IRU calls for candidates for its City Trophy Award 2009 to promote excellence in sustainable tourism through coach-friendly policies.
Brussels – After Rochester (2003), Dresden (2005) and Chester (2007), the International Road Transport Union (IRU) is now looking forward to congratulating the winner of the IRU City Trophy 2009 by launching today its call for candidatures addressed to city authorities all over the world.
The IRU City Trophy, awarded biennially, acknowledges and rewards municipal authorities that implement exemplary proactive policies favouring sustainable tourism by coach.
IRU Vice President, Graham Smith, explained: “Our intention is to showcase and promote worldwide these model cities that invest in appropriate facilities to improve access for coaches and their passengers. By encouraging this safe and green travel alternative, such policies reduce congestion and pollution and promote tourism, while boosting local income from tourists.”
The IRU City Trophy 2009 will be awarded by an international jury, composed of leaders from the tourism and travel business, international organisations, city councils and coach transport professionals.
The main selection criteria for successful candidates include the following:
·         A coherent city strategy integrating high-quality group tourism with other interests;
·         Consultation with stakeholders, including the coach tourism industry;
·         Instructions and signage aimed at coach drivers, including in foreign languages;
·         Provision of quality facilities for waiting drivers, as well as passenger, driver and vehicle safety, etc.
·         Efficient communications to gain local residents’ understanding and support.
 
“Together with our partners from the global travel industry, we will make sure that travel organisers promote these destinations of excellence to their customers,” Graham Smith concluded.
Interested authorities must submit candidate dossiers to the IRU Permanent Delegation to the EU in Brussels by mail or by fax to +32-2-743 25 99 or christina.grimme@iru.org, mentioning “IRU City Trophy 2009”, in English or French no later than 15 June 2009.
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Learn more about City Trophy winner 2007
Press contact: Juliette Ebélé, +41 22 918 27 07, Press@iru.org
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