World Travel Awards (WTA) announced that Eurostar, the high-speed passenger train service that links the UK and mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel, has signed a major sponsorship deal for WTA’s 15th Anniversary Grand Tour.

The commitment includes sponsorship of the 2008 Asia Awards as well as the North America Awards, with the view to develop a long-term business relationship.

Having operated to and from Waterloo station, London, for 13 years, Eurostar launched services from its new central London station, the restored St Pancras International, on 14 November 2007, and now offers even faster and greener rail travel as well as shorter travel times between the UK, France and Belgium. The organisation has been at the leading edge of innovation in the travel industry and prides itself on being the world’s first train operator to offer carbon neutral journeys, at no extra cost to travellers.

“Eurostar is a pioneering enterprise,” commented WTA’s Executive Vice President Manon Han. “Partnering with a big name like Eurostar allows us the use of qualitative synergies of two thriving brands that both prioritize excellence in the travel industry. This sponsorship pact is a milestone and gives us the possibility to further strengthen our position as one of the most reputable awards schemes in the tourism trade.”

Michael Davies, Eurostar’s Head of International Sales, said: “As time becomes more precious, it is essential when people travel – whether it be for business or for leisure – that the whole experience is as seamless and as enjoyable as possible. We need to encourage organisations involved in the travel industry to set the bar as high as possible, to deliver excellent customer service, attractive and competitive pricing and of course, quality. The World Travel Awards are at the heart of this impetus and we are delighted to have become a key sponsor. The partnership with the World Travel Awards will be a central part of our strategy of becoming a globally recognised brand.”

Another significant brand sponsoring the World Travel Awards 15th Anniversary Grand Tour is BBC World. The global broadcaster has been WTA’s official media partner for three years and recently extended the sponsorship pact by one year. With a total distribution of 269.2 million homes and a reach of 26% of international travellers, BBC World is seen as the perfect channel for the award’s media efforts.

“We are now on the lookout for further influential partners in the tourism industry that will play an active role in this year’s World Travel Awards Grand Tour,” explained Han. “The key benefits for our sponsors include both worldwide exposure and the opportunity to create and enhance local as well as global business relationships through our awards ceremonies.”