The 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards saw Africa securing an impressive five wins out of eight award categories. This achievement highlights the continent’s growing influence and commitment to sustainable travel practices.
Harold Goodwin, Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, announced the winners while spotlighting each of their achievements.
The eight winners are:
- Lemala – Best for Tackling Plastic Waste – Tanzania
- Ngwenya Glass – Best for Local Sourcing Craft and Food – Eswatini
- Rede Batuc – Best for Diversity and Inclusion – Brazil
- RT Mission Kerala, Best for Local Sourcing Craft and Food – India
- Soar Excursions, Best for Meaningful Connections – India
- Uthando – Best for Meaningful Connections – South Africa
- Weeva – Best for Addressing Climate Change – Global, out of Africa
- Wildlife Act – Best for Nature-Based Tourism – South Africa
In terms of how the winners were chosen, Harold explains, “We set very specific award categories and always ask for hard evidence of why that applicant feels they deserve to win. We also make sure that judging is done by people who have a strong knowledge of sustainability in that area. We believe this process shines a light on really exceptional examples of responsible tourism around the world.”
“We set very specific award categories and always ask for hard evidence of why that applicant feels they deserve to win.”
You can find out more about why the judges picked the African winners here: Africa Awards 2023 – Responsible Tourism Partnership.
Setting our sights on 2024
The Global Responsible Tourism Awards puts the judges under pressure to choose an overall winner in each award category, from a pool of exceptional Regional World Responsible Tourism Awards finalists.
Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing, says, “Congratulations to all the winners on their well-deserved success. Your relentless passion and commitment to driving sustainability in tourism is truly inspiring.
“Considering the rigorous judging criteria, we are especially excited to acknowledge and celebrate our regional finalists, who secured first place in five out of the eight categories.”
She adds, “The WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards not only showcase the best of the best in responsible tourism, but sets the compass for our global industry in creating sustainable travel and holiday experiences.”
“Considering the rigorous judging criteria, we are especially excited to acknowledge and celebrate our regional finalists, who secured first place in five out of the eight categories.”
Africa Travel Week has opened up applications for the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024 and is aiming to build on the continent’s strong performance and leadership in responsible tourism. To enter or for more information, visit Responsible Tourism Awards (wtm.com).
“As we turn the corner to the new year, we’re calling all sustainability champions and changemakers to help carry the flame for responsible tourism and represent Africa on the global stage,” concludes Megan.
Cover image by Rawpixel.
