SHORTLIST NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE ECO WARRIOR AWARDS 2019
(Posted 23rd September 2019)
Tourism, Jobs and the Green Economy – A Better Future for All
Ecotourism Kenya has earlier today released the short list of finalists for the 14th edition of the Eco Warrior Award that recognizes innovation and leadership in responsible tourism.
The finalists consist of Kenyan tourism operators, accommodation facilities, community tourism enterprises, conservancies and individuals with initiatives that demonstrate a linkage and commitment to responsible tourism and that promotes the transition to a green economy.
Ecotourism Kenya members have been at the forefront of promoting a green economy through initiatives as energy efficiency, water efficiency and waste management including PET plastic bottles. This year, the Eco Warrior Award theme and dates coincide with the UNWTO World Tourism Day 2019 celebrationsto be held on 27th September in New Delhi, India.
Winners in the 6 categories will be announced on Thursday 26th September 2019 in a red carpet Gala Dinner hosted by Ecotourism Kenya and partners at the new-look Nairobi Serena Hotel.
The Gala Dinner will be held on the eve of the World Tourism Day and will be graced by Hon. Najib Balala EGH Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife who will give the key note address.
Those who have made it to the short list include:
- 2019 Tourism and Green Jobs Eco Warrior – Sponsored by Kenya Utalii College – KUC
- Sweet Waters Serena Camp
- Mugie Conservancy
- Peak East Africa
- Ekorian Mugie Camp
- 2019 Social Impact Eco Warrior – Sponsored by Kenya Wildlife Trust – KWT
- Amboseli Serena Lodge
- Basecamp Explorer Kenya
- Gamewatchers Porini
- Lake Elementeita Serena Camp
- Ngare Ndare Forest Trust
- Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge
- 2019 Sustainable Tourism Change Makers – Sponsored by African Fund for Endangered Wildlife – AFEW Kenya
- Rahmina Oyugi
- Peter Liech
- David Marenya
- Minaz Manji
- Irene Muchuma
4. 2019 Green Tourism Champion in the Resource Use Efficiency – Sponsored by Kenya Tourism Board – KTB
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
- Kicheche Mara Camp
- Escapades – Kilima Camp
- Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
5. 2019 Green Tourism Champion in Tour Operations – Sponsored by Kenya Association of Tour Operators – KATO)
- Twiga Tours and Travel
- Sunworld Safaris
- Let’s Go Travel – Uniglobe
- Gamewatchers Safaris Ltd
6. 2019 Green Tourism Champion in Minimization of Single Use Plastic – Sponsored by Tourism Fund – TF)
- Angama Mara
- Kichwa Tembo
- Mara Bush Camp
- Safari Collection
The Eco Warrior Award has recognized efforts, innovations and exceptional achievements for promoting responsible tourism for the past 13 years.
The emphasis is on enhancing tourism sustainability which directly conserves the natural environment linked to local communities (either credible individuals or groups) through mutually beneficial and equitable partnerships.
Therefore, the award aims to celebrate ecotourism best practices in different tourism sectors and tourism set ups in Kenya. Eco Warrior Award truly recognizes these unsung heroes and heroines for their effort to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in Kenya. The unique characteristic of ecotourism is its cardinal principle of linking tourism to nature conservation and community development, especially for local people who have conserved the environment since time immemorial through their traditional customs and cultural practices.
For updates on the 2019 Eco Warrior Award visit https://ecotourismkenya.org/ecowarrioraward/
