NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -
November 20, 2012) - An elegant gala held at Sofitel LA on
November 8th to celebrate the winners was also devoted to charity:
actor Chad Michael Murray helped launch the magazine's annual
auction to benefit Ronald McDonald House New York. Host and emcee
Publisher Linda Vaughan was stranded in Lisbon during Hurricane
Sandy, and had great difficulties getting to LA. She was able to
keep in constant contact, however, thanks to mobile phones --
possibly the fastest way to travel the world. She made the event
with mere moments to spare.
Nowadays, not only do we depend on mobile phones to keep in
touch, but we rely on them to deliver everything from flight
updates to office memos to bedtime stories for the kids. PT readers voted AT&T the Best Mobile Phone Coverage in the
World.
"Our customers use wireless technology to enhance their everyday
lives," said Bill Hague, Executive Vice President of International,
AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, "and we help them stay
connected to their world when traveling abroad."
"Road warriors expect and deserve a comfortable, efficient
travel experience that not every airport can deliver," maintained
Kim Day, Aviation Manager for Denver
International Airport, voted Best Airport in North America. "We know
what business travelers want and need while on the road and we will
work to deliver an experience that will delight even the
weariest."
These savvy travelers, who spend quality time with many modes of
transport, awarded two transportation specialists for exceeding
their customers' expectations: The
Boeing Company's 777 was voted Best Aircraft Type, and Sixt earned Best Rental Car Company in the World.
Known for maintaining affordable prices while offering the
largest BMW and Mercedes-Benz fleet in the world, Sixt has recently
arrived in the United States; Julian Cotignola, Marketing, the
Americas and Asia, promised that although "the U.S. is a
challenging market, we are here to make a difference."
Personal attention clearly resonates with PT readers, who voted InterContinental Hotels the Best Hotel Chain in North America for
high quality, outstanding facilities and understated service
delivered by well-trained staffs and best-in-class concierges.
"What makes us truly different," said Debbie Grant, Director of
Brand Management, "is the genuine interest we show in our guests.
InterContinental team members go out of their way to deliver an
authentic and enriching experience."
The iconic Sheraton Latin
America, voted Best Hotel Chain
in Latin America, is the first international hotel chain in
many of the region's key cities.
"We focus on innovation and evolution," said Trip Barrett,
Starwood's Vice President, Brand Management, Latin America,
"without forgetting that travel is about people, memories and
connections."
Multicultural Hawai'i, where East meets West, is an ideal spot
for international gatherings, and the mission of the Hawai'i Convention Center, voted
Best Convention Center/City, is
"to continue to promote Hawai'i as a global destination," said SMG
General Manager Joe Davis, "by providing our world-renowned service
with the spirit of aloha."
If local knowhow is important for every company that operates
across international borders, it's crucial for DHL, voted Best International Courier Service, for
getting packages to their destinations in more than 220 countries
and territories.
For Christine Nashick, Vice President of Marketing, DHL Express
U.S., "this recognition speaks volumes about our steadfast
commitment to delivering best-in-class international shipping
services."
After a successful journey, it's time to think about the next
trip, and PT readers gave high
points to American Express
Membership Rewards, voting it the Best Credit Card Rewards Program.
"Cardmember loyalty is built on trust and value," said Claire
Bennett, Executive Vice President, Loyalty & Membership
Benefits. "For world travelers, this means knowing that we have
their back, at home or on the road, and that they can use the
points they earn to go where they need to go, when they need to be
there."
In addition to applauding the award winners, the Sofitel event
launched PT's annual auction
to benefit Ronald McDonald House New York, a charity that aids
critically ill children and their families. In the past, companies
have typically donated items such as hotel stays, airline tickets,
luggage and electronic devices. This year's donations will be up
for bidding on PT's website
beginning January 15th.
Adam Rodriguez of Premier
Traveler made an impassioned request for generosity from the
travel industry: "I urge you to be liberal with your donations for
our upcoming auction. RMH-NY performs an amazing service, and your
donations will help provide comfort, a safe haven and a ray of hope
to hundreds of brave children and their families. This is your
opportunity to give something back to those in dire need. I
challenge you to help us make this our biggest fundraising effort
ever."
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Contact InformationFor donations contact: Julia
RodriguezJuliar@jarppubs.comwww.premiertravelerusa.comFor
information contact: Premier
Travelerpress@jarppubs.comwww.premiertravelerusa.com