On 6 November at the Excel Centre, this year, H.E. Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda, was represented with the 2017 World Tourism Award in regards to visionary leadership on the first day of World Travel Market London. Charity Challenge and Micato Safaris-AmericaShare honored for sustainable tourism were among other award recipients. Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor, multi Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter along with being a world renowned travel expert, organized the Awards presentation.
The World Tourism Awards, observing its 20th Anniversary, are jointly sponsored by Corinthia Hotels, The New York Times, and Reed Travel Exhibitions. Launched in 1997, the World Tourism Awards were introduced to identify “individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and in fostering sustainable tourism and developing programmes that give back to local communities.”
The awards were presented on behalf of the sponsors like: Matthew Dixon, Commercial Director, Corinthia Hotels; Patrick Falconer, Executive Director – UK, The New York Times; and representing Reed Travel Exhibitions, Jeanette Gilbert, Head of Marketing & Communications, World Travel Market. Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) was the guest speaker at the ceremony.
