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Green World Travel Awards Attracts Global Travel Industry Chiefs

Who Are Europe’s Best?

London | International travel industry senior management are travelling to Slovakia for the first World Travel Awards European and Green Awards Ceremony on Thursday 16 October.

The presentation, with up to 200 guests, takes place in one of the greenest places on earth – AquaCity, the luxurious Slovakian resort in Poprad.

“Most green awards ceremonies are country specific rather than international”, said Graham E Cooke, founder and president of World Travel Awards. “This award ceremony is global, just one of the reasons why it is attracting so much interest from travel company chiefs worldwide.

“Increasingly, sustainability and green tourism are becoming one of the major economic drivers for the industry and we are delighted that these first awards of its kind are commanding so much attention.”

Cooke added that World Travel Awards, celebrating its 15th birthday this year, had built its global reputation on helping to encourage quality in every dimension of the customer offering, as well as excellent business performance.

“We hope to encourage more companies and organisations to adopt sustainable policies, ensuring a low impact on the environment and local culture, while at the same time, helping generate prosperity, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems”, he said.

There are 90 nominations in ten overall green categories, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company, Eco-friendly Airport, Eco-Lodge, Green Destination, Green Hotel, Green Resort, Green Tour Operator, Green Transport Solution Company, Responsible Tourism Scheme and Sustainable Tourism Scheme, but also Europe’s top tourism brands, destinations and resorts.
There are categories too for Africa, Asia, Australasia, Central America, Europe, Indian Ocean, Middle East, North America and South America.

The European Awards will be presented on the same evening as the Green Awards.

“We wanted to combine the events to emphasise the importance of excellence in travel”, continued Cooke. “Increasingly, responsible tourism is becoming a core part of European travel. Whether it is energy efficiency, conservation initiatives, waste management, community empowerment or saving water, European consumers are demanding the travel industry is more responsible. Announcing the winners of the Europe Awards and the Green Awards on the same night was the best means of highlighting the shift in consumer trends.”

More than 180 nominations from 50 countries have been received for the Europe Awards which recognise excellence for best airlines, airports, hotels, car hire, casino resorts, cruise lines, destinations, spas and tourist board.
The event is part of World Travel Awards Grand Tour, culminating with the final in December, which this year is being held in Turks & Caicos.