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Scotland Expert among Shortlist for World Guide Award
Wednesday, 17 Apr, 2010
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Wanderlust calls for trade testimonials
Wanderlust magazine has announced the shortlist for its fifth annual World Guide Award, which recognises the true unsung heroes of travel. The eight-strong shortlist includes a guide who runs sea-kayaking expeditions in Scotland for Scottish operator Wilderness Scotland, alongside guides to more far flung destinations such as Sri Lanka, Yemen and Kenya working with some of the best tour operators in the business.
Said Lyn Hughes “Whether you are travelling independently or in a group, whether you use their services for a day or a month, a guide can make all the difference to your travelling experience – this has been demonstrated by the sheer volume and quality of entries received this year.”
The award is the only ones of its kind to recognise the exceptional guides ever-present at the frontline of travel across the globe. A record number of over 1000 guide nominations from around the world have been whittled down to just eight exceptional contenders.
Following the announcement of the shortlist, Wanderlust is looking for travellers and industry experts to submit testimonials about the nominees by 14 May 2010 and the expert judging panel, including travel writer Bill Bryson, Wildlife expert Mark Cawardine, and Wanderlust’s Editor in Chief Lyn Hughes, has the tough task of selecting the final three.
The winner and runners-up will be announced on 28 September at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The top three guides will receive a bursary and prizes donated by the sponsors. Full details of the shortlist and how to submit testimonials is available in the April issue of Wanderlust magazine on sale now and online at www.wanderlust.co.uk/guides .
The shortlist is as follows:
Jeremy Martin (Scotland) – Guide for Wilderness Scotland.
Originally from New Zealand, Jeremy has a huge passion for Scotland and although not a native Scot, he knows the area inside out. Everyone who goes on a kayaking expedition with him, from first timers to pro paddlers, raves about his simple no nonsense approach and sense of humour.
Jackon Looyesia (Kenya) – Guide for Rekero Camp
Maasai Jackson has been dubbed the ‘biggest personality in Africa’ and has already found fame on the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries. He has been praised for his natural charisma and uncanny ability to find the most elusive animals. He is excellent at imparting his understanding of the Masai Mara.
Abraham Banda (Zambia) – Guide for Norman Carr Safaris.
Abraham is an expert in animal behaviour and his knowledge is encyclopaedic, but is his thoughtful nature that most impresses.
Bali Singh (India) – Guide for Exodus
Bali goes out of his way to show people the real India, whether it’s a trip to a cow sanctuary or to a local wedding. Readers praised his cheeky smile and infectious sense of fun.
Bruno Dawson (Sri Lanka) – Guide for Intrepid
Bruno’s extensive knowledge of his homeland and his storytelling are highly praised, as is his extremely kind nature. He goes way beyond the call of duty to look after his guests.
Peter Selman (Latin America) – Guide for Journey Latin America
Peter been working in Latin America for the last 7 years and has a huge breadth of knowledge about the continent. Readers appreciated his ability to stay calm in any situation and his skill at managing group dynamics.
Tina Zorman (Yemen) – Guide for Eternal Yemen
Tina is a Slovenian who runs Eternal Yemen with her Yemeni husband. On her tours she challenges misconceptions about the Middle East and opens client’s eyes to real Yemeni people and culture.
Yannick Gielen (Various locations) – Guide for GAP Adventures
For the past decade Yannick has led tours all over the world. What sets him apart is the way he dedicates 100% of himself to his group and his unwavering support for each individual, especially when they are facing personal challenges.
The awards recognise the difference that a great guide can make to a travel experience. They were set up by Wanderlust editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes as a tribute to her husband Paul Morrison, who she co-founded the magazine with 16 years ago and who died in 2004.
“We want to hear from anyone who has been on a journey with these remarkable guides to find out why they merit the profession’s ultimate award.” Continued Lyn: “Guiding calls for a real understanding of sustainability. A good guide will not only ensure that your exploration of his or her region is carried out in a sustainable manner, respecting the local customs, environment, wildlife and economy, but they will also be able to highlight any issues in their region and ways in which you can help to ensure that visitors will be able to enjoy the area for years to come. This is one of the key areas that the judges will be looking at when they make the final selection.”
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