Ten destinations have been nominated for this year’s New Frontiers Award. Now in its third year, the award consists of US$10,000 worth of complimentary exhibition space at the Arabian Travel Market 2009, which will be given to the destination that has made an outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The destinations were chosen considering a number of decisive factors such as their utilisation of aid packages, support from local and national government, tangible efforts of recovery and the sheer determination of human spirit. California; Peru; Greece; Bangladesh; India; Pakistan; Nicaragua; China; Mozambique and Vietnam are all making tremendous strides after suffering from either man-made or natural disasters.
Tom Nutley, Chairman, Reed Travel Exhibitions organisers of the ATM said, “The concept for the award was borne out of the remarkable achievements that have been observed over the last three years. The way in which some destinations have recovered from overwhelming disasters was humbling and awe inspiring. In recognition of those extraordinary efforts in the face of such adversity, we wanted to salute their exceptional achievements. The reward is both pragmatic and a valuable contribution to increase their marketing efforts still further.”
Judges are currently reviewing the nominations to select three destinations that will go forward to the final round. The panel of judges is made up of a cross section of industry professionals. Last year’s winner the Mexican resort of Cancun was honoured for its remarkable recovery and positive contribution to tourism development in the face of the overwhelming devastation caused by Hurricane Wilma in October 2005. With considerable support from local state and federal government plus international aid agencies such as the Red Cross, they have rebuilt the battered coastline and improved the resort’s shattered economy. The effort has resulted in tourism figures fast approaching former levels.
This year’s recipient will be announced during a special awards ceremony at the Arabian Travel Market’s annual exhibitors’ party, which will be held on 6 May 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. Representatives of the winning destination will be invited to attend the special ceremony and be rewarded with US$10,000 worth of complimentary exhibition space for Arabian Travel Market 2009.