First World Green Awards – Date Announced

90 organisations have been nominated for the global categories of the first Green World Travel Awards.

The award ceremony is to be held in Slovakia on 16 October at AquaCity, the luxurious Slovakian resort in Poprad, which is almost completely self-powered, using geothermal water and energy from the sun.

Awards are be made for:
World’s Leading Conservation Company
World’s Leading Eco-friendly Airport
World’s Leading Eco-Lodge
World’s Leading Green Destination

World’s Leading Green Hotel
World’s Leading Green Resort
World’s Leading Green Tour Operator
World’s Leading Green Transport Solution Company
World’s Leading Responsible Tourism Scheme
World’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Scheme

There are also regional categories for Africa, Asia, Australasia, the Carribean, Central America, Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, North America and South America.

“The challenges of green tourism are the responsibility of every company, organisation and individual working in travel and tourism today”, said Graham E. Cook, founder and chairman of World Travel Awards. “Unless we play our part now, there is no denying that we will all be held to account by future generations.

“That is why these awards are so crucial to the international travel industry, helping stimulate action that preserves the world, its culture and heritage.” He said that AquaCity is the perfect venue for the awards. “The resort saves around 27 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere each day, compared with a traditional resort burning conventional fossil fuels”, he explained.

“In addition to minimising the carbon footprint of guests, using renewable energy sources also saves millions of euros in conventional energy costs, pushing down holiday prices and offering travellers the unusual combination of affordable, green luxury.”

“Contrary to what some people still believe, green tourism can increase business efficiency, cut energy costs, increase customer and staff satisfaction plus create a feel good factor for both the business and visitors”, he said.

The event is part of World Travel Awards Grand Tour, culminating with the final in December, which this year is being held in Turks & Caicos.

All nominations for the World Travel Awards Green Ceremony 2008 can be found by logging on to WorldTravelAwards.com

Valere Tjolle