Responsible Tourism Awards
The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2009 launches with support from Paul Theroux
Nominations are now open for the Responsible Tourism Awards 2009
organised by responsibletravel.com and sponsored by Virgin Holidays.
The Awards celebrate tourism ventures around the world that make
positive contributions to conservation and the economies of local
communities.
Prolific travel writer Paul Theroux is supporting this year’s Awards:
“In the past, awards were given for Best Meal, Best View, Most
Grovelling Staff, Biggest Ballroom, or whatever. It’s encouraging that
tourism organisations and individuals are being rewarded for doing
something that is ethically right or supporting a position that will
help the planet. That’s the greatest lesson of travel: it is a very
small and easily bruised planet.”
The Awards are now in their sixth year and are the most prestigious of their kind in the world, with 13 categories receiving a total of over 1,900 nominations in 2008. Partners include The Telegraph Media Group, Geographical Magazine (the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society), BBC World News and World Travel Market.
This year sees the introduction of an annual theme for the Tour Operator category which focuses on ‘cultural engagement’ of local cultures and communities for 2009.
Justin Francis, founders of the Awards and MD of responsibletravel.com said:
“This year will be one of great change for the travel and tourism industry as the global economic situation alters the way we think about our holidays. It is therefore more crucial than ever before that responsible tourism remains high on the agenda and that tourism ventures, destinations and travellers around the world continue to ensure that local communities and environments do not become the forgotten voices. We urge the travelling public to join us in uncovering and nominating those passionate innovators who are leading the way in responsible tourism.”
How to nominate
Nominations should be made online at www.responsibletourismawards.com or by post to responsibletravel.com, Pavilion House, 6 Old Steine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EJ, and include the name and contact details of the nomination, plus up to 200 words on why they should win a Responsible Tourism Award. The category of entry should also be specified (see notes to editors).
Nominations close on: Monday 15th June 2009
Win a safari holiday!
Those individuals who nominate a category winner will be entered into a draw to win a once in a lifetime eight day safari holiday for two to Kenya (including flights) courtesy of Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps – a 2008 Award winner. Full details can be found on www.responsibletourismawards.com
- ENDS –
Notes to editors
For more information on the Responsible Tourism Awards visit www.responsibletourismawards.com
For stories and quotes from last year’s winners click here or email krissy@responsibletravel.com.
Images of last year’s winners and the presentation ceremony are also available upon request.
Responsible Tourism Award categories
For full details of the criteria for each category visit www.responsibletourismawards.com/categories.html:
Best tour operator for cultural engagement – sponsored by Tourism Western Australia *New title and criteria*
Best large hotel / accommodation – sponsored by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Best small hotel / accommodation – sponsored by Discover Dominica Tourism Authority
Best in a mountain environment – sponsored by World Expeditions
Best in a marine environment – sponsored by Tourism Fiji
Best cruise or ferry operator
Best low carbon transport & technology
Best for conservation of wildlife & habitats – sponsored by South Australian Tourism Commission – *New title and criteria*
Best for conservation of cultural heritage – sponsored by Jamaica Tourist Board
Best for poverty reduction – sponsored by PromPeru
Best volunteering organisation – sponsored by Kenya Tourist Board
Best destination – sponsored by Conservation International
Best personal contribution – sponsored by Tourism Ireland
For details of this year’s sponsors visit
http://www.responsibletourismawards.com/aboutsponsors.html
The judging panel
The judging panel for the Responsible Tourism Awards 2009 is chaired by Harold Goodwin, Professor of Responsible Tourism Management at Leeds Metropolitan University & Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, and includes:
Justin Francis, Managing Director, responsibletravel.com
Graham Boynton, Group Travel Editor, The Daily Telegraph
Fiona Jeffery, Chairman, World Travel Market
Graeme Gourlay, Publisher, Geographical Magazine
Tricia Barnett, Director, Tourism Concern
Andrew Cooper, Director General, Federation of Tour Operators (FTO)
Debbie Hindle, Managing Director, bgb communications
Sue Hurdle, Chief Executive, The Travel Foundation
Neel Inamdar, Conservation International
Ian Reynolds, former Chief Executive of ABTA & Trustee of The Travel Foundation
Keith Richards, Head of Business Development and Consumer Affairs at ABTA
Dr Rebecca Hawkins, Considerate Hoteliers Association
About responsibletravel.com:
responsibletravel.com is the world’s leading online ethical travel company, selling over 3,000 holidays from over 270 specialist operators and 550 accommodations. All the holidays meet specific responsible tourism guidelines and aim to create better places for people to live and to visit. Launched in 2001 with backing from Dame Anita Roddick, the website is for travellers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. The organisation – based in Brighton, England – also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.
Contact:
Krissy Roe
krissy@responsibletravel.com
07717 348 368
Tags: awards, building, home, sustainability, tourism