H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum receives Marriott International's annual Tourism Leadership Award

The Award was presented by Ed Fuller, president of managing director of international lodging for Marriott International.

Marriott International established this Award in 1997 to recognize the noteworthy achievements of nations, organizations and individuals that result in the enhancement and encouragement of world tourism through sustainable initiatives such as cultural, historical or environmental preservation.

"As a global hotel company, we rely on sustainable tourism to help drive consumer interest in local, regional and international travel. Among the hottest travel trends today are authenticity of the travel experience and sensitivity to the impact of travel on the environment," Mr. Fuller said.

In presenting the Award to Sheikh Ahmed, Mr. Fuller said, "Your enlightened leadership of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and, more recently, your commitment on behalf of Emirates Airlines to the preservation of the Wolgan Valley of the Blue Mountains in Australia are especially compelling.

"All too often growth equates with progress with little regard being given to providing a balance between what was the past and rapid urbanization," Mr. Fuller said. "As Dubai hurtles beyond the dreams of the 21st century, your vision and leadership of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve ensures that desert life including indigenous species are being preserved so that generations to come can experience the heritage of the desert."

Mr. Fuller also noted that the Reserve conducts best practice programs on how modern-day tourism can co-exist with environmentally sympathetic development so that others can learn and apply these practices to their enterprises. He said that in Australia, Emirates Airlines, under Sheikh Ahmed's guidance, is helping to turn the Wolgan Valley from a distressed rural farming site into a sanctuary for wildlife and a showcase for nature-based tourism.

"It is this vision that will help propel global tourism in the years ahead," Mr. Fuller concluded. "In a time when tourism increasingly is dependent on a destination being unique and authentic, your commitment to and support of sustainable tourism are to be emulated and celebrated. By your example, you are proving that with sympathetic care and concern, the future and the past can co-exist in nature."