| Bottom line - Awards offer a great
incentive which encourages best practices and helps develop
communication and conversation skills about critical topics.
BACKGROUND
Few people receive or give or an award that is not 'prestigious.'
Participants in the Ethical
Marketing of Ecotourism Conference and the Ecotourism
Certification Workshop emphasized that awards play a critical
role in establishing a positive reputation for products and
services.
What's interesting is that awards tend to certify the recipient
and the donor. 'How green is that lodge? It won x-award.' 'How
green is that organization? It gives the x-award.' How 'green'
are the green tourism awards? It depends who you ask!
Acknowledging best practices in tourism is still evolving.
Leaders who attempt to work in an ethical and ecological fashion
do so not necessarily for the recognition, but appreciate the
kudos given by their peers.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating award
programs. Some request applicants nominate themselves. Others
seek out leaders and award them for their accomplishments. Some
programs provide a financial incentive to the winner. Others
ask that the 'winners' pay for their prize.
Participating in awards is one way in which nominees can share
experiences and grow within their field.
Critics point out that some award programs choose the winner
based on whether or not the winner is attending a particular
trade event or conference.
Here are some true stories from first-hand experiences as a
judge, recipient and grantor. Also, we turn the spotlight on
other award programs in the awards
index.
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