Condé Nast Traveller India announces the launch Readers' Travel Awards

Condé Nast Traveller India announces the launch of India's first ever Readers' Travel Awards, recognized internationally as a benchmark for excellence in the travel and tourism industry. Readers are invited to vote for their favourite travel experiences by filling out the Readers' Travel Questionnaire available in the current issue of Condé Nast Traveller or by logging onto www.cntraveller.in. Entries are open from 3 June to 31 July, 2011. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in December.

History: The Readers' Travel Awards (RTA) were instituted by Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) in the United States in 1988 and the UK edition has been conducting the Readers' Travel Awards for the past 13 years. Last year, the British edition of the magazine co-hosted a special one-time online award for India, acting as a precursor for CNT India to host its own Readers' Travel Awards in 2011.

The awards enjoy global, industry-wide credibility because they are judged by the most important stakeholders ' travellers themselves. Now CNT India readers will have the opportunity to vote across 24 categories for their favourite destinations, hotels, airlines, spas, airports and more. Their choices will be scored on several parameters unique to each category. Five lucky winners will win luxury hotel stays at destinations including Phuket, Dubai, Singapore, Tokyo and Bangkok.

Sharing her thoughts on the announcement, Divia Thani Daswani, Editor, Condé Nast Traveller India says, "The Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards are globally acknowledged as the most prestigious awards in the industry, because they are voted for by readers of the world's most sophisticated travel magazine. These are discerning consumers who understand, appreciate and ultimately consume luxury travel products and services. Not only are Indians travelling more than ever before, the entire industry in the country is growing at an unprecedented rate. As all eyes focus on India, it is the perfect time to launch India's very own RTA. These awards acknowledge the best in travel and hospitality, and will, for the first time, reflect the unique tastes and preferences of the discerning Indian traveller, who is becoming more and important around the entire world."