(Posted 07th November 2023)
? Gold finalists in Africa’s Regional Responsible Tourism Awards win five out of eight
categories in 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards
? Official winners from Africa include Lemala, Ngwenya Glass, Uthando, Weeva, &
Wildlife Act
? Entries now open for the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards 2024
Africa has made a significant impact at the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards, securing wins in five out of eight categories.
This achievementhighlights the continent’s growing influence and commitment to sustainable travel practices.
Harold Goodwin, Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, revealed the
winners, spotlighting the achievements of Lemala, Ngwenya Glass, Uthando, Weeva, and
Wildlife Act from the continent.
“We set very specific award categories and always ask for hard evidence of why that applicant feels they deserve to win,” explains Goodwin. “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.”
The awards drew a competitive field of gold finalists from regions including Africa, India, and
Latin America, all of whom had previously triumphed in the Regional World Responsible
Tourism Awards.
The African organizations recognized in the 2023 awards 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
“Congratulations to all the winners on their well-deserved success. Your relentless passion and commitment to driving sustainability in tourism is truly inspiring,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing.
“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. 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,” De Jager added.
In light of these achievements, Africa Travel Week is now inviting applications for the WTM
Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024, seeking to build on the continent’s strong
performance and leadership in responsible tourism.
“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,” she concluded.
Entries are now open for the 2024 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards. For more
information, click here
