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12 companies and organizations honored with sustainable tourism accolade
The World Travel&Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the 12 finalists for the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Under WTTC’s stewardship since 2003, the prestigious awards recognize best practices in sustainable tourism in four different categories - destination stewardship, conservation, community benefit and global tourism business. A record number of entries were received this year from over 40 countries and six continents.

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 2009 Finalists are:
Destination Stewardship Award
Grupo PUNTACANA, Dominican Republic
Heritage Watch, Cambodia
South West Tourism, UK

Conservation Award
Ionian Eco Villagers, Greece
Lane Cove River Tourist Park, Australia
NatureAir, Costa Rica

Community Benefit Award
Community Action Treks, Nepal
Ol Donyo Wuas, Kenya
Zakoura Foundation for Micro Credits, Morocco

Global Tourism Business Award
GAP Adventures, Canada&Global
Marriott International Inc, USA&Global
Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador

Costas Christ, chairman of judges said, “Many challenges still remain, from broad reductions of CO2 emissions by the travel and tourism industry, to addressing poverty alleviation, to preserving cultural and natural heritage in both existing and emerging tourism destinations. But there is no question that what we are witnessing today may be the most significant transformation in the history of modern travel - a global recognition of the importance of sustainable tourism. The 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Award finalists represent this transformation in action.” Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, February 23, 2009