THE World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the twelve finalists for its 2013 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The Awards are one of the highest accolades in the global Travel & Tourism industry, recognising sustainable tourism best practices in businesses and destinations worldwide.
Award applications were received this year from 46 countries, representing all continents. Finalists in four categories were selected, ranging from entire countries, to global hotel groups, international airlines, luxury tour operators and small eco-lodges.
The finalists of the 2013 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are:
Destination Stewardship nominees, who have successfully implemented a sustainable tourism programme at the destination level, incorporating social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits as well as multi-stakeholder engagement:
• Peaks of the Balkans - Municipality of Peja, Kosovo
• Sentosa Development Corporation, Singapore
• Tourism Council of Bhutan, Bhutan
Global Tourism Business nominees, who represent international companies with at least 500 employees, and eight tourism enterprises in one or more countries, where achievements combine corporate success with sustainable tourism principles and practices:
• Abercrombie & Kent, USA
• Air New Zealand, New Zealand
• ITC Hotels, India
Conservation Award nominees, who have made a direct and tangible contribution to the preservation of nature, including the protection of wildlife, expanding and restoring natural habitat, and supporting biodiversity conservation:
• &Beyond, South Africa
• The Bushcamp Company, Zambia
• Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, Australia
Community Benefit Award nominees, whose companies and organisations directly benefit local people, supporting community development and enhancing cultural heritage:
• Loola Adventure Resort, Indonesia
• Siraj Center, Palestine
• Ten Knots Development Corporation/El Nido Resorts, Philippines.