Luxury Travel Review  

Samson Parashina receiving the 2006 Conservation Award on behalf of Campi Ya Kanzi

The Simon and Baker Travel Review supports the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)’s 2007 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. To further the sustainable tourism goals beneficial to travelers and residents of tourism destinations, established by WTTC, we have become media sponsors of the awards. Other supporting companies and media sponsors include British Airways, Newsweek, BBC World, 4 Hoteliers Hospitality & Travel News, Reed Travel Exhibitions, TAP, Espírito Santo Tourism Group and Opodo, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts,  Adventure Travel Expo, and National Geographic Adventure.

The Awards, now in their third year under WTTC stewardship, promote and reward best practice in travel and tourism around the world. There are four categories for entry, allowing applications from tourism destinations, businesses and organization. The Destination Award recognizes destinations of any size which show a commitment to responsible tourism development; the Conservation Award is for any tourism organization committed to the protection of natural and cultural heritage; the Investor in People Award honors a tourism organization which demonstrates a commitment to human resource development and local community involvement; and the Global Tourism Business Award is presented to a tourism business of at least 200 employees operating in more than one destination which demonstrates responsible tourism practices.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten presents the 2006 Investor in People Award to a representative of Hotel Punta Islita

“Travel & Tourism represents a huge economic and social importance. WTTC is firmly committed to realizing the industry’s potential for growth and ensuring maximum and sustainable benefits for everyone involved,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president, WTTC. “In recent years global consciousness of the importance of tourism has triggered a fresh look at the opportunities it represents and we invite all sectors of the industry to applaud the best practices in tourism, helping the development of sustainable growth in the future.” 

“Tourism continues to be an important opportunity for helping to protect the Earth’s natural and cultural heritage while also promoting cross-cultural understanding and economic development,” said Costas Christ, judging chairman for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and an international expert on sustainable tourism. ”By recognizing the best models of socially and environmentally responsible tourism from around the world, the 2007 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are demonstrating that sustainable tourism practices can be part of business success.”

The deadline for entries is 11 December, 2006 and, after a judging process involving 12 tourism experts from around the world and on-site verification visits for finalists, the winners will be announced at a special ceremony during the 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit held in Lisbon May 10 to 12, 2007. Benefits of winning include a free trip to the 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit and international media attention and promotion.

The 2006 Tourism for Tomorrow Award winners are: Destination Award: Sierra Gorda, Mexico; Conservation Award: Campi Ya Kanzi, Kenya; Investor in People Award: Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica; and Global Tourism Business Award: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canada and Global.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the business leaders’ forum for Travel & Tourism, working with governments to raise awareness of the importance of the industry, which is among the world’s largest generator of wealth and jobs. Additional information is available online at Tourism for Tomorrow Awards