Dutch win WTTC destination award

Coal mining district and hill country revitalized to create economically-regenerative tourism initiative

The WTTC’s Tourism for Tomorrow has now announced its full 2016 list of winners and top of the destination category is Parkstad Limburg, Netherlands

By the end of the 20th century, the neighbouring regions of Hill Country and Parkstad in the Netherlands’ Limburg province were both marked by economic decline.

However, for the last 15 years the two have combined, with Parkstad – a former coal mining district becoming a wet weather tourism destination. The idea is that by providing a complement to Hill Country’s summer charms, they might turn the pair into a success story of sustainable year-round tourism

In the opinion of the Tourism for Tomorrow organizers – It’s worked, as 15 years after the scheme began in a region with no income from tourism, Parkstad’s turnover in 2015 was € 368 million (ca. $US400million), and now provides 5,800 full time jobs. Proof that destinations in decline can regenerate themselves.

The full list of Tourism for Tomorrow winners and finalists:

Community Award Winner – Expediciones Sierra Norte, Mexico

• Finalists– Sapa O’Chau, Vietnam and Yayasan Ekowisata Indonesia, Indonesia

Destination Award Winner – Parkstad Limburg, Netherlands

• Finalists – Swiss Parks Network, Switzerland and V&A Waterfront, South Africa

Environment Award Winner – The Botswana Rhino Conservation Project by Wilderness Safaris, Botswana

• Finalists Alcatraz Cruises, USA and  Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund, USA & worldwide

Innovation Award Winner – Carmacal Carbon Calculator by ANVR – The Netherlands Travel Trade Association, Netherlands

• Finalists – North Sailing, Iceland Finalist  and ‘Measuring Tourism’s Impact’ by PwC, Travel Foundation & TUI Group, United Kingdom  (see story HERE)

People Award Winner – Youth Career Initiative, United Kingdom & worldwide (See story HERE )

• Finalists – Jus’ Sail, Saint Lucia Finalist and Kinyei International, Cambodia

More information on the 2016 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Winner and Finalists: HERE

Tourism for Tomorrow, "the WTTC Perspective" sets out how applicants need to demonstrate how they are actively engaged in a successful programme of sustainable tourism practices and management, including maximising social and economic benefits for local people.

Valere Tjolle

@ValereTjolle [email protected]

See also:

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2017 green trade opportunity unveiled