Palin backs responsible tourism awards
TV globetrotter Michael Palin has given his backing to the Responsible Tourism Awards as the industry looks to reward companies who make a positive contribution to conservation and local communities.
Organised by online agency responsibletravel.com in association with World Travel Market, The Times and Geographical Magazine, the awards feature 12 categories including best marine environment, best for poverty reduction, best innovation and endangered species conservation.
Responsibletravel.com co-founder Justin Francis said it was looking for companies who “think local”.
“We are looking for wonderful holidays run by passionate organisations who increase the ‘trickle down’ of money into local people’s hands by thinking local when buying services and produce,” he said.
Palin, who has visited 80 countries since starting his worldwide journey’s in 1988, said he made a point of hiring local guides and immersing himself in local communities.
“I’ve seen how responsible forms of tourism can give local people and conservation a much-needed helping hand,” he said.
Among the judges will be ABTA chief executive Ian Reynolds, director of the Travel Foundation Sue Hurdle and director for the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Harold Goodwin.
The awards, which attracted 700 entries last year, will be presented on November 16 during World Travel Market.
Nominations should be sent to [email protected].
Report by Steve Jones
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