Launch of the 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards
The Awards, in thirteen categories, are again organised by online travel agent responsibletravel.com, in association with First Choice Holidays PLC, The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine – the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society.
We are expecting the competition to be hotter than ever this year as greater attention is paid to the issues surrounding poverty reduction and the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage. As in previous years, we very much hope that the public will help us to scour the planet for the most responsible tourism ventures and help us find some inspiring and worthy winners. Dermot Blastland, Executive Director of First Choice Holidays PLC said: First Choice is delighted to be headline sponsor of these Awards for the 3rd consecutive year. Tourism can be a tremendous force for good, but the challenges of operating tourism sustainably remain significant. The Awards serve to showcase inspiring examples of companies and individuals who have achieved this tricky balance. Over the past year we have seen increased interest and engagement in responsible tourism amongst our own colleagues as well as across the wider industry: this is no longer the domain of just the niche market. At First Choice we explain how we are working towards improved management of our own impacts in our on-line Environment and People report, www.fcenvironmentandpeople.com. Fiona Jeffery, Managing Director, World Travel Market said: We are delighted to be playing host for the third year to the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards at an event that brings together 202 destinations and 5,000 exhibitors to celebrate all that is best in the world's travel and tourism industry. For the past twelve 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 sector has captured the imagination of not only the travel trade but holidaymakers who are becoming more aware of how their holidays impact on the local community and environment. Kate Humble, Presenter of Springwatch with Bill Oddie said: These awards are an absolutely fantastic idea. I am passionate about the environment, but I am equally passionate about travel. If I had not travelled as much as I have, I would never have learnt how special the world is. And if you travel with a company that cares about a country and its wildlife, lets you see and learn about its people, birds, animals, flowers, lakes and so on, you’re going to go home caring a lot more about those things. Nominations should be sent to awards@responsibletravel.com and include the name and contact details of the nomination (website, e-mail, address and telephone number if possible), plus up to 100 words on why you believe they should win a responsible tourism award. The category of entry should also be specified (please see below). Nominations close on 14th August. Those individuals who nominate a category winner will be entered into a draw for a free 10 night Antarctic voyage with Peregrine Adventures and a long weekend for two at The Evergreen Bed & Breakfast in Inverfarigaig on the south side of Loch Ness. Full details can be found on www.responsibletravel.com/awards . This year the categories have been increased to thirteen:
Notes for editors: Every nomination that we receive will be assessed by the team at responsibletravel.com. A shortlist will be constructed and shortlisted tourism ventures will be sent a questionnaire and provide references.
Harold Goodwin, Chair of Judges, and Director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism at the Cath Urquhart, Travel Editor, The Times Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director of the World Travel Market Neel Inamdar, Ecotourism Business Advisor, Conservation International Tricia Barnett, Director of Tourism Concern Sue Hurdle, Director of The Travel Foundation Debbie Hindle, Managing Director of BGB & Associates Andy Cooper, Director General, FTO (Federation of Tour Operators) Frances Tuke, PR Manager of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) Ian Reynolds, formerly of ABTA Graeme Gourlay, Publisher, Geographical Magazine Richard Hammond, Guardian Columnist and Media Consultant No judge from First Choice Holidays PLC sits on the 2006 judging panel, which means that this year, travel companies owned by First Choice are eligible for entry. Ends. Contact: |
