Intrepid Travel, Sabre/Travelocity and Shangri-La Hotels have been shortlisted in one of the four categories in the annual Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
The three companies are vying to win the Global Tourism Business category in the awards organised by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
The winners will be announced at the WTTC’s annual Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Las Vegas on May 17-19.
The winner of the global tourism business category must have at least 500 employees with entrants’ achievements marrying corporate success with sustainable principles and practices.
There were 186 entries from more than 60 countries which have been whittled down to 12 finalists in four categories.
The Conversation section finalists are: Frégate Island Private, Seychelles; Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe; and The Jane Goodall Institute/Budongo Ecotourism Development Project, Uganda.
The Community Benefit finalists are: Agri Tourism Development Corporation; Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique; and Pride ‘n Purpose – Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
The Destination Stewardship finalists are: Alpine Pearls, Austria; iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, South Africa; and Nurture Lakeland, UK.
Finalists were selected by an international panel of independent judges. The award entries were chosen for best demonstrating the protection of natural and cultural heritage, delivering social and economic benefits to local people, and engaging in environmentally friendly operations.
WTTC president and chief executive David Scowsill said: “Travel and tourism continues to make significant strides in balancing its success with its footprint on the world.
“After all, our destinations and products rely on the sustainability of our environment, and its diverse cultural and natural heritage to provide for our customers and employees, as well as the communities we live and work among.
“For many years, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards have helped showcase the projects, initiatives and operations that the industry is already undertaking.
“Our 12 finalists, drawn from 186 entries from over 60 countries, are carrying the flag for sustainable practices in our own and other industries.”