The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) has just announced the theme for its 2008 World Tourism Day Photo Competition: “Tourism Responding to the Challenge of Climate Change”. The competition is part of a year-long campaign focusing on creating a climate neutral planet.

World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on 27 September with the purpose of fostering awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value throughout the world. The Day also highlights what actions those in the tourism industry may take to achieve its goals.

“This online photo competition will showcase climate solutions in tourism – business and leisure travel – from around the world. Examples include communities, companies and individuals -visiting or visited – acting to help respond to climate change as tourism stakeholders. Whether they are airlines testing new fuel, hotels installing solar energy, villages educating guests on good practice or tourists offsetting their impacts,” said UNWTO Assistant- Secretary General and Spokesperson Geoffrey Lipman.

World Tourism Day 2008 will focus on innovation and collaboration between private and public sectors to respond to the climate challenge. It will also integrate a series of “Climate Solutions Think Tanks” around the world.

The deadline for the competition is 30 November 2008. Winners will receive a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru as the Host Nation for World Tourism Day. Runners up will be presented with cameras. Winning photos will be displayed on UNWTO’s website and at numerous trade fairs throughout 2009.

For complete information and to submit photos electronically, go to www.unwto.org/wtd/photocompetition/en/photo_competition.php.