Tag Archives: The World Travel and Tourism Council

US Travel signs MOU with World Travel and Tourism Council

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the US Travel Association (US Travel) have signed a memorandum of understanding, formally agreeing to share resources and to work closely together to promote the industry’s interests.

“With so many issues affecting both WTTC and US Travel,” said Roger Dow, the US association’s President and CEO, “I am pleased that our two organizations, which share several of the same travel industry leaders as members, will work more co-operatively in sharing communications and research, as well as engaging more closely on future emergency preparedness issues to minimize the impact of future crises on Travel and Tourism.

“We also look forward to working with WTTC on sustainability issues and other environmental concerns related to our industry,” Dow added. “Our similar missions to increase Travel and Tourism, and promote awareness of industry-related issues, make this a natural move for our two organizations.”

In order to achieve these objectives, the two organizations will support each other’s research, advocacy, communications and co-operative efforts.

“In addition to exchanging Travel and Tourism market data and information on marketing, e-commerce, emergency preparedness and sustainability,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President and CEO. “We will co-operate on developing a strategic plan to identify mutually agreeable industry advocacy platform positions. And we plan to expand channels for the exchange of WTTC and US Travel tourism studies and research,” Baumgarten noted.

The two organizations will also collaborate on mutually agreed meetings and events that will be held in the USA, or which are relevant to the US Travel and Tourism marketplace.

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Finalists for 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are announced

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced the 12 finalists for the 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Under WTTC’s stewardship since 2003, the prestigious Awards recognise best practice in sustainable tourism in four different categories – Destination Stewardship, Conservation, Community Benefit and Global Tourism Business. Over 160 entries were received this year from over 45 countries.

The 12 finalists were selected by an international team of independent judges in each of the four award categories for having successfully demonstrated sustainable tourism practices, including the protection of natural and cultural heritage, social and economic benefits to local people, and environmentally friendly operations. The 2010 Finalists are:

Destination Stewardship Award

- Botswana Tourism Board, Botswana – www.botswanatourism.co.bw
- Ministry of Tourism, Montenegro – www.montenegro.travel
- Mount Huangshan Scenic Site, China – www.chinahuangshan.gov.cn

Conservation Award

- Emirates Hotels & Resorts, UAE – www.emirateshotelsresorts.com
- Inkaterra Perú SAC, Peru – www.inkaterra.com
- Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania – www.singita.com

Community Benefit Award

- Namibia’s Communal Conservancy Tourism Sector / NACSO, Namibia – www.nasco.org.na
- Tourindia, India – www.tourindiakerala.com
- Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd, New Zealand – www.whalewatch.co.nz

Global Tourism Business Award

- Accor, France & Global – www.accor.com
- Banyan Tree Holdings, Singapore & Global – www.banyantree.com
- Wilderness Safaris, South Africa & Global – www.wilderness-safaris.com

Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges said: “The travel and tourism industry is at a critical crossroads, not because of the global economic recession, but rather, as more travel companies and destinations understand that a paradigm shift is underway, where addressing social and environmental issues is an important part of business success. Sustainable practices have become a new measure of quality service, and the excellent Award entries we received this year in all categories support this. Our 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow finalists represent that new reality in action, where good stewardship is now good business.”

“It’s great to see that, despite these difficult times, we have received so many outstanding applications from organisations committed to sustainable tourism development,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC’s President & CEO, on announcing the 12 finalists. “This augurs really well for the future of the industry.”

The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards can be viewed on YouTube.

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