FW: News from Sustainable Tourism and Development Laboratory

Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Laboratory inaugurates new cash prize for Sustainable Tourism efforts The Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Laboratory presents the ARISTA, for notable achievement in Sustainable Tourism.  The ARISTA is a new recognition to be presented to one organization in each of three geographic areas: Rhode Island, New England and USA.  This prize will be awarded in September of 2009 to an agency, non-governmental organization or business for its project or program demonstrating the implementation of sustainable tourism practices.   The purpose of this new prize is "to encourage the use of sustainable principles in tourism development," according to Dr. Robert Billington, Executive Director of the Sustainable Tourism Laboratory. "It is an opportunity to remind us that sustainable tourism is, first and foremost, about benefiting our residents and resources."   Sustainable tourism planning aims to integrate multiple sectors. It involves citizens' groups, private corporations, government and individuals, thus providing the widest possible benefits to the community. According to Billington, "The ARISTA will be presented to organizations that regard as vital the protection and appropriate economic uses of the natural and human environment."   "This new recognition comes with a $250.00 cash prize and trophy for each of the three geographic areas.  It will reward those individuals, groups or agencies that work to integrate environmental, social, historical, cultural and economic planning in their tourism development work," said Billington.   The Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Laboratory, established in 2005, is certified in Tourism Governance under the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO.org) as a program of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC). The BVTC was established in 1985 and has recently been recognized in Destination Development worldwide by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC.org).    The mission of the Sustainable Tourism Laboratory (Sustainabletourismlab.com) is to help any community intent on doing so, to develop tourism in a sustainable way. Using the principles of Civic Tourism, Geotourism and Sustainable Tourism, the Sustainable Tourism Laboratory works to share its knowledge and expertise with other tourism communities.   "We have some great agencies doing great work across America," says Billington. "It's time we shed some light on their work.  We hope the ARISTA will continue to grow in importance and size though the years."   How to Apply or Nominate an Organization To apply for or to nominate an organization for the ARISTA, visit www.sustainabletourismlab.com, or or write to: Blackstone Valley Visitor Center 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI  02860 Or call the Sustainable Laboratory: 401-724-2200. C: Dr. Robert Billington