Tourism for Tomorrow finalists unveiled

WTTC reveals the 18 finalists for its 2014 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.

The Finalists of the 2014 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are:

Business Award finalists, who represent large tourism businesses with at least 500 full time employees operating in one or more countries, which successfully integrate sustainable tourism best practices into their planning and operations:

• TUI Travel, UK
• Asilia Africa, Tanzania
• Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong

Community Award finalists, whose companies and organisations are committed to sustainable tourism leadership in local community development, empowerment and cultural heritage:

• Abercrombie & Kent, Kenya
• Arviat Community Ecotourism, Canada
• Basecamp Explorer Kenya, Kenya

Destination Award finalists, who show commitment to supporting and delivering sustainable tourism best practices in their destinations:

• Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark, Ireland
• Temes S.A. – Costa Navarino, Greece
• Bonito , Brazil

Environment Award finalists, whose organisations and companies achieved environmental best practice through biodiversity conservation, protection of natural habitats, addressing climate change, and green operations:

• Great Plains Conservation, Botswana
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Australia
• Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka

Innovation Award finalists, who provided innovative solutions to overcoming the challenges faced by Travel & Tourism in implementing sustainability in practice:

• Ecosphere, India
• Chepu Adventures Ecolodge. Chile
• Lapland Vuollerim Welcomes You Sweden

People Award finalists, who are dedicated to the development of capacity building, training and education to build a skilled tourism workforce for the future.

• SA College for Tourism – Tracker Academy, South Africa
• Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Laos
• Central College Nottingham and The Institute of Travel & Tourism of The Gambia, UK & Gambia

There are now six award categories, with the addition of two entirely new awards to recognize the areas of human resources and innovation.

Judging involves: an Independent Chairman of Judges, a rigorous three-step judging process involving up to 22 independent expert judges from all around the world, and on-site evaluations of all award finalists.

David Scowsill, President & CEO of WTTC said: "For ten years, WTTC has led the sustainability debate within the Travel & Tourism through our Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. To mark the tenth anniversary this year, we have changed the Awards to reflect the broadening scope of WTTC’s sustainability agenda.

"There are now six award categories, with the addition of two entirely new awards to recognize the areas of human resources and innovation. I would like to congratulate all 18 of our finalists who are flying the flag for the best in sustainable practices globally."

Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges said: "Each year, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognize sustainable tourism best practices in action, helping to transform the Travel & Tourism industry based upon the principles of environmentally friendly operations, support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage, and direct benefits to the social and economic well-being of local people in travel destinations around the world.

 "This year’s finalists continue to demonstrate that when carefully managed, tourism can be a powerful force for improving livelihoods and protecting our planet for future generations."

Winners and finalists will be recognised during a Gala evening at WTTC’s annual Global Summit, to be held in Hainan, China, on 24 April 2014.

Valere Tjolle

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