World Travel & Tourism Council Issues Call for Entries for 2006 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards

On September 15, 2005, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) issued a call for entries for the 2006 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The Awards, previously run by British Airways, promote and encourage best practice in Travel and Tourism all over the world.
 
There are four categories for entry, allowing for applications from tourism destinations, businesses and organizations. The categories are:

- Destination Award: for destinations of any size which show a commitment to responsible tourism development
- Conservation Award: for any tourism organization committed to the protection of natural and cultural heritage
- Investor in People Award: for any tourism organization which shows a commitment to human resource development and local community involvement
- Global Tourism Business Award: for a tourism business of at least 100 employees which demonstrates responsible tourism practices

The Awards are sponsored by several WTTC Members, including Avis, British Airways, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Opodo and Reed Travel Exhibitions. Media sponsors include BBC World, Newsweek, The Telegraph and eTurboNews.
 
Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President said "Travel & Tourism is one of the world's largest contributors of wealth and prosperity, accounting for more than 220 million jobs worldwide. Furthermore, if developed and managed effectively, our industry can actually nurture cultural and natural environments across the planet."

Costas Christ, an international expert in sustainable tourism and Chairman of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Judging Panel, said, "With on-site verification visits to all finalists, these awards are setting a new standard for identifying and honoring the leading examples of responsible tourism from across the globe. After the high level of entries of the 2005 Awards, we are very excited to see what 2006 has to bring."
 
The deadline for entries is December 12, 2005 and, after a judging process involving some 20 tourism experts from around the world and on-site verification visits for finalists, the winners will be announced at a special ceremony during the 6th Global Travel and Tourism Summit (in Washington, D.C.) in April 2006.
 
Benefits of winning include a free trip to the 6th Global Travel and Tourism Summit and considerable international media attention and promotion.

To find out more and download an application form please visit www.tourismfortomorrow.com  or email  info@tourismfortomorrow.com.
 
The 2005 Tourism for Tomorrow Award winners are:
Destination Award: Jurassic Coast, United Kingdom – www.jurassiccoast.com
Conservation Award: Damaraland Camp, Namibia – www.wilderness-safaris.com
Investor in People Award: Haciendas del Mundo Maya, Mexico – www.haciendasmundomaya.com 
Global Tourism Business Award: Casuarina Beach Club, Barbados – www.casuarina.com 
 
About WTTC
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is the business leaders' forum for Travel and Tourism, working with governments to raise awareness of the importance of the industry, which is the world's largest generator of wealth and jobs.

Contact
For further information, please contact Olivia Ruggles-Brise, at the World Travel and Tourism Council.