The chair of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards launched the 2018 Awards this week with a demand that the industry “step up and accept its wider responsibilities”.
Awards chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “The impact of growing tourist numbers has been called into question, with backlashes against overcrowding in some key European destinations.
“Now, more than ever, it is vital the industry accepts its wider responsibilities.”
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards celebrate the best in sustainable tourism business leadership and I encourage all organisations to apply.”
Awards applicants can enter in one of five categories:
The Community Award recognises commitment to sustainable tourism leadership in local community development and cultural heritage.
The Destination Award recognises destinations which show commitment to supporting and delivering sustainable tourism best practices.
The Environment Award recognises environmental best practice through biodiversity conservation, protection of natural habitats, addressing climate change and green operations.
The Innovation Award recognises solutions to sustainability challenges.
The People Award recognises organisations dedicated to capacity building, training and education.
Jeffery said: “Our Awards winners help highlight solutions based on business models built around empowering local communities, inclusiveness, and the preservation of environment and cultural heritage.”
AIG Travel chief executive Jeff Rutledge, who is headline sponsor of the awards for the third year, said: “AIG is committed to seeing the travel and tourism sector grow in a more sustainable and inclusive fashion.”
The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards finalists will be announced in January 2018 and the winners unveiled at the WTTC Global Summit in Buenos Aires in April.
Applications can be made online
The closing date for entries is November 14.