SKAL presents the Sustainable Development in Tourism Awards
Portland : For twelve consecutive years, the Skal International “Sustainable Development in Tourism” Awards were presented during the Opening Ceremony of the 74th Skal World Congress that, for the first time, is being held aboard a cruise departing from the Big Apple on September 28 and stopping in Boston, Portland, Halifax, St. John, and New England.
The Awards Ceremony was held on September 29, 2013 and conducted by Mr. Nigel Pilkington, Director of Business Affairs of Skal International. The trophies and certificates were presented by the President of Skal International, Mr. Mok Singh, in conjunction with Vice-President Karine Coulanges.
Skal, founded in 1934, is the largest organization of travel and tourism professionals in the world. To encourage the conservation of the environment and help to promote the development of responsible and sustainable tourism, Skal International initiated an awards program in 2002, during “The Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains” as declared by United Nations.
Since the launch of the awards in 2002, they have received strong ongoing support and attracted a high level of participation, with a total of 482 entrants. This year, a total of 26 projects, from 17 countries, have entered the eight different categories.
Skal International selected the panel of three independent judges from important institutions/organizations or experts in Eco and Sustainable tourism, to make the evaluation of all the projects. The primary criteria for the evaluation is based on such points like, contribution to the conservation of nature and cultural heritage, community involvement, educational features, business viability and innovation.
The Diversey Special Recognition Award –
HERITANCE KANDALAMA, SRI LANKA
Submitted by Heritance Kandalama
www.heritancehotels.com
WINNERS OF THE SKAL “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN TOURISM” AWARDS
In the category of Tour Operators & Travel Agents:
ANDULELA EXPERIENCE (South Africa)
Submitted by Andulela Experience, supported by Skal International Cape Town
www.andulela.com
In the category of Rural Accommodation:
KINONDO KWETU TRUST (Kenya)
Submitted by Kinondo Kwetu/Coromandele Resort
www.kinondo-kwetu.com
In the category of Urban Accommodation:
Q STATION RETREAT (Australia)
Submitted by Mawland Quarantine Station, supported by Skal International Sydney North
www.qstation.com.au
In the category of General Countryside:
ALLTOURNATIVE, ECOARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVENTURES (Mexico)
Submitted by Alltournative, supported by Skal International Riviera Maya
www.alltournative.com
In the category of Educational Programs & Media:
THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM (Thailand)
Submitted by The Code Organization, supported by Skal International Bangkok
www.thecode.org
In the category of Cities & Villages:
LOSINJ – ISLAND OF VITALITY (Croatia)
Submitted by Mali Losinj Tourist Board, supported by Skal International Kvarner
www.tz-malilosinj.hr
In the category of Transportation:
ELECTRIC BOATS (Thailand)
Submitted by Mermaid Cruises & Shipping Company, supported by Skal International Hua Hin & Cha Am
www.huahincruises.com
In the category of Major Tourist Attractions:
THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (United Kingdom)
Submitted by National Trust, supported by Skal International Northern Ireland
www.huahincruises.com
-SKAL
