ABTA is delighted to add its congratulations to The Travel Foundation who came first in one the most prestigious categories at The Charity Awards 2010, which recognise leading charities operating in the UK. The Travel Foundation beat off stiff competition to take the top prize in the Animals and Environment sector in an award ceremony held last week in London.

Travel Foundation founder James Skinner and chief executive Sue Hurdle collected the award at a gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in front of 1,000 of the charity world’s most senior representatives and celebrity guests including Jo Brand, Greta Scacchi, Lynda Bellingham, Jon Snow and Peter Bowles, who presented awards in 10 separate categories.   

John de Vial, ABTA Director and Head of Communications said: “We are delighted to see the hugely successful and important work of the Travel Foundation given proper recognition with this significant award. The Travel Foundation as a charity, innovates and moves sustainability forward, benefiting the whole industry, our customers and the communities we visit. ABTA and ABTA Members have given the Foundation long term support and we will continue to work closely together .This award is richly deserved” 

David Phelan, organiser of the Charity Awards 2010 said: “What the winning charities all have in common is their ability to turn innovation, passion and vision into an effective project or organisation demonstrating considerable impact.  It’s vital that we acknowledge these achievements, which is why I’m delighted The Travel Foundation has won the Animals and the environment award.  It is a fantastic organisation and the award is thoroughly deserved. I congratulate everyone involved.”

The Charity Award judges recognised The Travel Foundation for the invaluable work it does helping the travel industry to understand, manage and take effective action on sustainable tourism helping to protect and enhance the environment and to improve the well-being of communities at the heart of travel destinations.