CNBC, announced the launch of its new award, Asia Travel Business Leader Award (ATBLA). CNBC’s President and Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Satpal Brainch, announced the award last night at the Asia Travel Leaders Summit Gala Dinner at the Capella Hotel in Sentosa.

“The Travel and Tourism industry plays an important role in today’s global economy, and this award aims to recognize and honor those business leaders who are paving the wayforward in this dynamic sector,” said Satpal Brainch, President and Managing Director,CNBC in Asia Pacific.

The ATBLA salutes outstanding leadership in the Asian Travel and Tourism Industry. In instituting this award, CNBC takes its interest in this industry further by reinforcing the message that this sector is a key economic contributor and should be recognized for it’s achievements.

CNBC is delighted to have Chicago Booth and Millward Brown support this award as
Knowledge and Research Partners. They will work closely with CNBC to ensure a
rigorous selection criteria and judging process.

“We at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business are extremely honored to be
CNBC’s Knowledge Partner of the inaugural 2010 Asia Travel Business Leader Award.
We believe that the ATBLA is timely in the face of a rebounding travel industry and are
confident that this comprehensive, multi-faceted selection process will provide the best
means to successfully acknowledge those who are truly leaders in the tourism industry,"
said Mark Zmijewski, Deputy Dean and Leon Carroll Marshall Professor of Accounting,
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

“We are delighted to partner with CNBC in this initiative. Given our experience in this
industry, it is very exciting to be part of the effort to recognize the leadership of
individuals who have made the industry what it is today,” said Gonzalo Fuentes,
Managing Director, Millward Brown, SEA.

The 3- Phase Judging Process:
• Phase 1 – Quantitative company data analysis by knowledge partner, the
University of Chicago Booth School of Business, to select the top performers
from across Asia.
• Phase 2 – Face-to-face interviews by research partner, Millward Brown, to
assess candidates’ leadership qualities.
• Phase 3 – Shortlisting the finalists and deciding an eventual winner by an
independent panel of world-respected management strategists, academics,
corporate personalities and CNBC executives.

Eligibility Criteria:
• Candidates for this award are distinguished business leaders in the travel and
tourism industry, including Airlines, Hospitality (hotels & resorts), Tourism
Boards, Attractions, Tour Operators, Travel Agents and Airports.
• Companies should have an office in the Asia Pacific region, although they need
not be of Asian origin.
• The candidate must have spent a minimum of two years on the job.