Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Finallists Unveiled

Tuesday, 06 Feb, 2010 0

National Park Conservancy Namibia

Twelve finalists for the 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards have been unveiled.

The World Travel & Tourism Council-backed awards recognise best practice in sustainable tourism in four different categories – Destination Stewardship, Conservation, Community Benefit and Global Tourism Business.

More than 160 entries were received from over 45 countries.

The 12 finalists were selected by an international team of independent judges in each of the four award categories for having successfully demonstrated sustainable tourism practices, including the protection of natural and cultural heritage, social and economic benefits to local people, and environmentally friendly operations, the WTTC said.

Chairman of the judges Costas Christ said: "The travel and tourism industry is at a critical crossroads, not because of the global economic recession, but rather, as more travel companies and destinations understand that a paradigm shift is underway, where addressing social and environmental issues is an important part of business success.

“Sustainable practices have become a new measure of quality service, and the excellent Award entries we received this year in all categories support this. Our 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow finalists represent that new reality in action, where good stewardship is now good business."

The 2010 Finalists are:

Destination Stewardship Award

Botswana Tourism Board, Botswana – www.botswanatourism.co.bw
Ministry of Tourism, Montenegro – www.montenegro.travel
Mount Huangshan Scenic Site, China – www.chinahuangshan.gov.cn

Conservation Award

Emirates Hotels & Resorts, UAE – www.emirateshotelsresorts.com
Inkaterra Perú SAC, Peru – www.inkaterra.com
Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania– www.singita.com

Community Benefit Award

Namibia’s Communal Conservancy Tourism Sector / NACSO, Namibia – www.nasco.org.na
Tourindia, India – www.tourindiakerala.com
Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd, New Zealand – www.whalewatch.co.nz

Global Tourism Business Award

Accor, France & Global – www.accor.com
Banyan Tree Holdings, Singapore & Global – www.banyantree.com
Wilderness Safaris, South Africa & Global – www.wilderness-safaris.com

The finalist selection judging committee for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2010 includes:

• Tony Charters, Principal, Tony Charters & Associates, Australia

• Jena Gardner, President, JG Blackbook of Travel, and President, The Bodhi Tree Foundation, USA

• Erika Harms, Executive Director of the Tourism Sustainability Council (TSC) and Senior Advisor on Tourism at the United Nations Foundation, USA/Costa Rica

• Marilú Hernández, President, Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, Mexico

• Dr Janne J Liburd, Associate Professor and Director of Research, Centre for Tourism, Culture and Innovation, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark

• Mahen Sanghrajka, Chairman, Big Five Tours & Expeditions, USA/Kenya

• Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya, Chief of Party, Uganda Sustainable Tourism Program, Uganda

• Mandip Singh Soin FRGS, Founder & Managing Director, Ibex Expeditions (P) Ltd, India

• Shannon Stowell, President, Adventure Travel Trade Association, USA

• Jamie Sweeting, Vice President, Environmental Stewardship and Global Chief Environmental Officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises, USA

• Albert Teo, Managing Director, Borneo Eco Tours, Malaysia

• Mei Zhang, Founder, Wildchina, China

by Phil Davies

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