Call for Entries Announced for National Geographic Travel World Legacy Awards

WASHINGTON (June 2, 2014)-The World Legacy Awards Call for Entries was announced today - the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between two giants in the world of travel: National Geographic and ITB Berlin. The National Geographic Society reaches more than 500 million people worldwide each month through its magazines, television, documentaries, radio, books, and other media platforms, products and events. ITB Berlin is the largest travel gathering on the planet, attended annually by nearly 200,000 delegates.

The World Legacy Awards will showcase the leading travel and tourism companies, organizations and destinations - ranging from airlines to ecolodges and from cities to countries - that are driving the positive transformation of the travel industry based on sustainable tourism principles and practices. Applications are being accepted now through Aug. 20, 2014, at nationalgeographic.com/worldlegacyawards.

Dr. Christian G ke, chief executive officer of Messe Berlin, said, As the world's largest travel trade show, with a strong commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, we are delighted to partner with National Geographic Travel on the World Legacy Awards.

In addition to being recognized at ITB Berlin during the March 2015 awards ceremony, winners and finalists of the World Legacy Awards will be featured in National Geographic Traveler magazine and other National Geographic media reaching a major global audience.

Costas Christ, World Legacy Awards chairman and one of the world's foremost experts on sustainable tourism, said, The World Legacy Awards are unprecedented in their scope - bringing the message of sustainable tourism best practices and shining a light on award winners and finalists to millions of travelers all around the world.

Applications are being accepted in five categories:

Earth Changers - Recognizing cutting-edge leadership in environmentally friendly business practices and green technology, from renewable energy and water conservation to zero-waste systems and carbon-emission reduction.

Sense of Place - Recognizing excellence in enhancing sense of place and authenticity, including implementing vernacular architecture and design and support for the protection of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.

Conserving the Natural World - Recognizing outstanding support for the preservation of nature, restoring natural habitat and protecting rare and endangered species, whether on land or in the oceans.

Engaging Communities - Recognizing direct and tangible economic and social benefits that improve local livelihoods, including training and capacity building, fair wages and benefits, community development, health care and education.

Destination Leadership - Recognizing destination leadership, including cities, provinces, states, countries and regions that are demonstrating environmental best practices, protection of cultural and natural heritage, benefits to local communities and educating travelers on the principles of sustainability.

Finalists will be announced in October 2014 at ITB Asia, and the winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in March 2015 at ITB Berlin.

For more information about the World Legacy Awards and how to apply, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/worldlegacyawards.

About National Geographic Travel

National Geographic Travel is the travel arm of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, founded in 1888. National Geographic Travel creates meaningful and engaging travel content and experiences through National Geographic Traveler magazine; National Geographic Expeditions; travel books; maps; apps; digital media; and travel photography programs. National Geographic Traveler (eight issues per year) is the world's most widely read travel magazine and has 14 international editions. It is available by subscription, on newsstands in the United States and Canada, and digitally for tablets. National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the Society, offers a variety of unique travel experiences led by top experts to more than 60 destinations across all seven continents. Travel opportunities include family and student expeditions, active adventures, private jet trips and voyages on the six expedition ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, as well as photography workshops, expeditions and seminars. The National Geographic Travel digital group offers inspiring and authoritative digital travel and adventure content such as trip ideas, photo galleries, blogs and apps. National Geographic Travel Books bring readers curated travel advice and inspiration. Follow National Geographic Travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention

ITB Berlin, the leading trade fair for the worldwide travel industry, is held in parallel with the ITB Berlin Convention, a top-notch and visionary convention program with high-ranking speakers from the travel industry, science and politics who address the latest trends and present innovative business models from the global tourism sector. In 2014, ITB Berlin welcomed a total of 11,000 companies and organizations from 189 countries, who exhibited their products and services to over 174,000 visitors. ITB Berlin 2015 will take place from Wednesday, March 4 to Sunday, March 8.

LINK:	http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2014/06/02/call-for-entries-nation...
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