| Destination Award
Winner - SIERRA GORDA, MEXICO |
The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, located in
the state of Querétaro, is the most ecodiverse and second
most biodiverse Reserve in the country, and has been awarded
UNESCO World Heritage status. Sierra Gorda Ecotours, developed
by the Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda which oversees environmental
conservation efforts, provides the opportunity for visitors
to enjoy the biosphere while ensuring the conservation of biodiversity
and contributing to the livelihoods of communities, who operate
the three lodges. Within the conservation framework of the Biosphere
Reserve (which is Mexico’s most populated Natural Protected
Area), Sierra Gorda Ecotours promotes and supervises training
for lodges, implements quality standards and undtertakes publicity
activities.
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| Conservation Award
Winner - CAMPI YA KANZI, KENYA |
Campi ya Kanzi offers luxury tented accomodations for exclusive
private Maasai-led walking safaris in Kenya. It is a community
based entrepreneurial initiative in Kenya's prime game area
between Amboseli and Tsavo parks in the Maasai reserve. In an
area where 75 per cent of the wildlife population lives outside
officially designated Game Reserves and National Parks, Campi
ya Kanzi offers a way for conservation to involve landlords
in protecting the wildlife that roams their land. Conservation
fees charged to visitors are reinvested in the community, assisting
with employment of teachers, providing health care and building
infrastructure projects such as schools and dispensaries. The
Maasai have participated in all stages of the development of
Campi ya Kanzi, from the building to the management and running
of the camp.
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www.maasai.com
Click here for other Conservation
Award finalists |
| Investor in People
Award Winner - HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA, COSTA RICA |
Hotel Punta Islita is a boutique hotel located on a remote
cove of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province. Entirely owned
by Costa Rican investors, it is set in a pristine tract of tropical
dry forest and is trimmed by the Pacific Ocean’s uncharted
plains, and rugged mountains. Since its 1994 inauguration, Hotel
Punta Islita bound its success to the consolidation of strong
symbiotic ties with the surrounding villages and townships.
Providing tangible benefits, educational programs, and economic
opportunities to the local communities has gradually transformed
a slash-and-burn impoverished agricultural area into a thriving
collective of tourism professionals and entrepreneurs. Today,
the hotel offers a unique and successful blend of rational luxury
and cultural authenticity set in a framework of responsible
tourism.
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www.hotelpuntalislita.com
Click here for other Investor in
People Award finalists |
| Global Tourism Business
Award Winner - FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS, CANADA& GLOBAL |
Since 1884, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has welcomed guests
to a remarkable collection of castles, lodges, meeting places
and retreats. Today 44 branded destinations in eight countries
around the world reflect authentic surroundings, offer genuine
service and promise lasting memories. The company was founded
on an enduring connection to the land and communities where
it does business and since 1990 has pioneered the Fairmont Green
Partnership. The program focuses on improvements in the areas
of waste management, energy and water conservation, as well
as a strong element of community outreach through local groups
and partnerships. Fairmont’s commitment to sustainability
encompasses everything from recycling and organic waste diversion
in the hotel’s kitchens to retrofitting energy efficient
lighting.
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www.fairmont.com
Click here for other Global Tourism
Business Award finalists |
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| 2006 Tourism for
Tomorrow Finalists |
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| Destination Award |
Crete's Culinary
Sanctuaries, Greece
Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries offers cultural-culinary tours
for small groups. Participants discover the secrets of Crete's
wild nature, culture, and cuisine during visits to historic
sites, organic farms, villages off the map, tranquil beaches,
and walks in the majestic countryside. An all-local network,
which spans the whole island, of dedicated chefs, sustainable
organic farmers, botanists, and archaeologists work together
to present a memorable experience for visitors from around
the world. CCS is a sustainable tourism-in-action program
whose aim is to promote and protect Crete's cultural heritage
and natural beauty by supporting residents actively working
toward that goal. Simultaneously, projects aim to rekindle
visitor interest in Crete’s nature and culture, which
helps to curb the destruction caused by mass tourism and generic
forms of entertainment that deplete the island of its heritage
and natural resources.
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www.cookingincrete.com
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Kerala Tourism, India
Kerala has long been a favourite destination in India and
tourism is a vital source of income for the state. It is a
catalytic agent for generating employment, an important source
for earning foreign exchange, a vehicle for developing the
environment as well as a valuable tool for preserving the
State’s culture and heritage. Sustainable tourism development
in Kerala is driven by the Tourism Developmental Authority,
which comprises public and private sector stakeholders. The
state has framed legislation for the development of tourism
and is undertaking a wide variety of projects focusing on
conservation, preservation, community development and raising
awareness of the importance of responsible tourism development
to both communities and visitors.
