The judges can only select from amongst those that apply – if you know good candidates nominate them, phone or email them, and encourage them to apply. Don’t forget the categories change every year – if the right category is available this year, take the opportunity.
In the World Responsible Tourism Awards we look for…
- Examples of responsible tourism practice which inspire, educate and challenge others to do the same or better.
- Examples which demonstrate what can be done to make tourism better while also benefitting their business.
Why enter the Awards?
We know that applying takes time, but leaders deserve to be recognised. Winning a prestigious award helps you stand out from your competitors, review your efforts, and celebrate your achievements with your staff and customers.
Hear from our previous winners…
Responsible tourism is about making tourism better. Glynn O’Leary of Transfrontier Parks Destinations which won Best Tour Operator last year, explains that entering is a “business decision” not a vanity project. It enables them to benchmark their performance to ensure they are leaders. It enables them to review what they are doing and that it is the correct way. Recognition in the Awards, he says, is “vitally important in their marketing efforts”. It tells people what they stand for and demonstrates what they achieve – it makes, Glynn says, business sense.
Manisha Pande, CEO of Village Ways, won the Best for Poverty Reduction last year – she explains here what winning meant to them.
There are five categories this year…
Best for Managing Success
Overtourism is now being discussed from Antarctica, and Barcelona to New Zealand. The problem is well known – we are looking for examples of places which are managing the problem.
Best for Communicating Responsible Tourism
We are looking for a campaign which has raised awareness of an issue, to change behaviour or a marketing campaign using the aspirations of Responsible Tourism.
Best for Employment Conditions
The industry is often criticised for poor working conditions. We are looking for examples where the terms and conditions of employment are better than average, where there is equality of opportunity for all including those with disabilities.
Best for Local Economic Benefit
We are looking for an organisation displaying best practice in benefiting the local economy and their neighbours through employment and local sourcing.
Best for Wildlife
We are looking for organisations actively involved in or engaging with tourism that can demonstrate success in improving the conservation of species and/or animal welfare in the wild.
__