As one of the highest accolades in the global tourism and travel industry, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognise the achievements of companies who are pioneers in sustainable tourism development.
The awards saw over 150 applications from more than 60 countries in South America, North America, Europe and Asia. The Global Tourism Business Award acknowledges companies from any sector of travel and tourism - including cruise lines, hotel groups, airlines and tour operators - which demonstrate best practices in sustainability. Companies in this category should have at least 500 full-time employees and operate in more than one country. Banyan Tree was one of four winners selected from 12 award finalists.
The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are distinguished by their comprehensive judging process. Led by Costas Christ, chairman of judges, three independent judging panels of sustainable tourism experts carefully assess applications, select finalists and carry out on-site evaluations to determine winners. The WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are the only global sustainable tourism awards that include on-site evaluations of all finalists.
"We are deeply honoured to receive the award. Sustainability - not only in terms of the environment, but also in economic terms - has been at the core of Banyan Tree's ethos since our company was founded. This continues to be the guiding principle in the way we develop and expand around the globe. Our vision is to use tourism as a vehicle to stimulate holistic and sustainable development and create value for multiple stakeholders," said Claire Chiang, chairperson for Banyan Tree Global Foundation.
