World Green Tourism Award to be presented in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 9 November, 2011: International personalities who have made significant contributions to advancing sustainable development through travel and tourism will be recognised 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 recognises 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 Agency - Abu Dhabi, hosts of World Green Tourism, have worked with event organisers 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, WTTC and IATA, and longtime 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 Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), Hisham Zaazou, Senior Assistant Minister of Tourism in Egypt, and Vijay Poonoosamy, VP International & Public Affairs, Etihad Airways.

"There 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 recognise the real pathfinders," said Lipman.

"There 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. 

"The World Green Tourism Award is the first of its kind to honour and recognise these individuals - to bridge the gap between the industry and the mainstream green growth agenda. This is a great opportunity to honour one of these visionary thinkers."

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.

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 (World Travel & Tourism Council) from 1990-99, and Executive Director IATA (International Air Transport Association) where he worked from 1966-85.

World Green Tourism is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADTA's Chairman. To be involved as a sponsor, participant, or visitor, contact Thea Skelton on thea@worldgreentourism.com / +971 4 447 5357.

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About ADTA:
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has wide ranging responsibilities for managing and assisting the development of the emirate's tourism industry and the marketing and promotion of the emirate as a world-class destination of distinction. Its responsibilities include; destination marketing; infrastructure and product development and regulation and classification. A key role is to create synergy in the international promotion of Abu Dhabi through close co-ordination with the emirate's hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel-related organisations.

About Streamline Marketing Group:
Streamline Marketing Group (www.smg-online.com) is a boutique events agency with a 12-year track record of launching specialised trade events in the Arabian Gulf both on its own in partnership with international media groups, global governmental organisations and NGOs. Providing professional and proactive services, with a strong focus on government-related and niche marketing projects, the group's philosophy is to provide tailor-made and cost-effective service, offering its clients complete turn-key management.

For further information please contact:
Tony Lewis / Gareth Wright / Ahmad Huzayen
Total Communications
Tel: + 971 4 336 9909
Fax: + 971 4 336 9905
Email: tony@totalcompr.ae / gareth@totalcompr.ae / ahmad@totalcompr.ae

© Press Release 2011