BERLIN: The Republic of Palau, an archipelago of some 500 pristine, unspoiled islands and surrounding water famous for sea adventures, just got another feather in its cap – the prestigious Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Earth Award given at the recent 2019 Sustainable Top 100 Destinations Awards.
The ITB, which hosted the much-anticipated event, counts among major travel trade events in the world and is being held annually in Berlin during the month of March.
Palau, a paradise of mostly unexplored islands in the Western Pacific Ocean approximately an hour and a half’s flight away from the Philippines, is a favorite spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and other marine activities.
Island Times, a twice-weekly news source in the islands, reported that the award was accepted by Palau’s First Lady Debbie Remengesau and Palau Visitors’ Authority (PVA) Board Member, Olkeriil Kazuo. It recognizes Palau as a destination “showing global leadership in combating climate change and environmental degradation.”
The award is decided by an expert jury and places Palau at the top of the Green Destinations’ Top 100 Sustainable Destinations List, the news portal said.
Palau was presented with the top honor based on its efforts to create national policy and laws preventing damage to its fragile ecosystems by tourism and educating its visitors on the importance of protecting Palau’s unique environment, culture and heritage.
Palau is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of only 35 countries in the world to have two UNESCO designations protecting both its unique environment and culture.
