LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is inviting tourism businesses, organizations, and destinations worldwide to apply for its prestigious Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Each year, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognize global leadership in sustainable tourism best practices. Due to its rigorous three-step judging process involving 22 independent expert judges from all around the world, and including an on-site evaluation of all award finalists, the Awards have become one of the highest accolades in the global travel and tourism industry.
Applicants should demonstrate how they are actively engaged in a successful program of sustainable tourism practices and management, including maximizing social and economic benefits for local people, reducing negative impacts to the environment, and supporting the protection of cultural and natural heritage in destinations where they operate.
Award applicants may enter in one of four Award categories: Global Tourism Business, Conservation, Community Benefit, and Destination Stewardship and can submit their entries online at www.wttc.org/tourismfortomorrow until November 26, 2012.
“The travel and tourism industry has immense influencing power and has the potential to raise awareness and initiate action on the sustainability agenda among consumers, employees, and governments,” said David Scowsill, president & CEO of WTTC. “With its ninth year under WTTC stewardship, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are rewarding top sustainable tourism practices globally. These are outstanding examples, reaching new heights in the world’s sustainable tourism advancement.”
Awards Ceremony in Abu Dhabi in April
Finalists and winners receive complimentary flights and accommodation and will be recognized during a gala Awards ceremony which takes place alongside WTTC’s Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE on April 9, 2013, attended by travel and tourism industry leaders, government representatives and members of the international media.
“A tremendous amount of work goes into the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards each year,” said Costas Christ, chairman of judges. “These Awards are truly global in nature, with a team of nearly two dozen judges from all around the world, ranging from indigenous tourism leaders to international sustainable tourism experts, and hailing from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe.
In 2012 Destination Røros won in the Destination Stewardship category, Saunders Hotel Group won the Community Benefit Award, Inkaterra Peru won the Conservation Award and Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts won the Global Tourism Business Award.
