Fourteen projects were chosen and the winners will be revealed at the event in April
The 14 projects that are finalists in the second edition of the Responsible Tourism Award, promoted by WTM Latin America, have just been selected.
Launched in 2019, with its first edition held virtually last year, the Award aims to discover, recognize and promote examples of good practice in the Latin American region, including initiatives that range from child protection and community benefits to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the use of single-use plastics. “We’re very happy to be able to hold the ceremony in a face-to-face environment and validate efforts for a more conscious tourism in Latin America”, says Thais Del Ben, Marketing and Communication Manager at WTM Latin America. The event will take place from 5 to 7 April, at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo.
The main sponsor of the Award this year is the Mato Grosso do Sul government by way of its State Tourism Foundation, which is also sponsoring the theatre that is dedicated exclusively to the theme. “Mato Grosso do Sul’s support for what is one of the pillars of WTM Latin America 2022 says a lot about how seriously Brazilian destinations are viewing the future of our industry. We’re very happy that Mato Grosso do Sul is supporting us in this initiative”, says Thais. The president of the Mato Grosso do Sul Tourism Foundation, Bruno Wendling, believes that the Responsible Tourism Award is a very important instrument for recognizing sustainable initiatives and practices. “We’re honoured to be able to sponsor this award and have our name linked to this subject. The government of Mato Grosso do Sul has been working towards being the first carbon-neutral state by 2030, and our destinations like Bonito and the Pantanal are already benchmarks for responsible tourism in Brazil”, says Wendling.
A total of 47 projects registered for the second edition of the Responsible Tourism Award. “We’re delighted that, even in challenging times because of the pandemic, so many strong projects related to environmental conservation and the socio-economic development of tourist destinations are underway throughout Latin America”, says Gustavo Pinto, WTM Latin America advisor for responsible tourism and the Award’s coordinator, for whom the registered initiatives demonstrate the collective will to revive the tourism sector in a conscious and responsible way.
In alphabetical order, the finalists are projects developed in Latin America by Accor (France), Associação Movimento Mecenas da Vida (Brazil), Braziliando (Brazil), Diaspora.Black (Brazil), Eposak Foundation In (United States), Government of the State of Tamaulipas (Mexico), GreenInitiative (Peru), Hotel Belmar (Costa Rica), Iberostar Group (Spain), Il Viaggio Travel (Costa Rica), Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible (Costa Rica), Smartrip (Chile), Tui Care Foundation (Holland) and Wilderness Patagonia (Argentina).
Finalists are competing in six categories: The decarbonization of the travel and tourism sector; Supporting employees and communities during the pandemic; Destinations that support a more sustainable, post-COVID reconstruction; Increasing diversity in tourism: How inclusive is our industry?; Reducing plastic waste in the environment.
Registration for WTM Latin America 2022 is already open, and entry will be by prior registration only and presentation of proof of full vaccination. All health protocols have been adopted and are available on the site.
About World Travel Market
The World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises the main travel events, online portals and virtual platforms of four continents, and generates more than US$ 7.5 billion in business for the industry.
About WTM Latin America
WTM Latin America takes place annually in São Paulo and attracts around 19,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The fair offers qualified content, as well as networking and business opportunities. In its ninth edition – the first fully virtual event was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America has continued to focus on effective business generation and has reached the mark of 4,200 meetings held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors.
For further information – WTM Latin America
Marcia Leite (11) 9-4334 3017
Fran Xavier (41) 9-9188 9576