The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the 12 finalists for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2008.
The finalists were selected from 150 applications by an international committee of 12 experts led by Costas Christ, the recognised leader in sustainable tourism.
Christ said: “Sustainable tourism practices are ramping up to a new level, as the tourism industry moves beyond basic recycling programmes and washing sheets and towels every other day.
“There is a more sophisticated effort happening now at greening tourism operations and delivering tangible returns for conservation and community development.
“The 2008 finalists represent the very best examples among a great pool of exceptional award applicants who are part of the global transformation of tourism now underway.”
Winners and finalists will be honoured at a special ceremony at the Gala Dinner of the 8th Global Travel & Tourism Summit on April 21 in Dubai.
The finalists for each category are, in alphabetical order:
DESTINATION AWARD
Blackstone Valley, USA,
www.blackstonevalleytourismcouncil.com
Rinjani Trek Ecotourism Programme, Indonesia,
Town of Bouctouche, Canada, www.ville.bouctouche.nb.ca
CONSERVATION AWARD
Ecotourism Australia, www.ecotourism.org.au
Grootbos Nature Reserve, South Africa, www.grootbos.com
Turtle Conservation Project, Sri Lanka, www.tcpsrilanka.org
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE AWARD
Fair Trade in Tourism, South Africa, www.fairtourismsa.org.za
RARE / La Ruta Moskitia, Honduras, www.larutamoskitia.com
Rainforest Expeditions, Peru, www.perunature.com
GLOBAL TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD
Scandic Hotels, Sweden & Global, www.scandic-hotels.com
Serena Hotels and Lodges, Kenya & Global,
Six Senses Resorts & Spas, Thailand & Global,
The awards are sponsored by a number of travel companies, inclduding Travelport, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Sustainable Travel International, BBC
World, and Travelmole.
