The world's leading egs of sustainable tourism

The World Travel and Tourism Council has announced the winners for the 2008 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. These four organisations "showcase the world's leading examples in sustainable tourism development among a pool of 150 exceptional applications from over 40 countries."

The judging process included a team of 11 international judges who selected three finalists in each award category, followed, crucially, by an on-site inspection of all finalists. The winners were then selected from among the finalists by a panel of four judges including Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, Graham Boynton, Group Travel Editor, The Telegraph Media Group, and Francis Farrell, Vice President & Publisher, National Geographic Adventure.

The winners were:

DESTINATION AWARD: Blackstone Valley, USA (www.blackstonevalleytourismcouncil.com)
"Since 1985 the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council has been a force behind the rebirth of the Blackstone River Valley, Rhode Island USA. With an integrated community-centered, resilient approach to tourism development, the Council has worked to help transform a polluted, spiritless landscape and river into an emerging visitor destination. Residents have regained their pride-of-place, banding together to ensure the future protection of the Blackstone Valley for residents, commerce and visitors to enjoy the story of the Birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution. In developing a tourism system in the Blackstone Valley , the Council has succeeded in uniting a community, awakening it to its potential and the need to preserve its natural, cultural and historical features, along the way gaining international recognition and creating a sustainable, enjoyable visitor destination. Through innovative projects like the Sustainable Tourism Development and Planning Laboratory, the Council continues to grow and enhance its many offerings while sharing lessons learned with the international community."

CONSERVATION AWARD: Ecotourism Australia (www.ecotourism.org.au).
"Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991 as a not-for-profit organization based in Brisbane and has since then significantly contributed to long term environmental sustainability through its ground-breaking ECO Certification Program. It is a world first, 'triple bottom line' programme for the ecotourism industry that accredits tourism products assuring that they are backed by a commitment to best practice in ecological sustainability, natural area management and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences. It is comprised of Nature Base, Ecotourism and Advanced Ecotourism levels. In addition, The EcoGuide Australia Certification Program provides an industry credential to nature and ecotour guides that achieve specified competencies and standards. Ecotourism Australia is currently developing a Climate Change module to help facilitate a positive change in tourism practices in response to this challenge. The development of the Climate Change Module can be incorporated into the ECO Certification Program or operate as a stand alone accreditation suitable for the broader tourism industry."

INVESTOR IN PEOPLE AWARD: RARE / La Ruta Moskitia, Honduras (www.larutamoskitia.com)
"Within the largest remaining tract of rainforest in Central America lies a remote region of Honduras known as 'La Moskitia', or the Mosquito Coast . For centuries, the expansive forest, wetlands, and rich indigenous groups of La Moskitia have intrigued adventure-seekers and explorers. Modern-day explorers now visit this unique region with La Ruta Moskitia, an alliance of five indigenous ecotourism destinations. The Alliance offers a menu of multi-day tours that feature bird watching, jungle trekking, and authentic cultural exchange. Clients travel in motorized dugout canoes, and stay in comfortable community-owned ecolodges and palm-thatched cabañas. The formation of La Ruta Moskitia was part of an effort to link ecotourism and biodiversity protection in the Rio Plátano Biosphere Reserve - a two million acre UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the heart of La Moskitia. The Alliance has created 150 local jobs, supports more that 750 immediate family members, and links 98per cent of tour costs and revenue to indigenous communities. La Ruta Moskitia also contributes to a number of environmental strategies that include a conservation fund supported by 10per cent of all gross tour sales."

GLOBAL TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD: Six Senses Resorts & Spas, Thailand & Global (www.sixsenses.com)
"Six Senses Resorts & Spas is a Resort and Spa Management and Development company established in 1995, which manages luxury resorts and spas in the Maldives , Oman , Thailand , Vietnam , Spain and Fiji under the brand names Soneva, Six Senses Hideaway, Six Senses Latitude and Evason, plus Six Senses Spas and Six Senses Destination Spas. Six Senses currently operates 10 resorts with five more to open in 2008, plus 20 Six Senses Spas and employs a total of 3,000 hosts. Sustainability is integrated into all aspects of the business in a way that covers the full spectrum of Corporate Social Responsibility, from integration with core operations to responsible philanthropy deeply ingrained in the core purpose: To create innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment . Six Senses' well articulated sustainability policy commits to sustainable development; specifically protection and regeneration of both the environment and communities in which the company operates. Six Senses' sustainability programmes - known as Social and Environment Conscience - are both comprehensive and systematic, with the mission on four intervention programmes."

For more information on these annual awards, see: www.tourismfortomorrow.com.