The EcoTrophea International Environmental Award

On 3 November, the WHL Group, the parent company of whl.travel, was identified as one of five nominees (linked article is in German only, as is this video) shortlisted to win the EcoTrophea 2009, the German Travel Association (or DRV) International Environmental Award. (For an English-subtitled video of the WHL Group section only, click here.)

The EcoTrophea prize has been awarded annually since 1987 by the DRV for “innovative, high-impact and exemplary environmental protection projects in tourism”.

The 2009 winner (alas, not the WHL Group) was announced on 4 December at the 59th DRV Annual Congress in Egypt. The DRV Environment Jury identified five outstanding projects, from which the winner was selected.

“[German] travel experts can then vote for their favourites,” explained Dr. Peter Zimmer, Chairman of the DRV Environment Committee. “The direct participation of travel experts is an advantage for all sides. It draws heightened attention to pioneers in the travel industry who contribute through their projects to promoting both environmental protection and tourism and also set an excellent example.”

WHL Group

WHL Group is the largest local-travel company in the world, a global network of interrelated companies that help travellers find unique ways to experience a destination through local tourism professionals. WHL Group was established in July 2009 and currently encompasses whl.travel, Urban Adventures and WHL Consulting.

The reach of WHL Group companies is both wide and deep. Accessible even to the smallest players, WHL Group companies embrace and nurture travel operators that find and develop grassroots and sustainable tourism initiatives anchored in the special character of a place – including its environmental, cultural and social qualities. Unlike other global travel-booking engines, WHL Group companies tap into and magnify the excellence of local tourism experts who, alone, are local leaders, but united have become a forceful global presence for the right kind of tourism, bringing to major markets all the local opportunities that make a positive impact on hosts and visitors.

Common to all of the WHL Group companies are the core values of WHL Group. In seeking sustainable practices and good outcomes, these principles are based on, among other things, respect and care for individuals, respect for cultures and respect and care for the environment. Like no one else can, WHL Group companies connect two kinds people – those who adventure with an open heart to discover places without making any negative impact; and those with such brimming passion for home that showing it off responsibly is second nature.

More Information

The other four nominees vying for the EcoTrophea 2009 were:
* Green Star Hotel Initiative (Egypt)
* Dominica (Dominica)
* Tierisch Wild (Germany)
* Hotel Jardim Atlantico (Portugal/Madeira) [Note that bookings for this hotel are offered through our whl.travel local partner in Madeira.]

Read more about EcoTrophea (in English) and review some other submissions.