Tourism awards launched today
Nominations have opened for the 2011 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which recognises the best tourism businesses and destinations worldwide.
Applicants may put themselves forward for awards in one of four categories
Global Tourism Business, Conservation, Community Benefit, and Destination Stewardship, showcasing best practice in sustainable tourism.
Applications may be submitted online on www.tourismfortomorrow.com/Apply/ before December 10, 2010.
The launch of the Tourism for Tomorrow coincides with World Tourism Day, during which a panel of tourism and biodiversity experts are meeting in China to explore synergies between tourism, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
“With the celebration of World Tourism Day, we are also recognising the increasingly important role that travel and tourism plays in helping to support and protect cultural and natural heritage around the world, while also delivering tangible social and economic benefits to local communities," said chairman of the judges for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Costas Christ.
"WTTC’s foremost awards, which include an international panel of expert judges and a rigorous on-site evaluation process, recognize and celebrate these advances in sustainable best practices."
Winners and finalists will be recognised during a special ceremony at the 11th Global Travel Tourism Summit, held from May 17-19, 2011 in Las Vegas in the presence of government and industry leaders
The Global Tourism Business category is open to any company from any sector of travel and tourism with at least 500 full-time employees and operating in more than one country.
In the Conservation category, tourism businesses must demonstrate that their development has made a tangible contribution to the conservation of nature, including the protection of wildlife, expanding and restoring natural habitat, and supporting biodiversity.
For the Community Benefit category, tourism initiatives must demonstrate direct benefits to local people, support for community development, and enhancement for cultural heritage in the area.
Candidates in the Destination Stewardship category may represent a variety of tourism organizations that show success in maintaining a program of sustainable tourism management at the destination level, incorporating social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits, as well as multi-stakeholder engagement.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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