NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - November 20, 2012) - An elegant gala held at Sofitel LA on November 8th to celebrate the winners was also devoted to charity: actor Chad Michael Murray helped launch the magazine's annual auction to benefit Ronald McDonald House New York. Host and emcee Publisher Linda Vaughan was stranded in Lisbon during Hurricane Sandy, and had great difficulties getting to LA. She was able to keep in constant contact, however, thanks to mobile phones -- possibly the fastest way to travel the world. She made the event with mere moments to spare.

Nowadays, not only do we depend on mobile phones to keep in touch, but we rely on them to deliver everything from flight updates to office memos to bedtime stories for the kids. PT readers voted AT&T the Best Mobile Phone Coverage in the World.

"Our customers use wireless technology to enhance their everyday lives," said Bill Hague, Executive Vice President of International, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, "and we help them stay connected to their world when traveling abroad."

"Road warriors expect and deserve a comfortable, efficient travel experience that not every airport can deliver," maintained Kim Day, Aviation Manager for Denver International Airport, voted Best Airport in North America. "We know what business travelers want and need while on the road and we will work to deliver an experience that will delight even the weariest."

These savvy travelers, who spend quality time with many modes of transport, awarded two transportation specialists for exceeding their customers' expectations: The Boeing Company's 777 was voted Best Aircraft Type, and Sixt earned Best Rental Car Company in the World.

Known for maintaining affordable prices while offering the largest BMW and Mercedes-Benz fleet in the world, Sixt has recently arrived in the United States; Julian Cotignola, Marketing, the Americas and Asia, promised that although "the U.S. is a challenging market, we are here to make a difference."

Personal attention clearly resonates with PT readers, who voted InterContinental Hotels the Best Hotel Chain in North America for high quality, outstanding facilities and understated service delivered by well-trained staffs and best-in-class concierges.

"What makes us truly different," said Debbie Grant, Director of Brand Management, "is the genuine interest we show in our guests. InterContinental team members go out of their way to deliver an authentic and enriching experience."

The iconic Sheraton Latin America, voted Best Hotel Chain in Latin America, is the first international hotel chain in many of the region's key cities.

"We focus on innovation and evolution," said Trip Barrett, Starwood's Vice President, Brand Management, Latin America, "without forgetting that travel is about people, memories and connections."

Multicultural Hawai'i, where East meets West, is an ideal spot for international gatherings, and the mission of the Hawai'i Convention Center, voted Best Convention Center/City, is "to continue to promote Hawai'i as a global destination," said SMG General Manager Joe Davis, "by providing our world-renowned service with the spirit of aloha."

If local knowhow is important for every company that operates across international borders, it's crucial for DHL, voted Best International Courier Service, for getting packages to their destinations in more than 220 countries and territories.

For Christine Nashick, Vice President of Marketing, DHL Express U.S., "this recognition speaks volumes about our steadfast commitment to delivering best-in-class international shipping services."

After a successful journey, it's time to think about the next trip, and PT readers gave high points to American Express Membership Rewards, voting it the Best Credit Card Rewards Program.

"Cardmember loyalty is built on trust and value," said Claire Bennett, Executive Vice President, Loyalty & Membership Benefits. "For world travelers, this means knowing that we have their back, at home or on the road, and that they can use the points they earn to go where they need to go, when they need to be there."

In addition to applauding the award winners, the Sofitel event launched PT's annual auction to benefit Ronald McDonald House New York, a charity that aids critically ill children and their families. In the past, companies have typically donated items such as hotel stays, airline tickets, luggage and electronic devices. This year's donations will be up for bidding on PT's website beginning January 15th.

Adam Rodriguez of Premier Traveler made an impassioned request for generosity from the travel industry: "I urge you to be liberal with your donations for our upcoming auction. RMH-NY performs an amazing service, and your donations will help provide comfort, a safe haven and a ray of hope to hundreds of brave children and their families. This is your opportunity to give something back to those in dire need. I challenge you to help us make this our biggest fundraising effort ever."

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2012/11/20/11G002952/IMG_7757-1259925506404.jpeg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2012/11/20/11G002952/IMG_7702-494193959885.jpeg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2012/11/20/11G002952/IMG_7684-1045007235303.jpeg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2012/11/20/11G002952/IMG_7496-521066039752.jpeg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2012/11/20/11G002952/IMG_7721-551513731198.jpeg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2012/11/20/11G002952/IMG_7686-170366489087.jpeg