DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Nov. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
The TreadRight Foundation
, a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's family of brands, is proud to announce that it was honored with a 2015 World Tourism Award yesterday at World Travel Market in London, the same week that the industry celebrates World Responsible Tourism Day.
Celebrating its 18th anniversary, the World Tourism Award was inaugurated in 1997 to recognize organizations, destinations, and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and for fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local communities.
Receiving the award, Céline Cousteau, brand ambassador for TreadRight, said:
"On behalf of TreadRight co-founders Brett Tollman and David Hosking, my fellow TreadRight Steering Committee members and of course The Travel Corporation's family of brands, I'd like to thank all of the inspiring individuals and amazing organizations TreadRight has had the good fortune of partnering with since it was founded in 2008.
"Over the years, TreadRight's many sustainability project partners have been a guiding light throughout The Travel Corporation's continuing sustainability mission. Their expertise, insight, and dedication to their respective charge - from clean water, to saving wildlife, to conserving heritage sites and many more - has motivated us, focused us, and inspired us every step of the way."
Speaking separately, TreadRight co-founder and CEO of The Travel Corporation, Brett Tollman, added:
"It's truly an honor to have been chosen as a recipient of the 2015 World Tourism Award. We've come a long way since the introduction of our sustainability and conservation program in 2008. In addition to the amazing partners we have worked with, I am particularly proud of the way our family of brands have embraced all the TreadRight means, and integrated the TreadRight philosophy into our programs and initiatives. This award belongs to all of them too."
TreadRight was recognized for its mission to promote sustainable travel through conservation, leadership and education. To-date, TreadRight has supported more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide which have helped in a multitude of ways from saving wildlife to conserving heritage sites and providing clean drinking water.
Acting as a guiding light throughout each project, some of these partners included the Aspen Institute Alliance for Artisan Enterprise, WildAid, Wilderness Foundation - Africa, the National Geographic Society, the National Trust in the UK, Save Vernazza, the Sea Turtle Conservancy, WHOLE WORLD Water, Surfrider Foundation, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, Tourism Cares, WWF, Conservation International and more.
This past year saw TreadRight introduce the TreadRight Wildlife Initiative and the TreadRight Heritage Initiative, both of which provide a compelling new approach to the foundation's efforts by providing a more comprehensive approach to issues of sustainability.
The annual award ceremony is sponsored by Corinthia Hotels, the New York Times, United Airlines and Reed Travel Exhibitions. The awards ceremony was hosted by Peter Greenberg, CBS News travel editor and world renowned travel expert.
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.
For more details, please visit TreadRight.org.
Join TreadRight's social media community
at facebook.com/treadright or twitter.com/TreadRightOrg
using the hashtag #LetsTreadRight.
About The Travel Corporation
The Travel Corporation is a highly successful international travel group. Our philosophy is simple. To create enriching experiences for our travelers by combining an unbeatable mix of exceptional service and quality at great value. No matter what your taste, whether you are a family or a couple, a group or traveling solo - The Travel Corporation offers something for everyone. Our multi-award-winning portfolio ranges from luxury hotels and boutique river cruises, to independent holiday package companies and a variety of guided travel experiences.
About The TreadRight Foundation
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit that works to help ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant and preserved for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The foundation's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities.
TreadRight's past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society's inaugural "World Legacy Awards," helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.
To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at TreadRight.org.