A small beach lodge helping to lift a community out of poverty, a project to regenerate an island’s fragile eco-system and an international hotel company supporting the protection of orang-utans, turtles and coral reefs are among the twelve finalists in the 2011 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards unveiled by the World Travel & Tourism Council. The Awards recognise achievements among businesses and destinations across the Travel & Tourism industry.
They demonstrate that tourism continues to make significant strides in balancing its success with its footprint. Destinations today rely on the sustainability of their environment to provide for customers and employees, as well as local communities. Tourism can benefit the planet and its people by fostering the preservation of natural, cultural, and heritage and by supporting community empowerment.
For many years, the Awards have helped showcase projects that the industry is already undertaking. The 12 finalists, drawn from 186 entries from over 60 countries, are carrying the flag for sustainable success.
Finalists were selected by an international panel of independent judges. Unique among such Awards, they will now visit all finalists to gain a well-rounded picture of the businesses.
The Awards are given out in four different categories:
Global Tourism Business. Finalists are:
• Intrepid Travel
• Sabre Holdings/Travelocity
• Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Conservation. Finalists are:
• Frégate Island Private
• Singita Pamushana
• The Jane Goodall Institute/Budongo Ecotourism Development Project
Community Benefit. Finalists are:
• Agri Tourism Development Corporation
• Guludo Beach Lodge
• Pride ‘n Purpose – Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Destination Stewardship. Finalists are:
• Alpine Pearls
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
• Nurture Lakeland
Congratulations from Unique Travel!!!!!!