Jorie Butler Kent, Vice Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent and Founder and President, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy; Oman Sail; and the City of New Orleans Receive 2012 World Tourism Awards at World Travel Market, London

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jorie Butler Kent, Vice Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent and Founder and President, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy; Oman Sail; and the City of New Orleans named 2012 World Tourism Award Honorees at a ceremony, November 5 at World Travel Market, Excel Centre, London.

“her development of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, and its commitment to sustainable tourism by sponsoring grass roots projects dedicated to preserving natural habitats, protecting wildlife and promoting the welfare of indigenous communities throughout the world.”

The World Tourism Awards, celebrating its 15th Anniversary, were presented by co-sponsors; American Express, represented by Janet Libert, Editor-in-Chief, Executive Travel Magazine, American Express Publishing; Corinthia Hotels, represented by Liam Lambert, Chief Operating Officer; International Herald Tribune, represented by Patrick M. Falconer, Managing Director – UK, Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa, the New York Times/International Herald Tribune; and Reed Travel Exhibitions, represented by Fiona Jeffrey OBE, Chairman, World Travel Market.

The first Honoree: Jorie Butler Kent, Vice Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent and Founder and President, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, in recognition for “her development of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, and its commitment to sustainable tourism by sponsoring grass roots projects dedicated to preserving natural habitats, protecting wildlife and promoting the welfare of indigenous communities throughout the world.”

The second Honoree: Oman Sail, in recognition for “its contribution to tourism development through the sport of sailing to teach youth and empower women with valuable, transferable life skills, and instilling confidence; as well as rekindling Oman’s maritime heritage, raising the country’s global profile as a high-end tourist destination.” Accepting the Award was H. E. Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of Oman Ministry of Tourism and Chairwoman of Oman Sail.

The third Honoree: The City of New Orleans, in recognition for “its extraordinary success in the transformation and rebirth of the tourism industry post-Katrina and in the wake of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill, spurring new economic growth and jobs, to make tourism New Orleans’ largest industry once again.” Accepting the Award on behalf of Hon. Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans Mayor was Scott Hutcheson, Senior Advisor to The Mayor for Cultural Economy.

The World Tourism Award is an exquisite Baccarat Crystal, “as spectacular as its meteoric namesake, the stunning clear crystal Shooting Star creation by David Tisdale for Baccarat celebrates extraordinary vision and leadership.”