Ho Kwon Ping Announced as Winner of CNBC's Travel Business Leader Award Asia Pacific 2012

CNBC has announced that Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd, Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, has won this year's Travel Business Leader Award in Asia Pacific (TBLA).  The award was presented to Mr. Ho Kwon Ping during the Asia Travel Leaders Summit (ATLS) Gala Dinner on 16 October 2012

CNBC's TBLA recognises the business pioneer who has demonstrated leadership excellence in the travel and tourism industry - driving growth, success and profitability. Candidates for this award come from the following sectors: airlines, hospitality, attractions and tour operators, travel agents, and airports.

"The CNBC Travel Business Leader Award is our way of celebrating and recognizing business leaders who through strong innovation and effective management skills are paving the way forward in this dynamic sector," said Mr. Satpal Brainch, President and Managing Director, CNBC International.

Commending Mr. Ho Kwon Ping on the award, Mr. Brainch said, "With a personal commitment to creating a strong corporate culture, Mr. Ho has helped shape Banyan Tree Holdings into a leading manager and developer of premium resorts, hotels and spas around the world that stands out for its distinctive brand image.  After rehabilitating a piece of environmentally damaged property in Thailand into an integrated resort in 1994, Mr. Ho decided to launch the company's global hotel branding aimed at high-end travellers.  With his leadership and the clear, innovative strategy he put into place, this became the ever-expanding umbrella under which Mr. Ho's many plans and initiatives have materialised, making Banyan Tree a model of success in the industry."

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ho stated, "I accept this award on behalf of Banyan Tree in recognition of a trend which we have been riding, the age of rainbow tourism, where travel is no longer from the developed West to exotic East, but from all parts of the world to other parts.  Not only are travellers no longer predominantly white, but of every hue and colour."

He added, "With over 60 nationalities in our workforce and as many amongst our guests, we in Banyan Tree are dedicated to the mission of creating unique experiences and a sense of place in all our resorts, spas and galleries, for you." 

Mr. Ho Kwon Ping

Mr. Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board said, "We are very pleased to partner with CNBC once again for the Travel Business Leader Award (Asia Pacific) in conjunction with the Asia Travel Leaders Summit. As part of TravelRave, Asia's most influential travel trade festival, the Awards play an important role in recognising the outstanding leadership achievements within the travel industry.  We applaud all candidates for their contributions and accomplishments and salute Mr. Ho Kwon Ping for his continuing commitment to excellence and leadership in the travel and tourism industry."

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Millward Brown are the Knowledge and Research Partners for TBLA. They, along with David Scowsill (President & CEO, WTTC) and Tony Tyler (CEO & Director General, IATA), have worked closely with CNBC to ensure a rigorous selection criteria and judging process.