Cape Town, South Africa– The winners of the World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) Responsible Tourism Awards were unveiled at a ceremony during Africa Travel Week 2024. The prestigious awards recognize businesses and initiatives championing sustainable practices across the continent’s tourism sector.
Bangu Masisi, representing Transfrontier Parks Destinations, announced the honorees, highlighting their significant contributions. Alderman James Vos, who opened the ceremony, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role sustainable business practices play in tourism’s future.
This year’s awards featured six categories, with gold and silver recipients receiving trophies crafted by Ngwenya Glass. Notably, five out of eight global Responsible Tourism Award winners in 2023 hailed from Africa, solidifying the continent’s leadership in sustainable tourism.
Award Winners Promote Positive Change
The award ceremony not only celebrated established leaders but also recognized emerging players. Harold Goodwin, WTM Africa’s responsible tourism advisor and a judge, commended the “ones to watch” category, acknowledging the potential of innovative new ideas.
Nature Positive Leaders
- Gold: Denis Private Island (Seychelles) – Recognized for its holistic approach to sustainability, prioritizing restoration and conservation of the island’s unique ecosystem.
- Silver: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre (South Africa) – Celebrated for preserving San culture and traditions.
- Ones to Watch: HBD Príncipe (São Tomé and Príncipe) and Plett Ocean (South Africa) – Showcasing promising new initiatives in sustainable tourism.
Empowering Local Communities
- Gold: Grootbos Lodge & the Green Futures College (South Africa) – The Grootbos Foundation’s commitment to uplifting local communities through training, entrepreneurship support, and environmental conservation efforts was recognized.
- Silver: Save Wildlife (Uganda) – Applauded for their wildlife conservation efforts.
- Ones to Watch: Matoke Tours (Uganda) and HBD Príncipe (São Tomé and Príncipe) – Emerging leaders in community-driven tourism.
Making Travel Inclusive
- Gold: Warrior on Wheels Foundation (South Africa) – Won for its transformative work providing inclusive sporting and adventure experiences for children with disabilities.
Boosting Local Economies
- Gold: Okavango Gin (Botswana) – This socially responsible gin company impressed the judges with its use of local ingredients, off-grid distilling, and commitment to supporting the local economy.
- Silver: Muhabura Cultural Experience and Craft Centre (Uganda) – Recognized for promoting cultural heritage and supporting local artisans.
Combating Climate Change
- Gold: Ecodrop (Zimbabwe) – Awarded for its innovative solution to eliminate single-use plastic bottles in tourism, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
- Silver: Century City Conference Centre (South Africa) – A leader in implementing eco-friendly practices within the conference industry.
- Ones to Watch: Sunsail and The Moorings – Showcasing promising practices in sustainable yachting.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
- Gold: Trip to Help (Kenya & Tanzania) – This travel agency’s dedication to ethical and sustainable tourism practices earned them top honors.
- Silver: Traditional African Homestays (South Africa) – Recognized for offering authentic cultural experiences to travelers.
- Ones to Watch: Come Make We Go (Nigeria) and Cultural Oneness Festival (Ghana) – Showcasing innovative ways to promote cultural understanding in tourism.
Gold winners from the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards automatically advance to the prestigious Sabre Global Responsible Tourism Awards. This recognition highlights Africa’s dedication to leading the way in sustainable tourism practices.