TWELVE finalists have been selected for the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Under the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)’s stewardship since 2003, the awards recognise best practices in sustainable tourism in four different categories – destination stewardship, conservation, community benefit and global tourism business.
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.
A record number of entries were received this year from over 40 countries and six continents.
The 2009 finalists are, for the destination stewardship award: Grupo PUNTACANA, Dominican Republic, a group of companies helping an impoverished region; Heritage Watch, Cambodia, an NGO protecting Cambodian cultural heritage; and South West Tourism, UK, a regional tourism board.
For the conservation award: Ionian Eco Villagers, Greece, a small tour operator; Lane Cove River Tourist Park, Australia, a unique conservation project; and NatureAir, Costa Rica, a domestic airline.
For the community benefit award: Community Action Treks, Nepal, a tour operator organising trekking tours; Ol Donyo Wuas, Kenya, an eco-lodge; and the Zakoura Foundation for Micro Credits, Morocco, an organisation fighting poverty.
For the global tourism business award: GAP Adventures, Canada & Global, a Canadian based adventure tour operator; Marriott International Inc, USA & Global, a worldwide hospitality company with a holistic approach to sustainable management; and Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador, a fully Ecuadorian company contributing to sustainability.
Costas Christ, chairman of the judges said, “Many challenges still remain, from broad reductions of CO2 emissions by the travel and tourism industry, to addressing poverty alleviation, to preserving cultural and natural heritage in both existing and emerging tourism destinations. But there is no question that what we are witnessing today may be the most significant transformation in the history of modern travel – a global recognition of the importance of sustainable tourism. The 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Award Finalists represent this transformation in action.”
For more information, visit www.tourismfortomorrow.com