The European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) awards those promoting sustainable tourism. Awards will be made in two categories: Best Fair Deal Tour 2013 and Best Fair Deal Tour Operator/ Travel Agency 2013.
LONDON – The European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) is re-launching its tourism awards this spring in order to promote tours that offer a fair deal. Members of the public – from the ‘discerning traveller’ to the budget back packer – have until mid October to nominate their favorite candidate based on a memorable personal experience. The winners will be announced in Evora, Portugal, in November 2013 during the 15th FEG European Tourist Guide Meeting.
The Awards
Awards will be made in two categories: Best Fair Deal Tour 2013 and Best Fair Deal Tour Operator/ Travel Agency 2013. Last year, the proud winner in the first category was “REYKJAVIK TO THE RESCUE”, an adventure tour operated by Iceland Travel. Apart from
a FEG certificate that goes nicely into a frame to be prominently displayed the winners get free promotion to thousands of qualified tourist guides spread all over Europe, dealing with potential clients on a daily basis. In our view a very sustainable award! FEG – representing some 80,000 qualified tourist guides in Europe – aims in this way to raise awareness for what is still lacking in many areas of the tourism industry: transparency, quality, standards and a more sustainable approach.
What is a Fair Deal Tour?
A fair deal tour is a tour that is advertised and sold transparently, explaining exactly what you get and where no one is exploited. It’s a tour where all those engaged have all the necessary qualifications and a responsible approach to their activity. Tours of all kinds are eligible, walking tours, coach tours, tours by bicycle, museum tours, any kind of guided tour as long as it fulfills the criteria set down. It should not just mean a fair deal for the participants; a genuinely ‘fair deal’ tour offers everyone involved a ‘fair deal’ including those who deliver the tour and those who are affected by it. It takes into account the effect tourism might have on the cultural and natural heritage and the communities where the tours take place. Less short-term profit and a more long-term vision; creation of employment, absolutely, but sustainable employment and not cheap labor without qualifications, paid only in tips or commission. There is no such thing as a free lunch, nor are there indeed any truly ‘free tours’.
With the continuing growth of tourism, often now forming a part of cities’ and regions’ efforts at reinventing their image, comes a need for an increasing awareness of ‘the other side of the coin’. Calls for liberalisation and less regulation must not impact negatively on our fragile environment, where history, culture and ecology – as well as tourists and those who guide them – interact as elements of our civilization.
Nominate your own favorite candidate
So let’s be civilized and award those who tread carefully on our planet and offer you a more sustainable, ethical tour but also one that is wonderfully entertaining. Apart from the Best Fair Deal Tour 2013 you can also nominate the Best Fair Deal Tour Operator / Travel Agency 2013.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
