A trail following in the footsteps of revolutionary hero Che Guevara, a luxury eco lodge in The Gambia, a string of former lighthouse cottages, a science park set amongst extinct volcanoes and Trafalgar Square are among the diverse tourism projects shortlisted by The British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) for its 2004 Tourism Awards.

Today the Guild announced the nine attractions - nominated by members for three categories - that will go forward to the finals of the annual award scheme that honours projects for both their tourism potential and benefit to the local community and environment.

Each year the BGTW hosts the awards ceremony on the eve of the global trade tourism event, World Travel Market. This year�s winners will be announced at the Savoy Hotel, London, on Sunday, November 7th.

The 2004 BGTW Tourism Awards shortlist is:

Best UK Tourism Project:

� Trinity House Lighthouse Cottages � more than 30 former lighthouse keepers� houses converted into holiday homes. � Museum in Docklands � Museum tracing the 2,000 year story of the Port of London. � Tyntesfield � a 19th century Somerset property bought by the National Trust in 2002.

Best Overseas Tourism Project:

� Che Guevara Trail, Bolivia � Road trail following the Che legend from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to the villages of Vallegrande and La Higuera. � Bushman Sands, South Africa � Game reserve with wilderness retreat, hotel, cultural village and Gary Player golf course. � Makasutu, The Gambia � Luxury eco lodge and amenities providing work for 200 Gambians.

The Globe Award for the best major tourism project worldwide:

� Trafalgar Square � Renovation scheme with improved access that has seen visitor numbers double. � Vulcania, France � Scientific exploration park situated amongst extinct volcanoes. � Genoa, Italy - European City of Culture 2004.

ends

Note to Editor: Founded in 1960, the British Guild of Travel Writers is an association of over 230 professional writers, editors, photographers, producers, radio and television presenters involved in the world of travel.

More information on individual projects can be found at: � Trinity House Lighthouse Cottages - www.trinityhouse.co.uk and www.ruralretreats.co.uk � Museum in Docklands - www.museumindocklands.org.uk � Tyntesfield - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/tyntesfield/ � Che Guevara Trail � www.carebolivia.org � Bushman Sands � www.rainbowtours.co.uk � Makasutu � www.makasutu.com � Vulcania � www.vulcania.com � Genoa � www.genova-2044.it

For further information contact: Jeannine Williamson Motcombe Media Tel: 01323 641078 or 07710 858493