The Philippines, Australia and Italy have been short-listed as the top three finalists for Arabian Travel Market’s 2010 New Frontiers Awards – a scheme designed to recognise destinations that make an outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of staggering adversity.

Voted for by industry experts and professionals including global travel and tourism associations as well as members of the public. Through a newly-introduced system, the New Frontiers Awards’ finalists were selected by voters online.

“This year the selection process has been extremely difficult as we have seen many destinations overcome almost insurmountable hardships. All of them deserve this award and their efforts should serve as an example of what can be done with the right vision and determination,” said Mark Walsh, Group Exhibitions Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, which is behind Arabian Travel Market, running 4-7th May at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.