Bhutan makes it to top three.After having made it to the list of finalists for “Tomorrow’s destination stewardship award”, an official from World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in London will arrive in the country next week to assess the tourism facilities.

The stewardship award goes to a destination that successfully demonstrates a program of sustainable tourism while incorporating social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits.

Of the 133 applications WTTC received last year from over 46 countries in six continents, Bhutan made it to top three, along with Peaks of the Balkans, Municipality of Peja, Kosovo and Sentosa Development Corporation, Singapore.

Last November, the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s (TCB) marketing and promotion department applied for the award. Officials said it was to highlight Bhutan’s journey in fostering sustainable tourism practices since it opened up to tourism in 1974.

TCB officials said the award’s main outcome was the enormous promotional value and by recognition of Bhutan’s achievements, it will showcase Bhutan as a sustainable tourism destination.

But besides that, if TCB makes it, they also receive free flights and accommodation to attend a glamorous award ceremony, which will be held during WTTC’s 13th Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on April 9 and 10.

“The WTTC official will be visiting the country to experience and assess various tourism facilities across the country,” TCB’s media spokesperson, Sonam Pelden, said.

Every year, WTTC invited applications in four award categories, namely Destination Stewardship Award, Conservation Award, Community Benefit Award and the Global Tourism Business Award.

According to WTTC, the applicants have to go through a three-step process, including site visits, after which an international team of about 15 to 20 judges, representing a wide range of professional backgrounds and expertise, decide on the winners.

Source:Kuensel