Clean green wins out for New Zealand
13 Nov 2008
New Zealand's clean green sustainable tourism initiatives have been recognised as best in the world at the international Responsible Tourism Awards.
Announced in London last night (12.11.08), New Zealand has won the 'Overall Winner' and 'Best Destination' categories in the 2008 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards.
The Awards recognise destinations and organisations that are making a positive contribution to local cultures, economies and the environment through tourism.
New Zealand was nominated for the first time this year, alongside 1900 other nominees from around the world.
100% Pure New Zealand
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton says the win recognises that New Zealand is doing its best to look after its 100% Pure image and protect the future of the $14.1 billion tourism industry.
The judges said: "New Zealand is our overall winner for proving that it is possible to develop a national strategy [New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015] which uses tourism to help make better places to live and to visit."
"If more national governments followed their example, tourism would make a much more positive contribution around the world."
New Zealand was given the 'Best Destination' award for developing an integrated approach to tourism development at the national level and managing it, identifying and attracting those tourists who contributed most to the economy.
Responsible Travel Awards
Launched in 2004, the awards are run in association with World Travel Market, The Daily Telegraph, Geographical Magazine and BBC World News.
The panel of judges included representatives of Leeds University's International Centre for Responsible Tourism, the responsibletravel.com website, and the Telegraph Media Group.
Categories for 13 awards included poverty reduction, volunteering organisations, personal contribution, large hotel, and best cruise or ferry operator.
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