On Selecting the Judges

From the Chairman of the Judges, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2010

We are delighted that our 2010 judges represent some of the world's leading experts in sustainable travel, community tourism, conservation and destination stewardship. Every year, as part of the independent judging and on-site evaluation process that is the hallmark of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, a team of international Travel & Tourism experts is appointed by the Chairman of the Judges and WTTC to serve as the Tourism for Tomorrow Award Judges.

A number of important considerations go into the invitation process of selecting the judges. Among the criteria used, foremost is a detailed understanding of sustainable tourism principles and practices. In addition, an effort is made to create a truly international and multicultural judging panel, representing different countries and geographic regions of the world, to better reflect the global scope of the Travel & Tourism industry.

Moreover, a multi-stakeholder approach is also considered important in selecting the judges, in order to provide an opportunity for the private sector, academic institutions, non-profit organisations and government to be represented among our judges, reflecting the reality of multi-stakeholder engagement in Travel & Tourism. Gender is also an important consideration in order to have both professional men and woman on our judging panel.

Every year, during the month of October, invitations to new judges go out based on the selection criteria mentioned above, and veteran judges may also be invited to return. An invitation is also extended to a former Tourism for Tomorrow Award Winner to serve as a judge, based upon the winners' globally recognised leadership in sustainable tourism. All judges serve on an annual basis.

As Chairman of the Judges, I consider it both a pleasure and a privilege to work together with this group of Travel & Tourism leaders, who volunteer considerable time and expertise to make the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards a success.