The 2010 Global Tourism Business Finalists

Open to any large company from any sector of Travel & Tourism - cruise lines, hotel groups, airlines, tour operators, etc - with at least 200 full-time employees and operating in more than one country or in more than one destination in a single country, this award recognises best practices in sustainable tourism at a large company level.

The Finalists demonstrate:

• effective environmentally sensitive operations and management (i.e. proper waste water treatment, energy conservation, recycling, etc),
• education of guests about sustainable tourism practices,
• support for cultural, historical and natural preservation,
• and collaboration with other private and public stakeholders to achieve best practices.

Our finalists showcase a successful approach to sustainable tourism engagement at the large corporate level.

ACCOR, France & Global
Accor is one of the world's leading hospitality groups, and the leader in Europe, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions. It operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees, offering its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses – Accor hotels and Accor services.

Judges' Verdict
Accor's philosophy is based on hospitality and respect for diverse cultures, incorporating environmental best practices in all its operations. Launched in 1998, the 'Hotel Environment Charter' has been adopted by 88% of Accor's 4,000 properties. Its Novotel brand can boast Green Globe certification while ibis has achieved ISO14001 accreditation. A further 88% of all supplies are sourced locally by Accor's Procurement Department.
Read more >>
 

BANYAN TREE HOLDINGS LTD, Singapore & Global
Banyan Tree Holdings Limited is a leading international hospitality brand that manages and develops resorts, hotels and spas. From a single boutique resort in Phuket in 1994, Banyan Tree has grown into a multi-business operator globally. By the time it was listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange in 2006, Banyan Tree had grown to 41 locations outside Thailand, and is projected to increase that number to 85 locations in 30 countries by 2012.
The group's vision is inextricably intertwined with its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable growth, as it continues to expand globally.

Judges' Verdict
Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd has embraced a sound and holistic sustainable management philosophy right from the founding of the company. The Green Imperative Fund formalises Banyan Tree's corporate social responsibility efforts and raises fund-through-guest donations which the group matches one to one.
Read more >>

WILDERNESS SAFARIS, South Africa & Global
Wilderness Safaris is first and foremost a conservation organisation. Secondly, we are a responsible ecotourism operator on more than three million hectares in seven southern African countries, since we firmly believe that this is the most effective and practical means of ensuring the viability and sustainability of African conservation in the modern era.

Judges' Verdict
Wilderness Safaris has been operating sound and sustainable ecotourism in southern Africa for 26 years. Its portfolio comprises some 70 safari camps complimented by walks and tour activities to explore the African wilderness. It employs nearly 3,000 people, 1,800 of whom work in its safari camps, and with an 85% share from local communities. In every region in which Wilderness Safari operates, it employs an environmental team that starts with an Environmental Impact Assessment before any tourism product is introduced.
Read more >>

The winners in this category along with the winners of the Conservation, Destination Stewardship and Community Benefit categories will be announced during a special ceremony on 26 May 2010 at the 10th Global Travel & Tourism Summit held from 25-27 May in Beijing, China.
www.globaltraveltourism.com/Beijing2010
 

We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support. The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are endorsed by WTTC Members, as well as other organisations and companies. They are organised in association with two Strategic Partners: Travelport and The Leading Travel Companies' Conservation Foundation.

Other sponsors/supporters include: 4hoteliers, BEST Education Network, Breaking Travel News, Budget Travel, CNBC, e-TurboNews, fvw, Friends of Nature, GAP Adventures, the International Tourism Partnership/Green Hotelier, Mercado e Eventos, National Geographic Channel/Sky News, National Geographic Traveler, Planeterra, Newsweek International, the Rainforest Alliance, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Saffron Media, Simon & Baker Travel Review, Sustainable Travel International, Tony Charters & Associates, Travel & Adventure Show, Travel Daily News, Travelmole, Travel Weekly US, Travesias, TW Group, TTN Middle East, USA Today, World Heritage Alliance.

• IHIF - International Hotel Investment Forum, 8-10 March 2010, Berlin, Germany – www.berlinconference.com  
• ITB – Internationale Tourismus Börse, 10-14 March 2010, Berlin, Germany – www.itb-berlin.de  
• Launch of WTTC’s Global Tourism Impact Forecast Data, 11 March 2010, Berlin Germany - http://www.wttc.org/eng/Tourism_Research/Tourism_Economic_Research/  
• AHIC - Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, 1-3 May 2010, Dubai, UAE – www.arabianconference.com  
• Global Travel & Tourism Summit, 25-27 May 2010, Beijing, China – www.globaltraveltourism.com  

Susann Kruegel
Manager, e-Strategy and Tourism for Tomorrow Awards
World Travel & Tourism Council
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7481 8007
Email: susann.kruegel@wttc.org
Web: www.tourismfortomorrow.com
Watch the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/wttc or join our Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Facebook group.