Responsible travel finalists announced
Leaders in tourism innovation unveiled in World Responsible Tourism Awards 2016 finalists.
Responsible Travel has announced the 13 finalists in the 2016 World Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM London sponsored by Belize, with a focus on innovation reasserting the Awards’ position as the leading scheme for responsible tourism in the world.
Included among a particularly innovative list this year is one of India’s largest hotel chains making the employment of people with disabilities and socially excluded groups a core part of its business model; a tour operator democratising tourism by pioneering the ‘Buy one, Give one’ concept in travel; and a tourism business offering migrant-led city tours to foster greater understanding between locals, tourists and migrant groups.
Said Justin Francis CEO of Responsible Travel:
"This year we have seen levels of innovation that have surpassed our expectations, led by some truly entrepreneurial businesses. These are organisations which are using tourism as a counter to contemporary social problems, or translating ideas from other social businesses into the travel sector – they are pushing the boundaries of what responsible business can achieve".
The winners will be announced on Tuesday 8th November 2016 at a ceremony at World Travel Market London, where over 500 tourism professionals, tourism ministers and media representatives are expected to attend.
The full list of 2016 finalists:
- !Xaus Lodge, South Africa
- Burj Al Arab Aquarium, United Arab Emirates
- Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Resort, South Africa
- East African Safari & Touring Company, Tanzania
- Elevate Destinations, USA
- Friends International – Childsafe Movement, Cambodia
- Lemon Tree Hotels, India
- Misool Eco Resort, Indonesia
- Sam Veasna Centre, Cambodia http://www.samveasna.org/
- Sapa O’Chau, Vietnam
- Tren Ecuador, Ecuador
- Viaggi Solidali, Italy
- World Cetacean Alliance
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