Bangkok--4 Sep--eTurboNews Travel & Tourism can be (and in an increasing number of destinations already is) a catalyst for economic prosperity, nurturing the natural and cultural environment. The World Travel & Tourism Council is delighted to invite those who adopt in these principles to participate in the 2008 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards - the highest accolade in sustainable tourism. There are four categories for entry, allowing for applications from tourism destinations, businesses and organizations. The categories are: * Destination Award: for destinations of any size which show a commitment to responsible tourism development * Conservation Award: for any tourism organization committed to the protection of natural heritage * Investor in People Award: for any tourism organization which shows a commitment to humanresource development and local community involvement * Global Tourism Business Award: for a tourism business of at least 200 employees operating in more than one destination which demonstrates responsible tourism practices The deadline for entries is 5 December, 2007 followed by a rigorous judging process carried out by international tourism experts, including on-site verifications. Winners and finalists will be invited to attend a special ceremony during the 8th Global Travel & Tourism Summit held in Dubai in spring 2008, where they will receive their awards in front of government and industry leaders as well as international media. WTTC Chairman Geoffrey Kent said, "WTTC is proud to be the steward of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and to honour businesses and destinations that set an exemplary standard in responsible Travel & Tourism development across the world. I would encourage all those in our industry, both public and private sector decision-makers, to participate and champion the principles set out by the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards." The Awards are endorsed by the Members of the World Travel & Tourism Council and sponsored by leading Travel & Tourism organizations, including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Adventure in Travel Expo, BEST Education Network, Sustainable Travel International, Rainforest Alliance and World Heritage Alliance. Media sponsors include BBC World, National Geographic Adventure, Telegraph Media Group, TTN Middle East, Travelmole and E-TurboNews. 2007 winners of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are: Destination Award - The Great Barrier Reef, Australia Conservation Award - Aspen Skiing Company, USA Investor in People Award - Nihiwatu Resort, Indonesia Global Tourism Business Award - Lindblad Expeditions, USA & GlobalContact To find out more about previous winners and to download an application form, please visit www.tourismfortomorrow.com. For further information, please contact Susann Kruegel at the World Travel & Tourism Council on telephone number +44 (0) 20 7481 8007, or by email at [email protected] WTTC WTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chief Executives of some one hundred of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism. WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world's largest industries, employing approximately 231 million people and generating over 10 per cent of world GDP.