| Planeta.com -- Government websites
that spotlight ecotourism and responsible travel are eligible
to win Planeta.com's 2008 Ecotourism
Spotlight Award. We already have two nominees: Bali
Tourism and the Belize
Tourism Board (pending).
Nominations
are accepted February 15-July 1, 2008. Nominees include environmental,
tourism and other government portals in three categories: local,
national and international institutions. Voting takes place
July 16-September 1. Information collected will help update
the Planeta.com website as we add links.
The award is announced in advance of World
Tourism Day (September 27) as way of pointing out best practices.
2008 will be the second year of the Ecotourism
Spotlight Award. The first winner was Ecotourism
Laos funded by the Laos National Tourism Administration.
HOW THIS WORKS
STEP 1: NOMINATING WEBSITES - Anyone can
make a nomination.
Ideally we would like to hear from respected local tour operators,
comunity leaders and journalists who are pleased with how their
local, regional and national governments are working to develop
and promote ecotourism. Eco travelers who have found helpful
websites may also nominate their favorite government portal.
Those in charge of government sites can also submit their own
work. The first stage is to collect as many quality nominees
as possible.
The application asks what information the website includes,
particularly the practical information for travelers about ecotourism,
responsible travel and sustainability. We ask whether the site
includes details about local operators, city parks and public
transportation. Does the site includes exterior links to local
businesses and conservation groups? Does the site highlight
indigenous or aboriginal tourism options?
STEP 2: CHOOSING NOMINEES - Nominees will
be shortlisted and the best sites will be asked if they are
willing to participate in the award. Those who wish to be considered
as nominees will be asked to include a link to the Ecotourism
Spotlight Award and if possible, the logo.
STEP 3: VOTING - Voting takes place July 16-September
1. Respondents will be asked to review all the sites and choose
their favorite. Multiple votes from a singe user will not be
permitted.
SPONSORS
We welcome financial sponsorship to help develop the awards
as a means of creating an incentive for communication and showcasing
best practices. Those interested in helping finance development
should contact us!
PLANETA.COM
Planeta.com is an award-winning website that presents articles
and discussion about the environment and travel. The site debuted
in 1994. Travelers will find tips on choosing eco-friendly,
people-friendly and place-friendly trips. Professionals will
find a number of helpful resources, including
the Exploring
Ecotourism Resource Guide.
WINNING TIPS
Government websites are advised to:
1) Create an informative, content-rich website that provides
detailed information for visitors seeking eco-friendly, people-friendly
and place-friendly travel. Provide direct links to local operations
and seek input from those at the vanguard of in-country ecotourism
on making your site even better for national and international
visitors.
2) Add the logo and link for the award on your website. Alert
visitors to check out all the contenders.
LOGOS
Logos
for the 2008 Ecotourism Spotlight Award are available for download.
Our only stipulation for usage is that you let us know and that
the logo links directly to the Ecotourism Spotlight Award.
Small
168 x 240
Medium
350 x 500
Large
717 x 1024
Original
1200 x 1714
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