ICTP partners with World Green Tourism Award to present award in Abu Dhabi

Professor Geoffrey Lipman chairs the prize

Award for contributions to advancing tourism sustainable development

International personalities who have made significant contributions to advancing sustainable development through travel and tourism will be recognized with the World Green Tourism Award, a prestigious new accolade announced today.

The winner will be announced mid-November, and will deliver an Inaugural Address at the World Green Tourism Conference and Exhibition at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from December 5-7.

In partnership with International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP), and sponsored by Etihad Airways, the single award recognizes outstanding efforts and achievements in thought, leadership, and action to encourage green initiatives in travel and tourism.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi, hosts of World Green Tourism, have worked with event organizers, Streamline Marketing Group and ICTP, to select a shortlist of outstanding individuals.

The nominees will be assessed by a distinguished panel of judges chaired by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, formerly in leadership positions at UNWTO (UN World Tourism Organization), WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council), and IATA (International Air Transport Association), and long-time advocate of sustainable development and the green economy.

He will be joined by Erika Harms, Executive Director of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council; Laila Yousef Al Hassan, Manager of Communications and Marketing at the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi (EAD); Hisham Zaazou, Senior Assistant Minister of Tourism in Egypt; and Vijay Poonoosamy, VP International & Public Affairs, Etihad Airways.

“There is clearly a lot of outstanding work around the world to establish a more sustainable tourism infrastructure in line with modern green growth demands and expectations, but at the same time it is important to recognize the real pathfinders,” said Lipman.

“There have been many outstanding individuals who have worked tirelessly in driving the global sustainable development agenda and at the same time have seen the real potential of this sector as a positive change agent.

“The World Green Tourism Award is the first of its kind to honor and recognize these individuals – to bridge the gap between the industry and the mainstream green growth agenda. This is a great opportunity to honor one of these visionary thinkers,” he added.

Prof. Lipman is currently Chair of Greenearth.travel, a Brussels-based company set up last year to encourage countries, cities, communities, companies, and consumers to support transition to the new Green Economy, based on low carbon, sustainable operations and renewable energy. Prof. Lipman is the current President for the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP).

From 2006 to 2010, Prof. Lipman was Assistant Secretary General and Spokesperson of UNWTO, and prior to that acted as Advisor to the Secretary General. He was the first President of WTTC from 1990-99, and Executive Director of IATA where he worked from 1966-85.

The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) is a new grassroots travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to quality service and green growth. The ICTP logo represents the strength in collaboration (the block) of many small communities (the lines) committed to sustainable oceans (blue) and land (green).

ICTP helps member destinations and their stakeholders share quality and green opportunities including tools and resources, access to funding, education, and marketing support. ICTP advocates sustainable aviation growth, streamlined travel, and fair coherent taxation.

ICTP supports the UN Millennium Development Goals, the UN World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and a range of programs that underpin them. The ICTP alliance is represented in Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA; Brussels, Belgium; Bali, Indonesia; and Victoria, Seychelles. Members include countries, regions, and cities. Current members include Seychelles; La Reunion; Johannesburg; Rwanda; Zimbabwe; Oman; Grenada; Komodo; as well as Saipan, Northshore Oahu (Hawaii), and Richmond,Virginia, USA.

World Green Tourism is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADTA’s Chairman.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has wide ranging responsibilities for managing and assisting the development of the emirate's tourism industry and the marketing and promotion of the emirate as a world-class destination of distinction.

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Get your copy at a special offer price: HERE