Carbon Neutral Airline Gets Tourism for Tomorrow Award

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The WTTC has named NatureAir the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Conservation Award winner for best demonstrating sustainable tourism practices, and commitment to the protection of its natural heritage.

Other awards went to:
• Destination Stewardship Award – Grupo PUNTACANA, Dominican Republic
• Conservation Award – NatureAir, Costa Rica
• Community Benefit Award – Zakoura Foundation for Micro-Credits, Morocco
• Global Tourism Business Award – Marriott International Inc, USA & Global

NatureAir was selected for its 100% carbon neutral aviation program, that engages customers in a non-voluntary carbon offset scheme, and a commitment to fuel reduction in the air and on the ground. NatueAir has developed Costa Rica’s only bio-diesel fueling station, and formed the non-profit foundation NatureKids, which teaches local communities English and Environmental studies.

See interview with Alexi Huntley at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1136069.php

“The environment is precious and we are thrilled to receive his wonderful recognition by WTTC for our conservation efforts,” said Alex Khajavi Founder and CEO of NatureAir. “This award is a motivator for all of us at NatureAir to continue searching for ways which add a positive value to the social and environmental challenges we face.”

“In 2004, NatureAir made a highly ambitious pledge to set new standards for sustainable practices in the airline industry, compensating for 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions through preservation and reforestation of tropical forests in the Osa Peninsula,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President & CEO following the awards ceremony in Florianópolis, Brazil, at the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit. “And it has not only fulfilled this pledge, but has also implemented a whole host of other effective sustainable policies and activities, including community benefit outreach programmes,” Baumgarten adds.

NatureAir is the world’s first certified carbon neutral airline, and the fastest growing regional airline in Central America. Since its inception in 2000, NatureAir has grown from flying 18,000 passengers annually to more than 140,000 in 2008. NatureAir is the only twin-engine airline in Costa Rica with both scheduled and chartered flights, and offers 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica, and Panama.
NatureAir’s non-voluntary carbon neutrality program ensures that every flights carbon emissions are compensated which guarantee protection and reforestation of the Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica. Its commitment to saving energy extends with the use of bio-diesel (cooking oils), which run its entire ground operations equipment and diesel vans.

NatureAir funds 90% of the non-profit educational organization NatureKids, and is a proud sponsor of the Rainforest Alliance, World Heritage Alliance, Climate Neutral Network and Ecotourism Society. The World Travel & Tourism Council, Rainforest Alliance, Conde Nast Traveler and Virgin Holidays have recognized NatureAir for its sustainability and conservation efforts.

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