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2008 Ecotourism Spotlight Award

PLANETA FORUM

Publication date: March 2008

new 2008 Application


PHOTO GALLERY: Ecotourism Spotlight Award


PUBLISHERS -- This article is available for free syndication. Those interested in publishing this article should request permission.


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


REFERENCES

g Ecotourism Spotlight Award
g Spotlight on Awards

PLANETA FORUM

g Awards
GUIDELINES

WIKI

g 2008 Ecotourism Spotlight Wiki
g Awards
ONLINE WIKI


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 voted?
A - Voting was open to the public. We asked that individuals review the finalists and make one vote in each category.

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!


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