Meet the winners of the Responsible Tourism Awards 2023

The annual WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards celebrate those businesses on the African continent which demonstrably prioritise the wellbeing and sustainability of tourism, while also caring for the people and landscapes that make the industry thrive.

This year’s award winners were announced on 4 April 2023, and are as follows:

Best for Addressing Climate Change:
Gold, Tourism Authority Mauritius
Gold, Weeva

Best for Diversity and Inclusion:
Gold, BirdLife South Africa
Silver, Liveable

Best for Local Sourcing, Craft and Food:
Gold, Ngwenya Glass
Gold, Tourism Authority Mauritius
Silver, Artisans Co Ltd

Best for Meaningful Connections:
Gold, uThando South Africa
Silver, Happy Soul Adventures

Best for Nature-Positive Tourism:
Gold, Wildlife ACT
Silver, BirdLife South Africa
One to watch: Cape Vulture Lodge

Best for Tackling Plastic Waste.
Gold, Lemala Camps & Lodges

Responsible Tourism Awards are free to enter and are awarded in four regions around the globe, with the winner of each going forward to compete in the Global Awards.

Megan Oberholzer, the RX Africa Portfolio Director Travel, Tourism & Marketing, said, “Congratulations to all the winners of the WTM Responsible Tourism Africa Awards. Your passion, commitment, and innovative approach towards tackling sustainability is truly inspiring. WTM is thrilled to recognise and celebrate your efforts towards creating a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and the tourism industry as a whole.

“From eco-friendly accommodations to community-based tourism initiatives, each winner has shown that sustainability is not only achievable but also profitable.”

“It’s remarkable to see how small changes can have such a big impact. From eco-friendly accommodations to community-based tourism initiatives, each winner has shown that sustainability is not only achievable but also profitable. Your success stories are a testament to the fact that responsible tourism is the way forward.

“We wish all the winners the very best at the global awards and hope that your accomplishments will inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Let’s continue to work towards making the tourism industry more responsible and sustainable, one step at a time.”