Torremolinos, Malaga (Spain) – June 13, 2019 (travelindex.com) – In its 18th edition, a total of 56 entries from 25 countries are competing for the sustainable tourism award, which Skål International, the world's leading organization of travel and tourism professionals, will present on September 15 during the opening ceremony of the 80th Skål International World Congress aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas.

These awards were introduced after the United Nations declared 2002 the Year of Ecotourism and Mountains and have grown in importance year after year.

Three prominent and respected jurors will evaluate the submitted responsible projects based on various criteria such as nature conservation, CO2 compensation, climate protection, protection of human rights, local employment, etc.

About Biosphere Tourism develops certifications to ensure a long-term balance between the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions of a destination and to demonstrate significant benefits for tourism businesses, society, and the environment. This certification is awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), an international non-profit, non-governmental organization structured as an association, which has been working internationally for over 20 years to promote responsible tourism and support all stakeholders in the tourism industry in developing new ways of traveling and experiencing our planet.

Skål International is a professional organization of tourism guides from around the world, promoting global networking and friendship since 1934. It is the only international association that unites all sectors of the travel and tourism industry.