Supermodel Petra Nemcova, Founder & Chair, Happy Hearts Fund (HHF), received the World Tourism Humanitarian Award on Monday, November 3, 2014, the opening day of World Travel Market, Excel Centre, London. Ms. Nemcova was presented the award as part of the annual World Tourism Award ceremony sponsored by Corinthia Hotels, International New York Times, Reed Travel Exhibitions, and – this year for the first time – United Airlines. Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and world renowned travel expert, hosted the Award presentation.
The World Tourism Humanitarian Award was being presented “in recognition of Petra Nemcova’s inspiring philanthropic initiative and vision in creating Happy Hearts Fund in 2006. By the end of 2014, HHF will have rebuilt 100 safe-resilient schools in areas impacted by natural disasters to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, bringing hope and empowerment to more than 46,000 children and 490,000 community members in nine countries around the world.”
Presenting the Awards on behalf of the sponsors were Fiona Harris, Director of International PR, Corinthia Hotels; Kate Macbeth, Head of Marketing & Communications, WTM Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions; Patrick Falconer, Managing Director – UK, The New York Times; and Bob Schumacher, Managing Director Sales, United Kingdom and Ireland, United Airlines.
Happy Hearts Fund (HHF) was started by Ms. Nemcova in 2005 as a result of her own personal experience and tragic loss after she survived the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. HHF received its 501(c)(3) status in 2006 with a mission to rebuild safe-resilient schools in areas impacted by natural disasters.
HHF works during the gap period when children are forgotten after emergency response is complete, bringing hope and empowerment to generations of children and entire communities. Since its inception, Petra has been personally involved in HHF on a daily basis, establishing the structure, vision, and strategy that would position HHF for long-term success. Petra’s personal experience of survival in the Tsunami helps her understand and connect with the children and community members being helped by HHF.
Petra Nemcova, as an internationally famous supermodel, is currently an ambassador for Chopard & Clinique brands. She is also the founder of the home decor brand, Be The Light New York, which is inspired by treasures from her travels. As a philanthropist, in addition to the Happy Hearts Fund, she currently serves as an Ambassador at Large to Haiti.
The World Tourism Award, Inspire, is a specially handcrafted design by Mdina Glass, made on the Mediterranean Island of Malta, to celebrate the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to reach new heights.
