TRAVELNEWS Asia, as WTM media sponsors for the Asian region, recognised three local companies for their tourism efforts.
The TNA-sponsored WTM Global Award went jointly to the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) and the New Zealand Tourist Board (NZTB) for their work in promoting tourism.
In particular, the award recognised the landmark achievement of both countries in having secured Approved Destination Status (ADS) from mainland China.
While other countries in the region already hold ADS, the panel of judges felt that special commendation ought to be made for New Zealand and Australia for being the first "Western" countries to have achieved ADS.
Both have served as trailblazers for the many European countries currently attempting the same thing.
The awards were presented by Operation Raleigh founder Colonel John Blashford-Snell and exhibition director Fiona Jeffery at the WTM Opening Ceremony. Collecting the award for the ATC was PR and promotions manager for Europe, South Africa and the Middle East Kate Kenward.
Manager for China Evangeline Luk accepted the award on behalf of the NZTB.
As part of the WTM Environmental day, TNA awarded the WTM Environmental Award to the Hong Kong-based Eco-tourism Awareness Group (ETAG) for its promotion of an environmentally-friendly approach to travel.
Under the chairmanship of David Man, ETAG includes tourism professionals, tour operators, environmentalists and the academic establishment.
The group organises seminars on environment issues for tour operators and offers education to school children on travel-related environmental issues, and conducts research into the environment.