The world’s biggest tour operator Tui Travel and airline Cathay Pacific were pipped to the prestigious Business Award in the WTTC’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards by Safari lodge company Asilia Africa.
The award winners were announced at a gala dinner at the WTTC Summit in Hainan last night when a new chairman of Tourism for Tomorrow Awards judges was also unveiled.
Fiona Jeffery, chairman of the Just a Drop charity and former chairman of World Travel Market, will take over from outgoing Awards chairman Costas Christ.
The Arviat Community Ecotourism initiative of Canada won the Community Award ahead of Abercrombie and Kent (Kenya) and Basecamp Explorer Kenya.
Costa Navarino of Greece took the Destination Award, with Bonito of Brazil and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark in Ireland as finalists.
The Environment Award went to Jetwing Vil Uyana of Sri Lanka, with Great Plains Conservation of Botswana/Kenya and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway of Australia as runners up.
Ecosphere of India won the new Innovation Award ahead of Chepu Adventures Ecolodge of Chile and Lapland Vuollerim Welcomes You (Sweden).
And the new People Award went to Lanith of Laos, ahead of SA College for Tourism (South Africa) and a joint entry by Central College Nottingham and the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG).
The six category winners were chosen by an international panel of judges following on-site inspections and auditing.
WTTC president and chief executive David Scowsill said: “The WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are aimed at recognising businesses and destinations which protect natural and cultural heritage and improve local livelihoods around the world.
“We need to celebrate the winners but also learn from them to ensure the travel and tourism industry has a sustainable future.”
He added: “I am delighted that Fiona Jeffery will take over as Awards chairman. Fiona is chairman of Just A Drop, galvanising our sector to provide fresh water to communities around the world. She is also an esteemed member of the World Tourism Organisation’s Ethics Committee.”
Christ, who steps down as awards chairman after 10 years in the role, said: “Hundreds of unique applicants applied for the Awards this year.
“The winners show that embracing sustainable tourism principles and practices is a full-time responsibility to both current and future generations.”