strides after suffering from either man-made or natural disasters. However the final three destinations had, above all others, made an indelible impact on tourism development, against all the odds.

The short-listed destinations were chosen considering a number of decisive factors such as, their utilisation of aid packages, support from local and national government, tangible efforts of recovery and the sheer determination of the human spirit.

Chris Chackal, Group Exhibitions Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions said, "The concept for the award was borne out of the remarkable achievements that have been observed over the last twenty four months. The way in which some destinations have recovered from overwhelming disasters was humbling and awe inspiring. In recognition of those super-human efforts, we wanted to salute their exceptional achievements and try to help in some small way."

"It was a terribly difficult decision to short-list three destinations. All ten deserved awards for what they have been through!" added Chackal.
Phuket was short-listed for its gritty determination to pull through following the devastating Tsunami in December 2004. The island's residents immediately started the clean-up effort and worked days and nights to remove debris from the beaches. With the help and co-ordination of the central government and the efforts of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket has now managed to rebuild its battered coastline and improve its shattered local economy.

Beirut and Lebanon in general was enjoying a steady increase in tourist numbers (over 1.2 million) and some iconic tourism projects were being planned, before the country was thrown into turmoil by the assassination of Prime Minister, Rafiq Harriri. The Lebanese resolve despite the political fallout was stoic and their tourism industry is once again enjoying increasing tourism numbers and Solidaire's mega construction projects have restored industry confidence.

Finally, the world will never forget the shocking images beamed live from New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The 'Big Easy' not only had the flooding to contend with, political in-fighting at local, state and federal levels hindered initial rescue efforts. New Orleans spirit however lives on, gradually life is returning to normal and the decision to go-ahead with the world famous Mardi Gras was indicative of their defiance of Katrina.

The recipient will be announced during a special awards ceremony at the Arabian Travel Market's annual exhibitors' party, which will be held on May 2nd 2006 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. The unique prize consists of a crystal trophy and a truly innovative reward. Representatives of the winning destination will be invited to attend the special ceremony and rewarded with 9 square metres of free exhibition space at both Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and Mediterranean Trade Fair in Cairo. The reward is both a pragmatic and a valuable contribution to sustain their marketing efforts for their destination.

Chackal concluded, "The benefit of exhibiting at two of the industry's key events will provide a unique opportunity of unlimited potential".