CNBC announces thenominees of their new award, the Travel Business Leader Award Asia Pacific (TBLA). The winner of the TBLA will be announced at this year’s Asia Travel Leaders Summit(ATLS) Gala Dinner in Singapore on October 18.

“The Travel and Tourism industry is one of the key contributors to the global economy,”said Satpal Brainch, President and Managing Director, CNBC in Asia Pacific.  “TheTBLA aims to recognize business leaders in this industry who through strong innovationand effective managerial skills have demonstrated leadership excellence and are pavingthe way forward in this dynamic sector.” 

Nominees contending for TBLA are: • Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia• Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman, Banyan Tree Holdings• William E. Heinecke, Chairman & CEO, Minor International• Clement Kwok, MD & CEO, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels• Arun Nanda, Chairman, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts (India)• Hideo Sawada, Chairman, H.I.S• Yang-Ho Cho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Korean Air• Tan Sri Dr. Francis Yeoh Sock Ping, Managing Director, YTL Corp. 

“Congratulations to all the candidates for their outstanding achievements throughout theyear,” Brainch continued.  “I look forward to you joining us at the ATLS Gala Dinner.” Chicago Booth and Millward Brown are the Knowledge and Research Partners for TBLA. They have worked closely with CNBC to ensure a rigorous selection criteria and judging process. 

The ATLS, held from 18-19 October 2011, is an intimate high-level dialogue centred around the industry’s opportunities and challenges, driving sustained growth throughcollaborative initiatives that would benefit the Asia region.  CNBC is proud to be theofficial Broadcast Partner of the Asia Travel Leaders Summit.