Responsible Tourism Day At WTM Hosts Dedicated Awards

Michael Palin lends his support

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. October 14, 2008

UNITED KINGDOM, July 20, 2005. For the second year running World Travel Market is playing host to the First Responsible Travel Awards organised by responsibletravel.com in association with World Travel Market, The Times and Geographical Magazine.

The Awards celebrate tourism ventures that make a positive contribution to conservation and the economies of local communities while minimizing any negative impacts of tourism.

Last year over 700 nominations were received including one from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The Awards will be presented at World Travel Market at 10.30am, Wednesday 16 November on the main World Stage.

This year the number of Awards has increased from ten to twelve, with an overall winner chosen from sector winners.

Best tour operator sponsored by Intrepid Travel

Best hotel sponsored by Active Hotels

Best mode of transport or initiative

Best in a mountain environment

Best in a marine environment

Best for poverty reduction sponsored by Exodus Travels

Best in protected area/park

Endangered species conservation

Best for innovation

Person who has made greatest contribution to responsible tourism

Best for technology

Best volunteering programme sponsored by The Imaginative Traveller

Nominations should be sent to [email protected] by 3 August with the name and email details of the tourism venture you wish to nominate with up to 100 words explaining why they should win a Responsible Tourism Award.

In just one year the Awards have made a significant impact on the sector with Michael Palin lending his support: "I've been fortunate enough to visit 80 countries since I started globetrotting in 1988. On my travels I'm mostly off the beaten track and make a point of meeting local people and using local guides who've always extended the warmest of welcomes - at least I think that's what they were doing, but some might have been more bemused than anything else!. I've seen how responsible forms of tourism can give local people and conservation a much needed helping hand.

"If you've had a holiday which you felt benefited local people and minimized environmental impacts, then it's time to celebrate these efforts, and I'd like to encourage you to nominate for a Responsible Tourism Award."

Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director World Travel Market comments: "We are delighted to be playing host yet again to the Responsible Tourism Awards at an event that brings together over 190 countries and 5,000 exhibitors to celebrate all that is best in the world's travel and tourism industry. For the past eleven years World Travel Market has been at the forefront of the industry by dedicating a specific day to tackle the key issues relating to responsible tourism. These Awards are an excellent example of how the travel and tourism industry, as well as holidaymakers themselves, can contribute to the positive well being and development of local communities and destinations responsibly.

Justin Francis, from organisers of the Awards responsibletravel.com said: "We are looking for wonderful holidays run by passionate tourism organisations that increase the 'trickle down' of money into local people's hands by thinking local when buying services and produce, and supporting local environmental projects."

The judging panel includes:

Harold Goodwin, Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism;

Justin Francis, co-founder responsibletravel.com; Cath Urquhart , Travel editor The Times;

Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director World Travel Market;

Tricia Barnett, Director Tourism Concern,

Sue Hurdle, Director Travel Foundation,

Nick Smith, Editor Geographical Magazine.

All individuals who nominate a category winner will be entered into a draw to win a 14 day trip to China with Geckos Adventures and a long weekend for two at Bryn Elltyd in Snowdonia