Companies from across the worlds of broadcasting, resort development and sustainability have signed up to sponsor the second International Travel & Tourism Awards, presented by WTM London.

New sponsors of this year’s ITTAs – which celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognise outstanding private sector companies and individuals – include the Discovery TV channel, History TV channel, TV business news network CNBC and sustainable resort development operator Red Sea Development Company.

After a phenomenal inaugural event, which saw organisations including Canary Islands Tourism, VisitFlanders, Turismo do Centro de Portugal, Geotourist and Air Canada win gold awards; the second event will again recognise the success of national, regional and city tourist boards, as well as outstanding private sector companies and individuals.

The ITTAs are organised in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This year, 16 awards will showcase the best-in-class of the global travel and tourism industry at a glittering event attended by some 500 senior industry professionals on the evening of Day Two of WTM, November 5.

The Red Sea Development Company, the operation behind the exciting Red Sea Project to attract tourists to the Saudi western coast, is sponsoring the highly-coveted Best in Responsible Tourism category.

John Pagano, CEO at The Red Sea Development Company, said: “Our decision to sponsor the Best in Responsible Tourism award at the International Travel and Tourism Awards this year reflects our commitment to embedding sustainability and responsible practice throughout the design, development and, ultimately, the operation of the Red Sea Project.”

The hotly contested Best Destination Campaign – Region category, presented to the entrant that has best showcased its vibrancy, culture and individuality through an innovative campaign, is sponsored by Discovery, the globally popular TV channel.

Sandrine Rodriguez, Senior Manager – corporate promotion – international communications department at Discovery, explained: “We are delighted to sponsor the award for Best Destination Campaign – Region at this year’s International Travel and Tourism Awards.

“As a partner to many regions and agencies, we fully appreciate the incredible campaigns that have made the shortlist which truly capture the culture, vibrancy and uniqueness of their destinations.”

One of the most popular categories for 2019, Best in Adventure, is sponsored by one of the most recognised and loved international TV brands, History by A+E Networks. The History channel entertains millions of people around the globe through the inspiring and momentous stories of extraordinary real-life characters whose experiences are often far more thrilling than fiction.

Berry Liu, Director of Ad Sales, A+E Networks said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the International Travel & Tourism Awards this year. Adventure is an important part of the History brand and we’re excited to be recognisning the destinations/businesses in the Best in Adventure category.”

Last, but by no means least, this year’s ITTA awards partner is business and financial news network CNBC, which is also providing the host for the evening, Tania Bryer, the well-known British television personality. She is the host and executive producer of the critically acclaimed series ‘CNBC’s Trailblazers’, ‘CNBC Meets..’ and is anchor on “The CNBC Conversation’, where she gets up close and personal with some of the world’s most inspirational figures including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson and Melinda Gates amongst others.

“We are delighted to sponsor The International Travel & Tourism Awards presented by WTM London as we celebrate the best of what the global travel and tourism industry has to offer. As the world’s leading business and financial news network, CNBC has seen a burgeoning demand from our audiences for travel content and we are excited to showcase some of the award-winning work that we have produced for the discerning CNBC global business traveller,” said Max Raven, Senior Vice President, CNBC Catalyst.

WTM London Senior Director Simon Press said: “Last year’s inaugural International Travel & Tourism Awards were a huge success and the event is now firmly established in the WTM London calendar.

“Once again, the ITTAs have attracted some very well-respected companies to get involved as sponsors and help shine a light on those high-calibre individuals and businesses that have made important and lasting contributions to the worldwide industry and have set the standard for the future.

“We’re really excited to have Tania on board from CNBC to present the awards and add a prestigious and professional element to the night.”

The International Travel & Tourism Awards 2019 will take place on Tuesday November 5 at Magazine London, a brand-new modern event space, close to ExCeL, on the Greenwich Peninsula. Be quick, and book some of the last remaining tickets here.