What Is World Responsible Tourism Award?

By Alice Nichols

World Responsible Tourism Award: Recognizing Sustainable Tourism Practices

In today’s world, sustainable tourism has become a significant concern for travelers as well as the tourism industry. The World Responsible Tourism Awards, established by Responsible Travel in 2004, is an initiative that aims to recognize and celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations who are making a difference in responsible tourism.

What is Responsible Tourism?

Responsible tourism refers to the approach of traveling sustainably, which involves respecting the local culture, environment, and economy. It also means minimizing the negative impact of tourism on local communities while maximizing its benefits. Responsible travelers strive to interact with locals respectfully and contribute positively to the places they visit.

How Does World Responsible Tourism Awards Work?

The World Responsible Tourism Awards are open to all individuals, organizations, and businesses operating in the travel and tourism industry worldwide. The awards cover various categories such as accommodation providers, tour operators, destinations, cultural attractions, wildlife experiences, and transportation companies.

The awards have a rigorous judging process that assesses each applicant’s sustainability practices based on several criteria. These include environmental sustainability, social responsibility, economic impact on local communities, innovation in responsible tourism practices, and potential for change.

Why Are These Awards Important?

The World Responsible Tourism Awards play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism practices globally. They provide a platform for inspiring examples of responsible travel initiatives that can be replicated by others in the industry.

Moreover, winning these awards can significantly benefit businesses by enhancing their reputation as sustainable travel providers. This recognition can attract more customers who prioritize responsible travel practices when choosing their holiday destinations.

Past Winners

Over the years, several remarkable initiatives have won these awards for their exceptional contributions to sustainable tourism. Some notable examples include:

  • Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: A South African eco-resort that has won several awards for its sustainable tourism practices, including the World Responsible Tourism Award for Best Destination in 2019.
  • Village Ways: A UK-based tour operator that offers community-based tourism experiences in India and Nepal. It won the Best for Poverty Reduction award in 2015.
  • Intrepid Travel: An Australian tour operator that specializes in sustainable travel experiences worldwide. It won the Best Large Tour Operator award in 2018.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable tourism is no longer an option but a necessity. The World Responsible Tourism Awards are a testament to this growing trend and provide a platform for recognizing and promoting responsible travel practices worldwide. As travelers, we can play our part by choosing to support businesses that prioritize sustainability and contribute positively to local communities.