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." Read the full interview: http://www.responsibletourismawards.com/interview.htm 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 <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/> , Geographical Magazine <http://www.geographical.co.uk/Home/index.html> (the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society), BBC World News and World Travel Market <http://www.wtmlondon.com/> . 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 <http://www.responsibletourismawards.com/> Responsible Tourism Award categories For full details of the criteria for each category visit www.responsibletourismawards.com/categories.html: 1. Best tour operator for cultural engagement - sponsored by Tourism Western Australia <http://www.westernaustralia.com/> *New title and criteria* 2. Best large hotel / accommodation - sponsored by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts <http://www.fairmont.com/> 3. Best small hotel / accommodation - sponsored by Discover Dominica Tourism Authority <http://www.discoverdominica.com/> 4. Best in a mountain environment - sponsored by World Expeditions <http://www.worldexpeditions.co.uk/> 5. Best in a marine environment - sponsored by Tourism Fiji <http://www.fijime.com/> 6. Best cruise or ferry operator 7. Best low carbon transport & technology 8. Best for conservation of wildlife & habitats - sponsored by South Australian Tourism Commission <http://www.southaustralia.com/> - *New title and criteria* 9. Best for conservation of cultural heritage - sponsored by Jamaica Tourist Board <http://www.visitjamaica.com/> 10. Best for poverty reduction - sponsored by PromPeru <http://www.peru.info/peruuk.asp> 11. Best volunteering organisation - sponsored by Kenya Tourist Board <http://www.magicalkenya.com/> 12. Best destination - sponsored by Conservation International <http://www.conservation.org/> 13. Best personal contribution - sponsored by Tourism Ireland <http://www.tourismireland.com/> 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
