Aug. 20, 2001 – Two national entities are inviting the public to submit nominees for a new conservation award that will recognize contributions within the tourism industry toward the preservation and protection of historical, cultural or natural treasures.
The Smithsonian Magazine and the U.S. Tour Operators Association are co-sponsoring the project. The winner will received a $25,000 cash prize.
According to the web site describing the project, www.ustoa.com, the magazine and the tour association "have joined forces to recognize and honor an individual, organization or destination in the travel or tourism industry that has made significant contributions toward the preservation and protection of historical, cultural or natural treasures."
Each of the sponsoring entities has a history of promoting preservation. Throughout its 30 years, Smithsonian Magazine, a publication of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., "has been a trail-blazing voice on culture, history, nature and ecology," a release promoting the conservation award stated. And USTOA, through its Travelers Conservation Foundation, "helps to protect and preserve sites of historic natural and cultural significance."
Both organizations and individuals may be nominated.
The nomination form may be downloaded from the conservation award web site given above, using Adobe Acrobat software (which can be downloaded from the Internet without charge). An individual submitting a nomination must provide two other references familiar with — but not involved in — the project that is the subject of the nomination. The nomination form also calls for a 75-word "summary of the nominee's qualifications for the award."
The Tourism Department distributed a release to the news media Monday announcing the call for nominations. Nomination forms also may be picked up at Tourism offices and can be faxed upon telephone request to the main Tourism number, 774-8784.
Nominations must be postmarked by Aug. 31. The winner is to be announced in December.
