NEW YORK, N.Y., Oct. 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2014 World Tourism Award will be presented to Earthwatch Institute, Singita, and Google on November 3, 2014, the opening day of World Travel Market, ExCel Centre, London. This year, supermodel Petra Nemcova, Founder & Chairwoman, Happy Hearts Fund (HHF) will receive the World Tourism Humanitarian 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, will host the Award presentation.
The distinguished 2014 Honorees are being recognized for their commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism development, creating unique initiatives to bring the travel experience to people with special needs as well as assisting local communities in overcoming challenging times.
The first award will honor Earthwatch Institute "in recognitionof its mission to promote a sustainable way of life through education and field research, enlisting more than 100,000 people, in nearly 1,400 conservation projects in more than 120 countries, so that future generations may enjoy all the natural wonders the planet has to offer."
The second award will honor Singita - Place of Miracles - "in recognition of its vision and dedication to environmentally conscious hospitality, through the development of sustainable conservation programs and successful community projects resulting in the empowerment of local communities living and working around the twelve Singita lodges in Africa."
The third award will honor GOOGLE "in recognition for developing the cutting edge global social network platform and technology, GOOGLE GLASS that enabled committed photographers around the world to share their travel experiences in real time, directly into the homes of people whose mobility is limited".
This year, on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the World Tourism Humanitarian Award will be presented to supermodel Petra Nemcova, Founder & Chairwoman, Happy Hearts Fund "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, bringing hope and empowerment to more than 46,000 children and 490,000 community members in nine countries around the world".
The Award itself, Inspire, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass, and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to reach new heights.
About the World Tourism Awards
The World Tourism Awards, celebrating its 17th Anniversary, are presented annually at World Travel Market and sponsored by Corinthia Hotels, International New York Times, Reed Travel Exhibitions, and – this year for the first time – United Airlines. It was inaugurated to "recognize individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and in fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local communities."
Photo Attached
Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and host of the 2014 World Tourism Award Ceremony.
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