Home | National | NatureAir receives prestigious recognition from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) - Winner of the prize 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow

NatureAir receives prestigious recognition from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) - Winner of the prize 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow

25 May, 2009 09:23:00 By Tamarindo News Staff

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has granted NatureAir the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Conservation Award for best demonstrating sustainable tourism practices, and for their commitment to the protection of the country’s natural heritage.

The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards have been given for two decades to encourage all sectors of the tourist industry to protect the environment. NatureAir was chosen for its 100% carbon neutral aviation program, which engages customers in a non-voluntary carbon offset scheme, and for its commitment to fuel reduction in the air and on the ground. NatureAir has developed Costa Rica's only bio-diesel fueling station, and created the non-profit foundation NatureKids, which teaches English and Environmental studies to the local communities.

“The environment is precious and we are thrilled to receive this wonderful recognition by WTTC for our conservation efforts,' said Alex Khajavi Founder and CEO of NatureAir. “This award is a motivation for all of us at NatureAir to continue searching for ways that may add a positive value to the social and environmental challenges we face.”

“In 2004, NatureAir ambitiously committed to set new standards for sustainable practices in the aviation industry, by compensating 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions with the preservation and reforestation of tropical forests in the Osa Peninsula,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President & CEO, during the awards ceremony that took place in Florianopolis, Brazil, at the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit. “And it has not only fulfilled this pledge, but it has also implemented other effective sustainable policies and activities, including community benefit outreach programs,” Baumgarten added.

The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards have been compared to the 'Oscars' of the tourist industry. As part of the evaluation process, applicants are required to fill out a comprehensive application form, and then finalists must take part of an on-site evaluation by the Judges.

“For the National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO), as part of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET), it is of great satisfaction to know that the programs that we undertake promote the conservation and recovery of forests in a more sustainable tourism context, and that these new viable actions are being recognized at an international level, as in this case, in which they have been acknowledged by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC),” said Jorge Eduardo Rodriguez Quirós, Minister of MINAET and President of the FONAFIFO Directing Board.

About NatureAir

NatureAir is the world's first certified carbon neutral airline, and the fastest growing airline in Central America. Since its foundation in 2000, NatureAir has grown from flying 18,000 passengers annually to more than 140,000 in 2008. NatureAir is the only twin-engine airline in Costa Rica with both scheduled and chartered flights, and offers 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica, and Panama.

NatureAir's non-voluntary carbon neutrality program ensures that every flight’s carbon emissions are compensated, so guarantying the protection and reforestation of the Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica. Its commitment to saving energy includes the use of bio-diesel (cooking oils) for running all their ground transport operations. NatureAir funds 90% of the non-profit educational organization NatureKids, and is a proud sponsor of the Rainforest Alliance, World Heritage Alliance, Climate Neutral Network and Ecotourism Society. The World Travel & Tourism Council, Rainforest Alliance, Conde Nast Traveler and Virgin Holidays have granted NatureAir this recognition for its sustainability and conservation efforts. For more information visit: http://www.natureair.com

About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the forum for business leaders in the Tourist industry. It works with governments and other supporters to raise awareness of the importance of one of the world's largest generators of wealth and employment. With Chairs and Chief Executives of the world's 100 foremost Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.