The three distinguished 2013 Honorees – Born Free Foundation, Just A Drop, and Skal International – are being recognized for their commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism development, as well as providing opportunities for the travel industry to assist local communities in overcoming challenging times.
Mr. Tony Potter, Board Director of Corinthia Hotels, representing Simon Naudi, Corinthia CEO, announced that the Born Free Foundation, Just a Drop, and Skal International will be the 2013 World Tourism Award Honorees. This prestigious award is presented annually at World Travel Market in London by Corinthia Hotels, together with co-sponsors Delta Air Lines, The New York Times Global and Reed Travel Exhibitions. The announcement was made at the annual Corinthia Hotels Press Breakfast at the Bryant Park Grill in New York City.
The three distinguished 2013 Honorees are being recognized for their commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism development, as well as providing opportunities for the travel industry to assist local communities in overcoming challenging times.
The World Tourism Awards, celebrating its 16th anniversary, will be presented on opening day of World Travel Market, Monday, November 4, 2013, at Excel Centre, London.
The first award will honor Born Free Foundation in recognition for “its impact on wildlife conservation by supporting projects that protect animals, as well as, teach local communities how to live peacefully with these animals, thereby ensuring the enjoyment of wildlife in their natural habitat for generations to come.”
The second award will honor Fiona Jeffery, OBE, Founder & Chairman of Just a Drop, in recognition for “her philanthropic vision in launching an international travel industry charity, that in just 15 years, has provided life sustaining clean water and brighter futures for an estimated 1.5 million children and their families in 31 countries worldwide.”
The third award will honor Skal International, “in recognition of its leadership in encouraging responsible tourism practices in the travel and tourism industry through its Sustainable Tourism Award program; as well as being a role model of supporting local communities following natural disasters.”
The Award itself, Inspire, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass, and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to reach new heights. The Minister of Tourism of Malta, Hon. Karmenu Vella, in a statement read by Mr. Potter, said, “as Minister of Tourism for Malta, I am very pleased that the World Tourism Awards at World Travel Market have commissioned Malta’s own Mdina Glass to design and create the official trophy which will be presented in London this November. We are proud that this exquisitely designed in Malta, Mdina Glass piece, called Inspire, will play a role in honoring such worthy philanthropic initiatives. On behalf of Malta, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the 2013 World Tourism Award recipients.”
Photo caption: 2013 World Tourism Award Honorees Announced (from left to right): Reed Forrester, Delta; Vanessa Coleiro, Corinthia Hotels; Adam Roberts, Born Free Foundation; Virginia McKenna OBE, Born Free Foundation; Tony Potter, Corinthia Hotels; Lisa Conway, Skal NY; Latarria Hardy, The New York Times Global; and John Ruzich OBE, Skal International.
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