The Travel Corporation Canada has secured a prestigious World Travel Market Global Award in recognition of the work undertaken by The Conservation Foundation which it founded to support both existing conservation organisations and encourage the sustainable development of tourism.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Chairman World Travel Market Fiona Jeffery presented the award to Jeff Element, President, The Travel Corporation Canada, at today’s (Monday 7 November) WTM VIP Opening & Reception Ceremony.

WTM’s Global Media Network, comprising of key travel industry media around the world, put forward organisations and individuals which have contributed to their region’s travel and tourism industry. The Travel Corporation Canada was nominated by Canadian Travel Press. Its President, David McClung, jointly presented the award with Jeffery.

Since its creation in 2007 The Conservation Foundation, which is led by The Travel Corporation President and Chief Executive Brett Tollman and Contiki Holidays Global Managing Director David Hosking, has played an integral role in The Travel Corporation’s efforts to promote responsible travel. Projects undertaken include the promotion of sustainable tourism in ecologically endangered areas such as the Atlantic Forest in Brazil and research and restoration in Venice. Through its Uniworld brand, the Conservation Foundation is working to reduce the environmental impact of river cruising on the Nile in Egypt. The Conservative Foundation has also provided more than $2 million to organisations including Conservation International, the World Wildlife Fund, Tourism Cares, The Travel Foundation and the World Travel & Tourism Council to fund projects further supporting responsible tourism development and conservation.

Jeffery said: “The global reach of The Travel Corporation Canada’s conservation work is impressive and its commitment to not only preserving the tourism attractions we already have but also to the future of tourism is something we can all be proud of.”

Every year, World Travel Market Global Awards are presented. The other 2011 winners are: Italy’s Chapter of the Green Meeting Industry Council, Butlins, the Renaissance Moscow Hotel, the Middle East’s WILD Guanabana, India-based The Lalit Group, Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, Spain’s RENFE, Sao Paulo Turismo and the Sandals Foundation.