2009 Responsible Tourism Award Nominations Open – New Tour Operator Theme

Win a Safari!

Nominations are now open for the Responsible Tourism Awards 2009 organised by responsibletravel.com and sponsored by Virgin Holidays. The Awards celebrate tourism ventures around the world that make positive contributions to conservation and the economies of local communities.

The Awards are now in their sixth year and are the most prestigious of their kind in the world, with 13 categories receiving a total of over 1,900 nominations in 2008. Last years’ overall winner was New Zealand, other winners included Explore (UK); Kingfisher Bay (Australia); Nkwichi Lodge (Mozambique); Community Action Treks (Nepal); Ecoventura (Equador); Holland America Line (USA); Bycyclen (Denmark); Gamewatchers Safaris (Kenya); Shigar Fort Pakistan; Gambia is Good (the Gambia); Camps International (UK);

This year sees the introduction of an annual theme for the Tour Operator category which focuses on ‘cultural engagement’ of local cultures and communities for 2009.

Justin Francis, founder of the Awards and MD of responsibletravel.com said: "This year will be one of great change for the travel and tourism industry as the global economic situation alters the way we think about our holidays. It is therefore more crucial than ever before that responsible tourism remains high on the agenda and that tourism ventures, destinations and travellers around the world continue to ensure that local communities and environments do not become the forgotten voices."

Virgin Holidays’ Responsible Business Manager, Rachel McCaffery, said: “It’s a privilege to be on board as sponsor of the Responsible Tourism Awards for the third consecutive year. The event goes from strength to strength, and at Virgin Holidays we are committed to recognising those in our industry that lead the way with new initiatives and solutions to our collective responsibility to a more sustainable future.

The acclaim for both winners and nominees is a great way for us all to be inspired and learn from them all"

Added Amanda Wills, Virgin Holidays MD – “I’m looking forward to yet more inspiration from this year’s nominees and winners. We continue to see these awards as an outward statement of our continued commitment to sustainable tourism solutions, as new community projects, research and industry partnerships drive our own efforts and progress behind the scenes at Virgin Holidays.

And, from prolific travel writer Paul Theroux "In the past, awards were given for Best Meal, Best View, Most Grovelling Staff, Biggest Ballroom, or whatever. It’s encouraging that tourism organisations and individuals are being rewarded for doing something that is ethically right or supporting a position that will help the planet. That’s the greatest lesson of travel: it is a very small and easily bruised planet."

Nominations should be made online at ResponsibleTourismAwards.comwww.responsibletourismawards.com and include the name and contact details of the nomination, plus up to 200 words on why they should win a Responsible Tourism Award. The category of entry should also be specified.
Nominations close on: Monday 15th June 2009

Win a safari holiday!

Those individuals who nominate a category winner will be entered into a draw to win a once in a lifetime eight day safari holiday for two to Kenya (including flights) courtesy of Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps – a 2008 Award winner.

Valere Tjolle