The World Travel and Tourism Council launched its Tourism for Tomorrow Awards for 2013 today with a call for entries from around the world.
The Tourism for Tomorrow awards recognise outstanding achievement in sustainable travel and tourism worldwide, with an international panel of judges selecting finalists and choosing the winners following on-site inspections.
The WTTC will again present awards in four categories: Global Tourism Business, Conservation, Community Benefit, and Destination Stewardship.
Tourism businesses, destinations and organisations have until November 26 to submit entries online at www.wttc.org/tourismfortomorrow
Applicants need to demonstrate engagement in a successful programme of sustainable tourism practice and management, maximising social and economic benefits for local people, reducing negative impacts to the environment and supporting the protection of cultural and natural heritage in destinations.
WTTC president and chief executive David Scowsill said: “The travel and tourism industry has immense influence and the potential to raise awareness and initiate action on the sustainability agenda among consumers, employees, and governments.
“In its ninth year under WTTC stewardship, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards reward outstanding examples of sustainable tourism practice globally.”
Finalists will receive complimentary flights and accommodation to attend the WTTC’s Global Summit 2013 in Abu Dhabi next April, with the winners announced at a gala awards ceremony.
Chairman of the Tourism for Tomorrow judges Costas Christ said: “These awards are truly global, with a team of nearly two dozen judges from around the world, ranging from indigenous tourism leaders to international sustainable tourism experts.”
Christ said: “One day there will be no need for awards that recognise sustainable tourism best practice. Care for local people and the planet will simply be a part of how every tourism business operates.
“Until then, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are shining a light on the sustainable tourism visionaries helping to lead the way forward.”
The 2012 awards were won by Destination Røros of Norway (Destination Stewardship), Saunders Hotel Group of Boston (Community Benefit), Inkaterra Peru (Conservation) and Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts (Global Tourism Business).