The regional World Travel Awards (WTA) Ceremony for Asia, Australasia and the Indian Ocean, which is set to take place at The Leela Palace Kempinski in Bangalore, India, this Friday promises to be an entertaining event showcasing the Indian culture.

 

While model and actress Salome Narayana Polaki and stand-up comedian Sunil Grover, famous for his show ‘Kaun Banega Champu’ on movie channel Filmy, will host the evening, especially commissioned musicians will entertain the audience with breathtaking Indian Jugalbandhi. As the final act a unique compilation of Indian dances will also provide an enthralling interlude during the glittering event.

The evening also includes a fashion show that will exhibit the silk collections of "The Royal House of Mysore." This brand of clothing has been designed by His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar and Her Highness Pramoda Devi Wadiyar. The colourful Indian attires are inspired by ancient Hindu texts and Indo-European motifs. His Highness will grace the World Travel Awards event with his presence.

Leading actors and actresses from the Bollywood movie scene have also confirmed their attendance and will add more glamour to the already auspicious line-up. Some well-known names such as Jimmy Shergill, Akbar Khan, Neha Devi Sing and Rivi Kishan are turning up in force.

More than 200 travel professionals, media and VIP will attend this internationally valued ceremony to network and above all celebrate the creme de la creme of the region’s tourism industry. Top names on the guest list include Mr Vijay Rekhi, President of United Spirits and member of the Board of Directors, Kingfisher Airlines, Hon. Dr. Mahamood Shougee, Maldivian Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Captain C.P Krishnan Nair, Chairman of The Leela Palaces Hotels Resorts, as well as Vikram Oberoi, Joint Managing Director of The Oberoi Group.

The media interest is at an all-time high with currently 28 media institutions having registered for the event. This includes The Economic Times, Express TravelWorld, TV Today Network, Kerala Kaumudi, Manorama News, Taste & Travel, The Hindu, The New Indian Express, The Telegraph and Zee Television, to name but a few. Official media partner for the event is TravTalk India.

The Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Awards Ceremony will be WTA’s India debut in the accolade’s 14-year history. “India is one of the most promising emerging markets worldwide. Bangalore in particular ranks as one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Its pleasant climate, as well as friendly, highly-educated population has made this the Silicon Valley of India. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, termed this as “India’s city of the future”, says Graham Cooke, WTA’s President & Founder. “The World Travel Awards also look to the future – to excellence in the year ahead. So it is apt we are holding the accolades in Bangalore.”