National Geographic and ITB Berlin Announce World Legacy Awards Winners
Visionary companies and destinations are driving sustainable tourism transformation of the global travel industry
Visionary companies and destinations are driving sustainable tourism transformation of the global travel industry
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The five winners of the 2016 National Geographic World Legacy Awards were announced today during an awards ceremony held at ITB Berlin at the ITB Berlin Convention. A partnership between National Geographic Partners and ITB Berlin, the World Legacy Awards showcase the leading travel and tourism companies, organizations and destinations — ranging from large resorts to small eco-lodges and from wildlife conservancies to global geoparks — that are driving the sustainable tourism transformation of the travel industry based on National Geographic's work of inspiring people to care about the planet.
More than 100 entries, representing 51 countries across six continents, were received. An international panel of 23 judges coordinated by Costas Christ, editor-at-large for National Geographic Traveler magazine and chairman of the World Legacy Awards, scored each entry according to globally recognized sustainable tourism criteria. The 15 finalists underwent a rigorous on-site inspection.
Christ said, "There are now more than one billion international travelers, up from 25 million in 1950, and we have more ways to reach more places on our planet than ever before. The goal of the World Legacy Awards is a simple one: Applaud, support and raise the bar for destinations and travel companies in the vanguard of sustainable tourism as a force to help alleviate poverty and safeguard the world's natural and cultural treasures."
George Stone, National Geographic Travel editor-in-chief, said, "From community engagement in Zambia to environmental stewardship in Mexico to cultural education in New Zealand, these winners demonstrate that well-managed tourism practices can produce tangible, beneficial, sustainable impacts around the world. The ripple effects of the travel economy can be felt across the globe, not always in good ways. These World Legacy Awards winners show how best practices in tourism today can help sustain the world's best destinations for generations of travelers to come."
The 2016 National Geographic World Legacy Awards winners and finalists are:
Earth Changers — Recognizing cutting-edge leadership in environmentally friendly business practices and green technology, from renewable energy and water conservation to zero-waste systems and carbon-emission reduction.
WINNER:
Sense of Place — Recognizing excellence in enhancing sense of place and authenticity, including support for the protection of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.
WINNER:
Conserving the Natural World — Recognizing outstanding support for the preservation of nature, restoring natural habitat and protecting rare and endangered species, whether on land or in the oceans.
WINNER:
Engaging Communities — Recognizing direct and tangible economic and social benefits that improve local livelihoods, including training and capacity building, fair wages and benefits, community development, health care and education.
WINNER:
Destination Leadership — Recognizing destination leadership, including cities, provinces, states, countries and regions that are demonstrating environmental best practices, protection of cultural and natural heritage, benefits to local communities and educating travelers on the principles of sustainability.
WINNER:
The sponsors of the World Legacy Awards are Botswana Tourism Organization, Adventure World and TreadRight Foundation. For more information on the World Legacy Awards, including the full list of 2016 finalists and interviews, go to www.nationalgeographic.com/worldlegacyawards/.
About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2016 takes place from Wednesday, March 9, to Sunday, March 13. From Wednesday to Friday ITB Berlin is open to trade visitors only. Parallel with the show, the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest event of its kind, will be held from Wednesday, March 9, to Saturday, March 12. More details are available at www.itb-convention.com. Information on Corporate Social Responsibility at ITB Berlin can be found at www.itb-berlin.com/csr. ITB Berlin is the global travel industry's leading trade show. In 2016 a total of 10,000 companies and organizations from 187 countries showcase their products and services in the 26 halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Overall, about 175,000 visitors are expected to attend the show, among them 115,000 trade visitors.
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SOURCE National Geographic
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