‘ISOITOK CAMP MANYARA’ DOES AFRICA PROUD BY CAPTURING THE UNWTO AWARD
(Posted 31st January 2015)
Isoitok Camp Manyara
As one of only two African finalists in the 2015 edition of the UNWTO’s Ulysses Innovation Awards, which were announced at FITUR in Madrid earlier in the week, did Tanzania’s Isoitok Camp take the trophy of ‘Innovation in Enterprises’ home. The success cannot be underestimated as the global publicity which goes with it, for the camp itself, for the location – the Lake Manyara National Park – and the country will go a long way in helping to promote Tanzania as a quality safari destination.
This is the 11th time UNWTO has awarded innovation and entrepreneurial spirit and Secretary General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, said on the occasion: ‘If innovation is the spark, then knowledge is the fuel that drives tourism. The finalists honoured tonight are outstanding examples of forward-thinking initiatives in sustainability, social inclusion and technology in the tourism sector, and are as such key contributors in turning tourism into a force for good across the globe, a goal we must all be deeply committed to’.
The UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism are the organization’s flagship awards for the global tourism industry, recognizing knowledge creation, dissemination and innovative solutions.
Says the camp about itself on their website: ‘Set in a rich wild savannah bush location with an altitude of 1075 metres above sea level. It backs onto the Losimingorti mountain range acting as a natural wildlife corridor from the Ngorongoro highlands through to Manyara conservancy and on into Tarangire National Park. Isoitok Camp Manyara offers a little more than just a place to put your head after a busy day of game drives and we do urge you to slow down as to fully appreciate the essence and importance of time relaxing and soaking in the African bush and her sounds with a few nights under canvas with us at Isoitok Camp Manyara. Time is completely on your side to forget work and recharge your internal batteries so you can actually leave Tanzania not needing another holiday once you get home. Isoitok Camp Manyara started back in 2007 and after a few name changes here and there, a makeover that begun early in 2012 has changed the profile, size and operation of this beautiful bush location into an intimate private camp for those who allow a day or two to enjoy and experience a little piece of Africa as you had always imagined and dreamed it to be. We do not offer 5 star services or an endless swimming pool but we do offer a grass root cultural experience and a true look behind the scenes into Maasai culture’.
The company’s directors Ingrid Vaes and Chris Pillay will no doubt be thrilled with their success but more even that their work in the field of sustainable tourism with close links to the communities living nearby has been recognized and has caught the eye of the global tourism powers that be. Congratulations to the entire camp staff are no doubt in order!
