Celebrating 15 years of Tourism for Tomorrow: WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2019 applications are now open

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World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

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Wednesday, October 10, 2018

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called on Travel and Tourism organizations worldwide to showcase their achievements in sustainable tourism by entering the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2019.

Since the beginning of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards under WTTC, there have been approximately 2,450 applicants from over 50 countries, 186 finalists, and 62 winners who have demonstrated economic, environmental, and social & cultural benefits from best practices in sustainable tourism.

Over the past 15 years, eight of these finalists, and five of these winners have been from the Oceanic region. In 2018 there were 19 entries from the region, and now WTTC is calling on Oceania once again, to demonstrate the tourism industry’s growing commitment to sustainable tourism.

A region abundant with nature and wildlife, and home to some of the world’s longest surviving indigenous cultures, the Oceanic tourism industry has demonstrated a phenomenal commitment to protecting the region’s precious natural assets. From an annual reduction of airline emissions, protection of the Great Barrier Reef and establishing the world’s first national environmental certification, Oceania’s Tourism for Tomorrow winners are leading the way in sustainable tourism, to protect the natural wonders and ancient cultures they live alongside.

In 2013, Air New Zealand was recognized by the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, winning the Sustainable Business category for their commitment to becoming the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline. Between 2006 and 2011, the airline recorded a 15% reduction in emissions, owing to its investment in fuel-efficient aircraft, tailored flight paths and its work alongside the Department of Conservation. Other past winners and sustainable heroes include Whale Watch Kaikoura (WWK) who won the 2010 Community Benefit award and Ecotourism Australia, the 2008 Conservation Award winners.

This year applicants can enter in the following five categories: Social Impact, Destination Stewardship, Climate Action, Changemakers, and Investing in People

· The Social Impact Award recognizes an organization working to improve the people and places where it operates.

· The Destination Stewardship Award celebrates organizations that have rejuvenated a place, maintained and developed its authenticity, brought stakeholders together and created something new and attractive.

· The Climate Action Award seeks to recognize innovative actions through either behavior change of guests and employees, policy changes or the introduction of technology, to reduce the scale and impacts of climate change.

· The Investing in People Award recognizes an organization demonstrating leadership in becoming an exciting, attractive and equitable employer in the sector.

· The Changemakers Award is a newly introduced category which recognizes an organization which has made a real, positive and impactful change in a specific area of focus, which will change each year. In 2019, the focus will be on fighting the illegal wildlife trade through sustainable tourism.

The 2019 Finalists will be announced in January 2019 and the winners will be announced during next year’s WTTC Global Summit, which will take place in Seville, Spain, 3-4 April 2019.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC said: “This year’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards celebrate 15 years of winners, stories, and leadership. We are pleased to announce that applications for the 2019 WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards have opened today.

Over the past 15 years, Tourism for Tomorrow winners have exemplified leadership in responsible tourism initiatives and set the absolute benchmark for their industry peers. On behalf of WTTC and our members, I welcome organizations operating within the sustainable tourism space to apply to the Awards programme, which serves to further educate governments and the public and private sector through their outstanding accomplishments.”

The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognizes best practice in sustainable tourism within the industry globally, based upon the principles of environmentally friendly operations; support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage; and direct benefits to the social and economic well-being of local people in travel destinations around the world.

Note: Award applicants can apply online here or find out more information at www.wttc.org/T4TAwards 

Entries are now open and the closing date is 14 November 2018. #T4TAwards



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