A FINE selection of Phuket and Andaman coast resorts has been nominated for the Asian section of this year's World Travel Awards, widely regarded as the Oscars of the tourism industry. The number of nominations illustrates Greater Phuket's continued growth as a luxury destination.

Recent events may have undermined the chances of either Bangkok and Phuket winning the category of Asia's Leading Destination, for which both were nominated, along with Goa, Hong Kong, India, Shanghai, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Tokyo. The Thailand tourism industry can only wonder what might have been, and take some consolation pride in the double effort.

Growing like Topsy, these awards now have categories for almost every resort endeavor except for window-cleaner and janitor, although the marketing benefits from a victory remain substantial. This year, there is even a category for Asia's Leading Luxury Train. Perhaps one day, Phuket . . .


Here are the Greater Phuket nominations, plus complete nominations in some Thailand sections:

Asia's Leading Beach Resort Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket; Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi

Asia's Leading Boutique Hotel Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga; The Sarojin, Phang Nga, a three-times winner of this award

Asia's Leading Design Hotel Indigo Pearl, Thailand

Asia's Leading Family Resort JW Marriott Phuket Ramada Resort, Karon Beach Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket

Asia's Leading Hotel Amanpuri, Thailand JW Marriott Phuket Millennium Resort Patong Phuket

Asia's Leading Luxury Resort Anantara Phuket Banyan Tree Phuket JW Marriott Phuket
Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket

Asia's Leading Resort Banyan Tree Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Thailand

Asia's Leading Spa Resort Amanpuri, Thailand; Anantara Phuket; Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort

Asia's Leading Suite Grand Villa Nathai on Nathai Beach, Aleenta Phuket - Phangnga

Thailand's Leading Hotel Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa; Banyan Tree Phuket; Chatrium Suites Bangkok; Conrad Bangkok, Thailand; Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok; InterContinental Bangkok; JW Marriott Phuket; Phuket Yacht Club, Thailand; Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers; Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok; Swissotel Nai Lert Park; The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand; The Peninsula Bangkok, Thailand.

Thailand's Leading Resort Amari Emerald Cove Resort; Anantara Golden Triangle Resort; Baan Taling Ngam, Koh Samui; Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa; Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket; Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai; Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort; Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi; Pimalai Resort & Spa; Rayavadee Thailand; Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa; Royal Cliff Beach Resort; Samui Peninsula Koh Samui; Santiburi Resort Samui; The Evason Hua Hin Resort & Spa.

Thailand's Leading Spa Resort Amanpuri; Anantara Resort Hua Hin; Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa; Banyan Tree Phuket; Chiva-Som International Health Resort; Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket; Evason Phuket; Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort; The Evason Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Thailand's Leading Golf Resort Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle; Bangkok Golf & Spa Resort; Blue Canyon Country Club; Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket; Santiburi Resort Samui; Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket.