The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has invited applications for its Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism.

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2016.

The UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism distinguish innovative tourism initiatives with outstanding achievements in the four categories of: public policy and governance, enterprises, non-governmental organisations and research and technology.

The awards, established in 2003, are the flagship awards for the global tourism sector. They recognise knowledge creation, dissemination and innovative solutions that advance the sector in line with the principles of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said a statement.

The winners of the 13th UNWTO Awards will be unveiled on January 18, 2017 at a gala dinner held in collaboration with the International Tourism Trade Fair (IFEMA/FITUR) in Madrid, Spain.

Last year, the ceremony hosted 320 high-level participants from more than 50 countries, including 80 ministers, ambassadors and CEOs.

The UNWTO Awards Forum, to be held on January 16, will highlight the importance of innovation in tourism and showcase the knowledge and achievements of all UNWTO Awards finalists. - TradeArabia News Service