WORLD - The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the 12 finalists for its 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.

The awards recognise sustainable tourism achievements among businesses and destinations across the industry.

This year’s category finalists are:

Destination Stewardship - (sponsored by Tauck and Partners) Entrants have successfully managed a sustainable tourism programme at the destination level, incorporating social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits as well as multi-stakeholder engagement. Finalists are:

•   Destination Røros, Norway
•   Misool Eco Resort, Indonesia
•   Tanabe City, Japan

Global Tourism - Business Representing international companies with at least 500 employees, entrants’ achievements marry corporate success with sustainable principles and practices. Finalists are:

•   Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Singapore
•   REI Adventures, USA 
•   Wilderness, South Africa 

Conservation - Entrants have made a direct and tangible contribution to the preservation of nature, including the protection of wildlife, expanding and restoring natural habitat, and supporting biodiversity conservation. Finalists are:

•   Cheli and Peacock, Kenya
•   Inkaterra Peru, Peru
•   NamibRand Safaris: Wolwedans Collection, Namibia

Community Benefit - Entrants directly benefit local people, supporting community development and enhancing cultural heritage. Finalists are:

•   Saunders Hotel Group, USA
•   Soria Moria Boutique Hotel, Cambodia
•   The Thailand Community Tourism Based Institute, Thailand

Finalists were selected by an international panel of independent judges led by Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges and an internationally recognised expert on sustainable tourism.

David Scowsill, President and CEO of WTTC said: “Travel and Tourism can have positive benefits for the planet and for local people by fostering the preservation of our natural, cultural, and historical heritage and by supporting community empowerment and revitalisation. Fortunately, more and more companies and destinations are leading the way forward in demonstrating such practises.”

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