World Green Tourism Award to be presented in Abu Dhabi in cooperation with ICTP

ABU DHABI – International personalities who have made significant contributions to advancing sustainable development through travel and tourism will be recognized with the World Green Tourism Award, a

ABU DHABI – International personalities who have made significant contributions to advancing sustainable development through travel and tourism will be recognized with the World Green Tourism Award, a prestigious new accolade announced today.

The winner will be announced mid-November, and will deliver an Inaugural Address at the World Green Tourism Conference and Exhibition at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from December 5-7.

In partnership with International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP), and sponsored by Etihad Airways, the single award recognizes outstanding efforts and achievements in thought, leadership, and action to encourage green initiatives in travel and tourism.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the Environment Agencyโ€“Abu Dhabi, hosts of World Green Tourism, have worked with event organizers, Streamline Marketing Group and ICTP, to select a shortlist of outstanding individuals.

The nominees will be assessed by a distinguished panel of judges chaired by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, formerly in leadership positions at UNWTO (UN World Tourism Organization), WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council), and IATA (International Air Transport Association), and long-time advocate of sustainable development and the green economy.

He will be joined by Erika Harms, Executive Director of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council; Laila Yousef Al Hassan, Manager of Communications and Marketing at the Environment Agencyโ€“Abu Dhabi (EAD); Hisham Zaazou, Senior Assistant Minister of Tourism in Egypt; and Vijay Poonoosamy, VP International & Public Affairs, Etihad Airways.

โ€œThere is clearly a lot of outstanding work around the world to establish a more sustainable tourism infrastructure in line with modern green growth demands and expectations, but at the same time it is important to recognize the real pathfinders,โ€ said Lipman.

โ€œThere have been many outstanding individuals who have worked tirelessly in driving the global sustainable development agenda and at the same time have seen the real potential of this sector as a positive change agent.

โ€œThe World Green Tourism Award is the first of its kind to honor and recognize these individuals โ€“ to bridge the gap between the industry and the mainstream green growth agenda. This is a great opportunity to honor one of these visionary thinkers,โ€ he added.

Prof. Lipman is currently Chair of Greenearth.travel, a Brussels-based company set up last year to encourage countries, cities, communities, companies, and consumers to support transition to the new Green Economy, based on low carbon, sustainable operations and renewable energy. Prof. Lipman is the current President for the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP).

From 2006 to 2010, Prof. Lipman was Assistant Secretary General and Spokesperson of UNWTO, and prior to that acted as Advisor to the Secretary General. He was the first President of WTTC from 1990-99, and Executive Director of IATA where he worked from 1966-85.

World Green Tourism is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADTAโ€™s Chairman. To be involved as a sponsor, participant, or visitor, contact Thea Skelton on [email protected] / +971 4 447 5357.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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