“The overwhelmingly positive response to October’s Class Act Guide is cause for celebration.”

Those were the words of Global Traveler publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher at the kickoff of a gala celebration on the grounds of the opulent Le Merigot, a JW Marriott Beach Hotel and Spa in Santa Monica, Calif.

“As Global Traveler continues to expand its content, we solidify the commitment to our readers that has been our focus since the very first issue: to provide relevant material that is truly useful to the business traveler,” Gallagher said.

Global Traveler’s annual Class Act Guide features extensive coverage of air travel complemented by detailed charts highlighting in-flight services and amenities including cabin and seat design, Internet access and executive lounge facilities. It is one of three annual supplements — along with GT’s City Guidebook and Luxury Book — produced by Global Traveler.

“This is a book our subscribers — and anyone else lucky enough to get their hands on one — will keep throughout the year and use as a resource whenever they travel,” said Alexandra Young, Global Traveler vice president and associate publisher.

Guests at the gala celebration gathered in the terraced courtyard of the hotel, which overlooks the Pacific and the Santa Monica mountain range. Celebrity Chef Ottavio Palmeri of the popular Palmeri Restaurant in Santa Monica was among the attendees.

“You really couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting,” Richard Evans, vice president of the magazine, said of the venue.

At the end of the gala evening’s merrymaking, Gallagher took the stage to thank all in attendance for their support in Global Traveler’s rapid rise to the top of business travel publications.

“Gathering the information for this guide is a fairly long process that really needs to be handled with meticulous care,” said Gallagher. “Getting this kind of great response is very gratifying and it’s what we’re all about.”