During the 60th Annual Adrian Awards Gala in New York, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and National Geographic Traveler honored the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) as the Platinum Winner in the special category of Leader in Sustainable Tourism.
The winning entry detailed the collaborative efforts designed to protect the island's pristine beaches, sea turtles and other wildlife through community education, awareness efforts, and legislation..
Out of more than 200 submissions in this category from destination marketing organizations around the world, the CVB’s entry “Clean Beaches and Sea Turtles” was judged to be exceptional by sustainable tourism experts from National Geographic Traveler and HSMAI, and showcased as a model for other destinations. The Amelia Island CVB also won three Silver Awards and one Bronze Award for excellence in tourism marketing, in what is the world’s largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition.
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Created in 2010, the Leader in Sustainable Tourism award recognizes demonstrable leadership and innovation in preserving and communicating an authentic sense of place through a wisely managed tourism program. Entries are judged by how their efforts preserved the environmental, cultural, and historic integrity of a destination, and how the program demonstrated leadership, innovation and accomplished its goals.
“This is a testament to the teamwork, commitment and skill required to be a responsible steward of our destination, while still achieving a positive economic impact on the community through tourism,” said Gil Langley, President and CEO of the Amelia Island CVB. “The credit goes to our marketing team members and partners, and to the Nassau County Commission for their leadership in developing a sustainable tourism program for the island.”
Previous winners of the Leader in Sustainable Tourism award include the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, Puntacana Resort & Club in the Dominican Republic, and Wilderness Safaris, who won last year for their black rhino conservation efforts in Botswana.
National Geographic Traveler magazine will highlight the Amelia Island CVB’s work in their spring issue - right around the time of the start of sea turtle nesting on Amelia Island.
Want to see more?
Nature Travel Guide
Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch
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