(November 6, 2017, WTM London) H.E. Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda, was presented with the 2017 World Tourism Award for visionary leadership today, 6 November 2017, the opening day of World Travel Market London at Excel Centre. The other Award recipients were, Charity Challenge and Micato Safaris-AmericaShare honoured for sustainable tourism. Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor, multi Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter as well as world renowned travel expert, hosted the Awards presentation.
The World Tourism Awards, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, are co-sponsored by
Corinthia Hotels, The New York Times, and Reed Travel Exhibitions. Inaugurated in 1997, the World Tourism Awards were established to recognise “individuals, companies, organisations, 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.”
Presenting the Awards on behalf of the sponsors were: 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. Guest speaker at the Awards Ceremony was Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The World Tourism Award for Visionary Leadership was presented to H.E. Paul Kagame, in recognition of “his visionary leadership though a policy of reconciliation, sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, and economic development attracting major hotel investment, resulting in the remarkable turnaround that has led to Rwanda’s rise as one of the leading tourism destinations in Africa today.”
Charity Challenge was honoured, in recognition “for creating, managing, and delivering international fundraising expeditions across 6 continents and 38 countries, which over the last 18 years have inspired tens of thousands of people to raise more than £50million for 1,800 charities, as well as themselves donating close to £500,000 to community projects.”
The third honouree, Micato Safaris-AmericaShare, was in recognition “for its philanthropic work that has improved the lives of thousands of orphaned and vulnerable African children through the gift of education, including the Micato One for One Commitment, which sends a child to school for every safari sold.”
The Award ceremony was followed by a reception and a special performance by the Rwanda National Ballet, Urukerereza.
The World Tourism Award itself, Inspire, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass, and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to reach new heights.
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About the World Tourism Awards
The World Tourism Awards, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, are presented annually at World Travel Market London and sponsored by Corinthia Hotels, New York Times and Reed Travel Exhibitions. It was inaugurated to “recognize individuals, companies, organisations, 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 World Tourism Award is organized by The Bradford Group on behalf of the sponsors.
WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. Around 51,500 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL – London every November generating around £2.8 billion of travel industry contracts. http://london.wtm.com/..
About Reed Exhibitions
Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face to face through data and digital tools at over 500 events a year, in more than 43 countries, attracting more than 7m participants. East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 41 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of the RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.
For further information on the Honourees, please see the websites below
Rwanda – www.rwandatourism.com
Charity Challenge – www.charitychallenge.com/
Micato Safaris-AmericaShare – www.micato.com/commitment/micato-americashare/
For further information on the Sponsors, please see the websites below
Corinthia Hotels – www.corinthia.com
The New York Times – www.nytimes.com
Reed Travel Exhibitions – www.reedtravelexhibitions.com
World Tourism Awards Hashtag: #WTA20th
World Travel Market Hashtag: #WTMLDN
World Tourism Award Contact
The Bradford Group:
Karen Hoffman/ Bianca Pappas
Tel: 212 447 0027/ Fax: 212 725 8253