| Planeta.com announces the winner
of the 2008 Ecotourism Spotlight Award. For the second year
in a row, Ecotourism
Laos received the greatest number of votes.
"Thanks to all for supporting the Ecotourism
Laos website and other great sites listed this year,"
said Steven Schipani, Senior Advisor of the Lao National Tourism
Administration. "I would also like to thank Planeta for
providing a platform to recognize the Lao Government's support
for ecotourism and its efforts to conserve the country's rich
cultural and natural heritage."
BACKGROUND
Government websites that educate visitors about ecotourism
and responsible travel options are eligible to win Planeta.com's
annual Ecotourism Spotlight Award. 2008 nominees included Laos,
Quito and Bali
and Utila.
The award was developed to create incentives for communication,
opportunities for conversation
and a reward for participation
among government leaders working toward ecotourism and responsible
travel.
"Many tourism officials are figuring out Web 1.0 principles
as locals and visitors are seeking out the Web
2.0 experience," said Planeta.com founder Ron Mader.
"The spotlight award helps nudge government leaders forward
as we give credit to the websites that are leading the pack."
The winner is announced in celebration of World
Tourism Day (September 27) as way of spotlighting best practice
in responsible travel and ecotourism.
Voting took place from July 15-August 30. More than 100 people
participated.
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