(Posted 13th March 2026)
The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA®) has opened
entries for the 2026 ATTA® for Action Awards. Now in their third year, the awards have
evolved from a celebration of good intentions into a respected industry benchmark for
impact-focused work.
As the gap widens between ‘marketing sustainability’ and ‘operational reality,’ these awards
identify the trailblazers who are turning responsible tourism principles into measurable,
scalable business assets.
Important Dates and Entry Information
- Entry Deadline: 17 April 2026
- Awards Ceremony: 22 June 2026 at Experience Africa, London
- Cost: Free to enter
- Limit: Applicants may enter a maximum of two categories.
Nigel Vere-Nicoll, ATTA® Honorary President,emphasised that these awards are designed to separate those saying the right things from those doing the hard work.
“Africa is setting itself apart as a world leader in regenerative tourism, and these awards are the mechanism by which we validate that claim. The awards apply a double check process on scoring with a selected group of judges. We have assembled a judging panel that combines historical industry knowledge with the fresh, uncompromising perspective of young changemakers, Beyond recognition, these awards provide a platform for organisations to position themselves as leaders in the eyes of international buyers actively seeking purpose-led partners. Entering is an opportunity to validate their team’s hard work on a global stage,”
Following a surge in high-calibre entries in 2025, the 2026 programme retains its ten established categories spanning the full spectrum of regenerative travel, from marine conservation and climate innovation to community empowerment and ethical storytelling. This is a deliberate strategic move. By keeping the criteria consistent, ATTA® is establishing a year-on-year yardstick.
Chris Mears, CEO of ATTA Group Events, explained the shift in expectation:
“By keeping our categories consistent, we are challenging the industry to show us progress. We want to see how last year’s emerging ideas have become this year’s business models. An initiative might look good on paper, but we need to question how it actually changes a life, contributes to saving a species, or alters a supply chain. We encourage all organisations to enter, from small eco-lodges to major operators. If you have a blueprint that works, the industry needs to see, model, and celebrate it.”
All information on the award website: https://awards.atta.travel/
Categories at a glance:
- ATTA® Purpose & People Award – Leadership in delivering tangible community benefits while preserving cultural heritage
- ATTA® Earthkeepers Award – Ethical wildlife experiences and conservation models protecting at-risk ecosystems
- ATTA® Eco-Innovation Award – Technologies or practices reducing footprints and addressing climate impacts
- ATTA® Zero Waste Trailblazer Award – Sustainable hospitality food systems: local sourcing, water-saving, waste reduction
- ATTA® Community Upliftment Award – Long-term social value through education, health access, inclusive employment
- ATTA® Marine Impact Award – Safeguarding marine biodiversity through restoration and/or policy advocacy
- ATTA® Collaborative Impact Award – Cross-sector partnerships working toward shared sustainability goals
- ATTA® Traveller Education & Awareness Award – Storytelling or learning that helps visitors adopt responsible behaviours
- ATTA® Media Voice for Action Award – Ethical, accurate storytelling inspiring conscious travel decisions about Africa
- ATTA® Emerging Changemaker Award – Early-stage projects already showing strong potential for transformative impact
