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The New Forest, the greenie haven in southern England, was yesterday crowned overall winner in Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2007. Their success was a triple whammy as they also won Best Destination while New Forest Tourism Destination Manager, Anthony Climpson, took home the Personal Contribution Award.
The tree-packed retreat was particularly praised for its development of The New Forest Breakfast, which uses local suppliers and produce. They have introduced plenty of other ‘responsible’ initiatives as well, including a car-free travel promotion that uses electric vehicles, and the Green Leaf tourism scheme that helps accommodation providers to create low impact days out, reduce energy consumption and purchase locally produced foods.
Receiving the award for Best Destination, Councillor Maureen Holding of New Forest District Council said, "We believe that working together to deliver a responsible tourism policy is of great benefit to the local community and visitors alike."
Over 1,700 nominations were received from eco tourists who were keen to praise past holidays which have benefited the local people and environment. Justin Francis, co-founder and Managing Director of responsibletravel.com, said, "This is the fourth year of the awards and every year, it never ceases to amaze me how much thought and innovation has gone into the holidays that we short list."
The winners were announced on the first ever Responsible Tourism Day, during World Travel Market at Excel, London Docklands. All winners received certificates framed in reclaimed wood taken from Brighton's Palace Pier.
All the winners:
Best Tour Operator, sponsored by The Adventure Company
Gecko's Adventures, Australia
Best Small Hotel/Accommodation, sponsored by Tourism Queensland
Finca Esperanza Verde Ecolodge, Nicaragua
Best Large Hotel/Accomodation, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Apex Hotels Ltd, UK
Best Low Carbon Transport & Technology, sponsored by Virgin Trains
Eurostar, UK
Best in a Mountain Environment, sponsored by Blacks
Explorandes, Peru
Best in a Marine Environment, sponsored by Tourism Tasmania
blue o two, UK
Best for Poverty Reduction, sponsored by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Check Out for Children
Borana, Kenya
Best in a Park or Protected Area, sponsored by Conservation International
La Ruta Moskitia, Honduras
Best for Conservation of an Endangered Species, sponsored by Sri Lanka Tourism
Grootbos Nature Reserve, South Africa
Best for Conservation of Cultural Heritage, sponsored by Jamaica Tourist Board
Andaman Discoveries, Thailand
Best Volunteering Organisation, sponsored by Lonely Planet
Azafady, UK/Madagascar
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