World Travel Market 2010

Registration for the industry event of the year, World Travel Market, is still open. Between the 8th and 11th November at London's ExCel centre, industry (46,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international press) set up shop to promote destinations, products and services, discuss issues and shake on deals. Hopefully the press will have plenty to report back on to the travelling public.

The latest news is that Tony Juniper, one of the world’s best known ecologists, will headline the opening ceremony (10.30 on Wed 10 Nov, Platinum Suite 4). Juniper is the former director of Friends of the Earth UK, is currently involved in the writing of the book Harmony (authored by HRH Prince of Wales), while also writing for two leading UK newspapers and working as editor-in-chief of National Geographic’s Green magazine.

It's a clear commitment to World Travel Market's responsible tourism stance and the continuation of it's World Responsible Tourism Day. Fiona Jeffery, Chair of World Travel Market said, “In opening WTM World Responsible Tourism Day 2010, Tony Juniper will bring fresh ideas, extensive knowledge and boundless enthusiasm to the cause of responsible tourism. He is frank and honest about how we need to use the planet to ensure travel and tourism has a tomorrow”.

The latest on World Responsible Tourism Day (Wed 10 Nov 2010) is that 100 companies (which is more than ever before) have applied to participate in the campaign that helps to inspire and educate the industry on how to stay in business while protecting the environment. If deemed sufficiently dedicated to the cause, they can use the official WTM WRTD logo on their marketing and PR material throughout 2010.

Fiona Jeffery said on the subject, “Consumers are demonstrating their concern and I am delighted that the industry is beginning to respond positively.”

Accredited WTM World Responsible Tourism Day businesses include:

Africa Africa Inside Out; Cape to Cape Adventure Ltd; The Dreamcatcher Foundation; Karibu Rwanda Ltd; Nyore Tourist Village; West Africa Discovery.

Americas Exploring Horizons Ltd; ICRT Belize; Red de Turismo Responsible; Tropic Journeys in Nature; TrotaMexico; Mayaland Resorts; Consulting 27; ICRT Belize; and Pure Brazil by Venturas.

Asia Agri Tourism India; Community Action Treks; ConCERT; Footprint Vietnam Travel; Grass Routes; Malaysian Discovery; Rimo Expeditions; Selena Travel.

Australia and New Zealand Crystal Creek Meadows; Ecotourism Australia.

Europe Eco Turkey; La Fundación Ecoagroturismo; GreenStep; Ruka and Phya Ski Resorts, Finland; Travel2help.org, Finland; Viator Travel, Dubrovnik Tourist Board; Villa Pape, Croatia.

UK Travelbound, part of TUI Travel; Traveltalk; Adventure Alternative; CHILLOUT 365 Ltd; Future Sense; SkiBound; Way Out Experiences Ltd; Celticos Ltd. Read more!