The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has issued a call for entries for the 2007 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The Awards, now in their third year under WTTC stewardship, promote and reward best practice in Travel & Tourism all over the world.

There are four categories for entry, allowing for applications from tourism destinations, businesses and organization. The categories are:

Destination Award: for destinations of any size which show a commitment to responsible tourism development

Conservation Award: for any tourism organization committed to the protection of natural and cultural heritage

Investor in People Award: for any tourism organization which shows a commitment to human resource development and local community involvement

Global Tourism Business Award: for a tourism business of at least 200 employees operating in more than one destination which demonstrates responsible tourism practices

The Awards are sponsored by several WTTC Members and other organizations, including British Airways, Reed Travel Exhibitions, TAP, Esp’rito Santo Tourism Group and Opodo, as well as by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Adventure Travel Expo. Media sponsors include BBC World, National Geographic Adventure, E-Turbo, Travelmole and Newsweek.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President, said, “Travel & Tourism represents a huge economic and social importance. WTTC is firmly committed to realizing the industry’s potential for growth and ensuring maximum and sustainable benefits for everyone involved. In recent years global consciousness of the importance of tourism has triggered a fresh look at the opportunities it represents and we invite all sectors of the industry to applaud the best practices in tourism, helping the development of sustainable growth in the future.” 

Costas Christ, Judging Chairman for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and an international expert on sustainable tourism, said, “Tourism continues to be an important opportunity for helping to protect the Earth’s natural and cultural heritage while also promoting cross-cultural understanding and economic development. By recognizing the best models of socially and environmentally responsible tourism from around the world, the 2007 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are demonstrating that sustainable tourism practices can be part of business success.”

The deadline for entries is 11 December, 2006 and, after a judging process involving 12 tourism experts from around the world and on-site verification visits for finalists, the winners will be announced at a special ceremony during the 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit held in Lisbon from 10 to 12 May, 2007.

Benefits of winning include a free trip to the 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit and considerable international media attention and promotion.

——-