EXPLORING ECOTOURISM

Nominations Open in 2008 for Ecotourism Spotlight Award

SPOTLIGHT WIKI
PLANETA FORUM

Government websites that spotlight ecotourism and sustainable travel are eligible to win Planeta.com's Ecotourism Spotlight Award.

2008 Application

PHOTO GALLERY: Spotlight Award

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WHAT'S NEXT?

Nominations for the 2008 Ecotourism Spotlight Award are accepted February 15-July 1, 2008. We already have two nominees: Bali Tourism and the Belize Tourism Board (pending).

Financial sponsorship is welcome in the development of this initiative.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Ecotourism Spotlight Award is announced in advance of World Tourism Day (September 27) as way of spotlighting best practice in responsible travel and ecotourism.

The Ecotourism Spotlight Award debuted in 2007. The winner of the first 2007 Ecotourism Spotlight Award was Ecotourism Laos.

The origin of the award goes back to Communication and Sustainable Tourism E-Conference in which we proposed "there could be an award for National Tourism Boards websites that illustrate a country's sustainable tourism practices. National tourism portals could be rated not only by what they have online, but also by how they participate in independent groups (ECOCLUB, green-travel, and Planeta) and whether or not they link to independent sites, including blogs (internet logbooks) and flickr galleries."

ACCEPTANCE

Mr. Sounh Manivong, Director-General of the Lao National Tourism Administration's Department of Planning and Cooperation said, "We are very happy and proud to receive Planeta.com's Ecotourism Spotlight Award in recognition of the Lao Government's effort to promote sustainable ecotourism."

Mr. Soun added, "I would like to extend a special thanks to the team responsible for creating and maintaining Ecotourism Laos and also thank Planeta.com for acknowledging the role government websites can play in promoting sustainable ecotourism products and services."

TESTIMONIALS

Comments from the voters:

The site focuses on the importance of including local communities and ethnic groups.

I liked the dos and don'ts!

This site makes it very easy to do research on ecotourism in Laos.

This site stresses the cultural diversity of the country and how travelers can visit in a responsible manner.

KUDOS

Thanks in to everyone for assistance in developing this year's award. Special kudos to Green-travel, TIES and Ecotropical Resort.

Q&A: ECOTOURISM SPOTLIGHT AWARD

Q - What is the objective of the Ecotourism Spotlight Award?
A - The award creates a much-needed incentive for improved communication from government portals. This award allows us to highlight best practices and hopefully show other managers of government websites how to showcase operations striving toward sustainability and ecotourism. We hope the award is a driving force behind upgrades to government websites and its communication with media and prospective travelers.

Q - Who are this year's nominees?
A - Keep an eye on the wiki.

Q - What is the origin of this award?
A - During the 2007 Communication and Sustainable Tourism E-Conference we proposed "there could be an award for National Tourism Boards websites that illustrate a country's sustainable tourism practices. National tourism portals could be rated not only by what they have online, but also by how they participate in independent groups (ECOCLUB, green-travel, and Planeta) and whether or not they link to independent sites, including blogs (internet logbooks) and flickr galleries."

Q - Who votes?
A - Voting is open to the public with the caveat that individuals vote only once after reviewing the finalists.

Q - What is story behind Planeta.com?
A - Planeta.com is an award-winning website that conducts seminars and features tips for all stakeholders about eco-friendly, people-friendly travel. Our fortee is linking environmental conservation and tourism, particularly the development of ecotourism highlighted in the popular Exploring Ecotourism Resource Guide.

Q - What other awards has Planeta.com created?
A - We have created two other awards. The Colibri Ecotourism Award was launched in 2000 and highlights the leaders developing ecotourism in Mexico. We also have established a 'readers' choice' award to select the book of the year.

Q - Can I link to the award from my blog/website?
A - Yes! Please add a link to the Ecotourism Spotlight Award page and you can use the logo.

Q - Why does this award spotlight government websites?
A - There are many tourism awards for individuals, places and operations. That said, there are no awards for government portals. If we want to create incentives for communication from government officials, an award is a sound place to start!