Big companies must show how green they are – WTTC chief

Wednesday, 27 Nov, 2006 0

Big travel companies have been urged to “step up to the plate” and demonstrate their green credentials.

The call came from Costas Christ, chairman of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards which are run by the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Speaking exclusively to TravelMole, he said companies had to recognise the demographic shift in the way consumers are travelling or find themselves marginalised.

“People want more than just to lie on a beach somewhere. They want character, authenticity and to be rewarded in terms of the local food they eat and the heritage they experience,” said Christ (Tamu Safaris).

But he conceded that just one per cent of the global tourism industry was actively demonstrating itself being truly sustainable – mainly small operators, community projects, eco-lodges and similarly sized organisations.

“The question is to what degree are we having an impact as a global industry,” Christ said. “Where we are short are the big companies stepping up to the plate, although we are seeing bigger companies beginning to respond in a way we haven’t seen before. The market is beginning to put pressure and the industry has to respond.”

He revealed that a two-year study was underway in an attempt to create a global accreditation body for the travel and tourism industry to ensure common sustainable standards are being maintained.

The WTTC is in the process of seeking nominations for the 2007 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards with a deadline of December 11. The four awards will be presented during the WTTC’s global summit in Lisbon on May 11.

Christ, president of the Adventure Travel Council, stressed that the awards are the only ones that involve on-site inspections of the 12 finalists using expert teams from across the world.

The awards cover destination, conservation, investor in people and global tourism business.

For further information, go to: www.tourismfortomorrow.com

Report by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

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