London � 25 January, 2007 - The World Travel & Tourism Council
(WTTC) announced today the 12 finalists for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards
2007. Tourism businesses and initiatives from all over the world were encouraged
to apply for these prestigious Awards, which represent the highest accolade
for best practice in Travel & Tourism development.
An international committee of experts selected the 12 finalists from
over 130 applications from more than 40 countries representing Travel &
Tourism on all seven continents. Costas Christ, Judging Chairman of the
Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and an internationally recognized expert in
sustainable tourism said: �With rigorous evaluation standards and detailed
criteria, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards have become the �Oscars� of Travel
& Tourism industry. Today that means not only providing an outstanding
tourism product but doing so in a way that helps to protect the cultural
and natural heritage of our planet. The finalist selection committee judges
were particularly inspired to see an increasing number of enterprises this
year that are demonstrating environmentally and socially responsible tourism
from large-scale ski resorts to small ecolodges�.
The finalists for each category are, in alphabetical order:
DESTINATION AWARD
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
This world renowned destination has demonstrated successful linkages
between nature preservation and the tourism industry through sustainable
destination management. The project is constantly evolving through its
beneficial partnerships. The successful efforts made by the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park Authority to includes a multi-stakeholder approach to
preserve this unique natural treasure represents an important benchmark
for other large-scale protected area tourism destinations. The High Standard
Tourism Programme showcases the successful implementation of sustainable
management practices by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. For
more information please visit www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Greenbox Trading As Responsible Tourism, Ireland
Greenbox comprises numerous counties in Ireland under one sustainable
tourism destination management project. Their unique approach with a strong
focus on public-private partnership has inspired other tourism destinations
in Ireland to engage in sustainable tourism practices. In addition to Greenbox�s
ecotourism programme for educating tourists, locals and policy stakeholders,
Greenbox also actively supports cultural heritage preservation within the
framework for successful destination stewardship For more information please
visit www.greenbox.ie
The State of Vermont, USA
The State of Vermont has successfully demonstrated how revitalization
of rural towns and cities linked with tourism can secure maximum economic,
social and environmental benefits and minimum negative impacts on a destination.
The project includes unique features such as the Vermont Forum on Sprawl
to maintain the sense of place and traditional character of a destination.
Cultural preservation through refurbishment of historic places as well
as nature conservation goes hand in hand in the State of Vermont�s approach
to destination management. For more information please visit www.vermontvacation.com
CONSERVATION AWARD
Aqua-Trek / Aqua-Trek�s Fiji Shark Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
Programme, Fiji Islands
At a time when the global shark population is in dramatic decline due
to unsustainable practices such �shark finning� by commercial vessels and
in a country where shark fishing remains popular, Aqua-Trek�s Fiji
Shark Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Programme has been successful
in educating both tourists and the local Fijian people on the benefits
of protecting the shark population. This successful initiative to preserve
the Fiji shark population through sustainable tourism practices has resulted
in increased shark populations on the reef and demonstrates best practice
in collaboration between local communities and an international dive operator
in the conservation of a threatened marine species. For more information
please visit www.aquatrek.com
Aspen Skiing Company, USA
Aspen Skiing Company host 1.3 million skiers annually while at
the same time demonstrating a rare example of large scale tourism that
operates on a sound environmental management plan. With 100 percent of
its electricity use coming from renewable energy through the largest purchase
of renewable energy certificates in the ski industry, Aspen has taken a
major stand on global warming while educating its employees, guests and
media on the urgent need to address climate change. Through bio diesel,
micro-hydro, wind power and its Environmental Foundation, among other initiatives,
Aspen Skiing Company continues to set benchmarks for large scale environmentally
sensitive tourism. For more information please visit www.aspensnowmass.com
Caiman Ecological Refuge, Brazil
This pioneer conservation-tourism initiative consists of an ecolodge
and a sustainably-operated cattle ranch working together in an effort to
promote protection and sustainable use of the Pantanal wetland of Brazil
� a high biodiversity area on our planet. The creation of the Caiman
Ecological Refuge as part of the project and the education of local land
owners and tourists to the importance of conserving the Pantanal�s natural
heritage is the cornerstone of this project, which has helped bring world
wide attention to the Pantanal as a conservation priority. For more information
please www.caiman.com.br
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE AWARD
10 Knots Development Corporation / El Nido Resorts, Philippines
At El Nido Resorts corporate citizenship, environmental responsibility
and commitment to local people finds itself expressed in every aspect of
the 10 Knots Development Corporation. Their comprehensive approach to fair
wages, capacity building and staff education showcases true investment
in people. 10 Knots Development Corporation not only complies with the
principles of triple-bottom-line sustainable management; environment, culture
and economic benefits, but also helps promote sustainable tourism practices
on the Philippine island of Palawan. For more information please visit
www.elnidoresorts.com
Nihiwatu Resort, Indonesia
At the heart of this remote lodge on Sumba Island in Indonesia is a
deep commitment to fighting poverty and protecting cultural heritage
through partnerships with local communities while delivering an outstanding
guest experience. The Sumba Foundation, founded by Nihiwatu, has been a
powerful vehicle for generating self-improvement projects, including safe
drinking water, malaria eradication and primary school education for local
