The best for last

Let us hear of the stories that the final batch of Awards 2008 winner have to say.

And, as the ten-part series winds down, let the countdown to Awards 2009 begin!

Best GDS

Simon Nowroz, Managing Director, Travelport GDS, Asia, Galileo by Travelport:

My thanks goes to our agency, TMC and supplier customers for their loyal support. his award confirms our position in Asia as the GDS of choice and our dedication to providing outstanding product innovation and first class customer service. Galileo has also recently been named finalist in Best Agency Support Service in Australia as well as receiving a global award from Seoul Tourism.

Best National Tourism Branding

Neela Lad, Assistant Director, India tourism:

Winning the Award is recognition for the hard work and India Tourism is happy to receive "The Best National Tourism Branding" this year. The fact that a great number of people have voted for "Incredible India" as the Best National Branding", implies that our efforts of creating awareness about India through the “Incredible India Brand” has been successful!

Best Employer (Organisation)

Mark Greedy, Area Vice President, Asia/Pacific, The Leading Hotels of the World:

The TravelWeekly Industry Best Employer (Organisation) Award is a true recognition of our fine employees at all levels. Throughout the 80 year history of The Leading Hotels Of the World, descriptions such as Family, Caring, Pedigree and Responsibility are not cliché, but part of a culture that is not dictated by directives, policies and procedures.

Quality of product and branding is always a factor in staff satisfaction and retention. It is without doubt that The Leading Hotels of the World is representative of the Finest of all elements within the hospitality industry supported by our employees’ enjoyment of their responsibilities.

Interestingly in my 12 years with The Leading Hotels of the World our voluntary staff turnover within the Asia Pacific region must be one which supports this award achievement. It is only 0.2% in the Asia Pacific region, in a time of significant growth in business and in staffing levels.

We thank TravelWeekly and their readers for such prestigious recognition.

Best Employer (Individual)

Patrick Fiat, General Manager, Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore:

Winning the award is a testimony of the success of our efforts being implemented in Royal Plaza on Scotts. Salary alone is not sufficient to keep

the staff nowadays. Our staff must feel that they are respected and they are given the opportunities to grow here. I am pleased that our structured staff

retention programme has seen staff being more engaged and involved with the decision making process. They want explanations on decisions made and we encourage them to ask questions. The award will further spur me to explore ways to enhance the people’s culture we have cultivated in Royal Plaza on Scotts.