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www.keralatourism.org
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| Conservation Award |
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness
Reserve & Retreat, South Africa
Bushmans Kloof is a privately owned wilderness reserve and
is world renowned for its 130 rock art sites. Luxury accommodation
and five star service are situated within a unique wilderness
inhabited by indigenous game. The reserve was bought in a
private capacity in 1990 and consolidated six former arable
and stock farms that were severely neglected and over-grazed.
The land was developed and the veldt rehabilitated and after
consultation with renowned wildlife and botanical experts,
a 20-year environmental management plan was introduced. Since
1996 tourists have been welcomed on the reserve and profits
gained by tourism are reinvested in conservation projects
as well as training and employment programmes for staff from
the local area.
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www.bushmanskloof.co.za
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Dolphin Watch, Pamilacan,
Philippines
Dolphin Watch Pamilacan offers unique marine tours in the
waters of Bohol, Central Philippines. Since 1999 these tours
have been instrumental in turning the tide against illegal
and unsustainable fishing in this area by providing an economic
alternative to local communities. Dolphin Watch Pamilacan
is a community owned business made up of former dolphin and
whale hunters from Pamilacan Island. The tours provide jobs
for men and women and generate profits that are reinvested
in the business as well as environmental and social projects
on the island. By providing an alternative form of income
for residents of Pamilacan Island, Dolphin Watch has not only
been able to change attitudes towards marine life but engage
a whole community in the protection of its natural heritage.
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| Investor in People
Award |
Turtle Island, Fiji
Turtle Island is a luxury resort in the Yasawa Island Chain
in a community of 3500 people living in 7 different villages
on 3 surrounding islands. This luxury resort is committed
to improving the standard of living for residents of the Yasawa
Islands by providing medical clinics, building secondary schools
and helping create budget resorts and businesses owned and
operated by villagers. Through the Evanson Learning Centre
and Oarsman’s Bay Job Creation Project, Turtle Island
is providing education and opportunities for local people
with a focus on proactive strategy capacity building. Visitors
to Turtle Island visit the projects daily, opening up the
community to new ideas and concepts while offering guests
the chance to understand the island’s unique culture.
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www.turtlefiji.com
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Yachana Lodge, Ecuador
Yachana is an eco-lodge situated in the heart of the Ecuadorian
Amazon rainforest. Accessible only by canoe, the lodge offers
a unique window into the life and wonder of the Amazon rainforest
for visitors while providing opportunities for employment,
education, healthcare and rainforest conservation for local
staff and students. Yachana Lodge was constructed in 1995
by the Foundation for Integrated Education and Development
(FUNDESIN) and employs an innovative development model based
on a non-profit/for-profit organizational structure. Its educational
programme empowers local youth by providing them with firsthand
skills and knowledge in sustainable agricultural practices,
rainforest conservation and eco-tourism that will enable them
to reduce poverty in their own communities and find meaningful
employment in the future.
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www.yachana.com
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| Global Tourism Business
Award |
Chaa Creek, Belize
Chaa Creek has pioneered natural history tourism in Belize
since becoming Belize’s first jungle lodge in 1981.
The lodge is nestled along the verdant banks of the Macal
River in the foothills of the ancient Maya Mountains where
it strives to amicably coexist with the natural environment
of one of the last remaining intact tropical forests north
of the Amazon basin. The design and construction of Chaa Creek’s
18 thatched roof cottage rooms and six luxury suites has evolved
around the use of vernacular architecture using indigenous
craftsmen and local materials combined with modern technology
for improved efficiency and sustainability. Chaa Creek’s
staff is entirely comprised of Belizeans from the local towns
and villages offering visitors the chance to understand local
customs and cultures as well as providing tangible benefits
for local communities.
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www.chaacreek.com
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Intrepid Travel, Australia
and Global
Intrepid Travel operates small group adventure trips across
Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and Europe and is committed
to travelling in a way that both respects and benefits local
people, their culture and the environment. As part of this
commitment, Intrepid gives back to the communities by supporting
many local conservation and welfare projects. In 2003, The
Intrepid Foundation was established in conjunction with the
Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) to increase this support and
invite travellers to contribute. Intrepid’s commitment
to environmental sustainability reaches from its Melbourne
head office to destinations where sustainable practices are
encouraged and promoted. Local guides are employed for all
trips and group leaders communicate the company’s values
to travellers and local communities, educating them in sustainable
tourism practices.
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www.intrepidtravel.com
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