MCLEAN, VA.—An inspiring new trend emerging from many tourism and hospitality industry leaders is the incorporation of environmentally conscious practices in their properties or destinations. As strong supporters of this trend, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), along with National Geographic Traveler, has created the inaugural “Leader in Sustainable Tourism Award” in conjunction with the 2010 HSMAI Adrian Awards competition.
The award, which will be presented on Jan. 31, 2011 at the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, recognizes a person, company or community for demonstrable leadership and innovation in preserving and communicating an authentic sense of place through a wisely managed tourism campaign. Nominees will be judged by how their efforts preserve the environmental, cultural and historic integrity of a destination, and how the program demonstrated leadership, innovation and accomplished its goals. Winners will also be recognized in National Geographic Traveler and USA Today.
“Over the past year, HSMAI has taken note of the abundance of environmental initiatives from numerous brands and destinations within the tourism and hospitality industries,” said Fran Brasseux, executive vice president of HSMAI. “This trend has created a terrific industrywide synergy and the Adrian Awards will be a perfect platform to present the inaugural Leader in Sustainable Tourism Award.”
All sectors of travel, tourism and governments worldwide are eligible for award entry. Entries are completed online and require details on Project Analysis, Objectives and Goals, Creativity and Innovation, Communication, Results, and Leadership. Complete entry requirements can be found at www.adrianawards.com. The early deadline for entries is Aug. 27, 2010, and the final deadline is Sept. 10, 2010.
“There are many people, organizations, governments, and destinations taking the lead in working to protect the world’s distinctive places through wisely managed tourism and destination stewardship that will ultimately benefit travelers and the locations they visit,” said Kimberly Connaghan, publisher, National Geographic Traveler. “We are excited to partner with HSMAI on the new Leader in Sustainable Tourism Award, to give them the recognition they deserve and hopefully inspire others to follow their lead.”