villagers. For more information please visit www.nihiwatu.com
Sunderbans Jungle Camp, India
Despite bureaucratic and other organizational challenges, the small
Sunderbans Jungle Camp manages to operate a sustainable tourism best practice
model in one of the most remote impoverished regions of India - the Ganges
river delta. Sunderbans Jungle Camp is providing a light at the end of
the tunnel with its promotion of sustainable tourism as an alternative
to a subsistance livelihood among local people which has contributed to
environmental degredation and poverty. Their sustainable tourism approach
is helping to provide a successful, alternative economic and social benefit
model to local people. For more information please email to [email protected]
GLOBAL TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD
Lindblad Expeditions, USA and Global
As cruise ship tour operator, Lindblad Expeditions is a global role
model for environmental stewardship and responsibility. Their approach
to cruise ship tourism features many unique best practise examples, such
as their local food sourcing and the re-use and recycling programme. Both
guests and staff are continuously educated about the benefits of responsible
travel. Through environmental conservation initiatives and numerous partnerships
and multi-stakeholder involvement, Lindblad Expeditions continues
to play a leading role in stetting the sustainable tourism benchmark for
cruise ships in fragile nature destinations around the world and most notably,
in the Galapagos islands. For more information please visit www.expeditions.com
Six Senses Resorts & Spas, Thailand and Global
The Six Senses Social and Environmental Conscience initiative in sustainable
tourism, including their Environmental Management Programme, Social and
Environmental Responsibility Fund and Corporate Partnership Programme has
lead to environmentally sound property management as well as community
involvement and benefits. Guests and staff are encouraged to learn from
each other through cultural exchange and environmental awareness, which
includes resorts and spas built according to sustainable design principles
and reflecting local cultural heritage, heath and wellbeing. For more information
please visit www.sixsenses.com
Wilderness Safaris, South Africa
This South African based lodge company with 52 properties in seven
countries distinguishes itself by investing back into the areas visited
through conservation, community partnerships and social benefit projects.
Not only do they showcase remarkable conservation achievements in terms
of establishing new protected areas but also through environmentally
sound practices such as waste water treatment, garbage disposal and energy
use management systems. Of equal measure are their community partnerships
that have resulted in tangible economic and social benefits to local peoples
in remote areas of Africa. This is all done while providing guests with
outstanding service. For more information please visit www.wilderness-safaris.com
The Finalists� Selection Committee
Chairman:
Costas Christ � Judging Chairman of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards
Committee:
Dr Peter Burns, Professor, Centre for Tourism Policy Studies, University
of Brighton, UK
Tony Charters, Principal, Tony Charters & Associates, Australia
Nicky Fitzgerald, Senior Director, CC Africa, South Africa
Marilu Hernandez, President, Fundacion Hacinedas del Mundo Mayas, Mexico
Oliver Hillel, Programme Officer, Sustainable Use, Tourism and Island
Biodiversity
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Canada
Dr Janne J Liburd, Associate Professor, University of Southern Denmark,
Denmark & Chair, BEST Education Network
Brian Mullis, President, Sustainable Travel International, USA
Mandip Singh Soin FRGS, Founder & Managing Director, Ibex Expeditions
(P) Ltd, India
Ary Suhandi, Executive Director, INDECON, Indonesia
Albert Teo, Managing Director, Borneo Eco Tours, Malaysia
Michelle White, Director, Environmental Affairs, Fairmont Hotels &
Resorts, Canada & Global |
Winners will receive their prestigious Award during a special ceremony
at the Gala Dinner of the 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit on 11
May, 2007 in Lisbon Portugal. The selection of finalists and winners is
in-depth and unique as Mandip Singh Soin FRGS, Founder & Managing Director
of Ibex Expeditions, India explains: �Ever since I have been judging these
awards, I am delighted to see the quality of the projects improve consistently.
The unique feature of a site visit of the finalists to verify the on-ground
situation makes it a well thought out Award. I am sure these role models
in sustainable and responsible tourism actions will do our tourism industry
proud so we can all hold our heads high and do our bit to make the world
a better place."
Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of WTTC said: �With a forecasted
growth of 10% of world GDP over the next 10 years and a total employment
of amore than 230 million jobs worldwide, Travel & Tourism has huge
economic effects even on communities in remote areas. Therefore, we are
encouraged about the growing number of participants in the Tourism for
Tomorrow Awards and the commitment shown by enterprises across the world
to responsible tourism development. Providing sustainable livelihood is
a long-term goal and we are delighted to honour the world�s leading examples
of where this goal is actually being pursued.�
The Awards are sponsored by several WTTC Members and other organizations,
including British Airways, Espirito Santo Tourism, Opodo, Reed Travel Exhibitions,
TAP Air Portugal, as well as by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Adventure
Travel Expo. Media sponsors include 4Hoteliers, BBC World, E-Turbo News,
The Daily Telegraph, National Geographic Adventure, Newsweek, Simon &
Baker Travel Review, Travelmole, Travel Weekly and WOW Travel.
About Tourism for Tomorrow
The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, now in their third year under the auspices
of WTTC reward best practice in responsible tourism development across
the world. This highest accolade in the Travel & Tourism industry is
handed out annually in four different categories to those that truly showcase
benchmarks and inspire others to follow suit.
About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global business leaders�
forum for Travel & Tourism. Its members are Chairmen, Chief Executives
and Presidents of the world�s most prominent Travel & Tourism organizations.
It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the
Travel & Tourism industry worldwide. For more information please visit
www.wttc.org and contact Louise Oram, PR & Communications Co-ordinator
on +44 (0) 20 7481 8007 or [email protected] For more information on the
Global Travel & Tourism Summit please visit www.globaltraveltourism.com
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