ENAT Honorary Member Dr. Scott Rains Recognised in 2010 Virgin Travel Awards

Photo: Dr. Scott Rains. (Credit rollingrains.com)

Scott Rains has been highly commended in the Best Personal Contribution category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards organised by responsibletravel.com. (URL: http://tinyurl.com/3xmv4op)

The Judges said “Scott Rains’ pioneering work has centered on tackling the concept of ‘inclusivity’ in tourism. He has campaigned, at high level, to ensure that access to tourism experiences remains a key focus in the growing responsible tourism movement, and he has done so in an industry still growing in its awareness of social inclusiveness.”

At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM), Docklands, London, on Wednesday 10th November, the Awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, organisers and founders of the Awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards.

Justin Francis, founder of The Responsible Tourism Awards and managing director, responsibletravel.com, organisers of the Awards said:

"This year I have been heartened by the depth of commitment and connection our winners have shown to the local communities in their destinations. Their successes and pioneering spirits are remarkable and the very real and authentic experiences they have created, set responsible tourism apart. They also remind us that holidays can be both luxurious for visitor and enhancing for local people - helping build schools, water pumps, clinics and conserving cultural and natural heritage.”

Dr. Rains’ contributions to increase travel options for those with disabilities have included evaluating South Africa’s tourism product in anticipation of the 2010 World Cup, keynoting the Carlo Besta Italian National Neurological Institute’s conference on Inclusive Tourism in Milan, serving as Scholar-in-Residence at the Center for Cultural Studies at the University of California Santa Cruz, training five-star hotel management in a cross-country tour of India, and presenting the closing address at the Inclusive Play Symposium sponsored by Landscape Structures, Inc. He systematically seeks out students, entrepreneurs, scholars, and others with disabilities in each country where he works in order to forge sustainable local networks so that local citizens with disabilities benefit from the expansion of tourism that he promotes.

Amanda Wills, managing director, Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards said:

“I’m once again humbled by the commitment, drive and ingenuity of today’s winners. They have shown us all what can be achieved by the people and places seeking to benefit from tourism, even when the economic climate continues to challenge us all. Theirs is truly an example for the rest of the industry to follow, and I’m delighted that Virgin Holidays is again able to be a part of this celebration.”

Launched in 2004, the Awards are run in association with partners World Travel Market, Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine.

For a full list of finalists, see www.responsibletourismawards.com

Dr. Scott Rains has been an Honorary Member of ENAT since 2008.

ENAT is proud and pleased to add its warm congratulations to Scott on receiving this recognition from the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards.

Ivor Ambrose, ENAT, adds: "Scott works extremely hard to bring the message of accessible, inclusive tourism to people and places that scarcely know the concept. His tireless efforts have enabled politicians, bureaucrats and business leaders to see visitors in a new light and consequently make tourist experiences better for everyone. We are delighted to be working with Scott and his network of colleagues around the world in addressing our shared goals."