World Responsible Tourism Award 2015 open for nominations

Businesses and organisations operating in the tourism sector from around the world can now be nominated for consideration in the 2015 World Responsible Tourism Awards.

The prestigious awards scheme, now in their 12th year, was co-founded and is organised by Responsible Travel, as part of World Market’s World Responsible Tourism day. The event is set to take place on Wednesday 4 November this year and will celebrate the most inspiring and innovative examples of responsible tourism.

Justin Francis, managing director of Responsible Travel, said, “The principles of responsible tourism can apply to any business, mainstream or niche – it’s what make the awards so exciting.

“We want to play an active role in creating and encouraging a more caring tourism industry and the winners of these awards, big or small, will set examples the rest of the tourism industry can. and should, follow. I’m very excited about being able to discover and share their stories this year.”

A new category this year, Best Innovation for Carbon Reduction, aims to reflect some of the key trends in responsible tourism in light of the UN climate change talks set to take place at the end of the year. Categories introduced in 2014 will also make an appearance, including a section on accessible tourism and animal welfare, the Best Sea or River Cruise category will also return this year.

Chair of judges, Harold Goodwin, professor of responsible tourism at Manchester Metropolitan University and director of the Internal Centre for Responsible Tourism, believes that the cruise industry is important.

He commented, “The cruise industry is one of the largest sectors of the tourism market, but also one of the most irresponsible and progress towards more responsible cruising has generally been slow. One of the primary purposes of the awards is to identify good practice and to challenge and inspire others to follow.

“After the success of the panel on freshwater cruising at World Travel Market in November 2014 where three businesses were able to report in detail on their impressive responsible tourism practices, we are keen to see how far the industry has come and what can be learnt from this year’s awards.”

The awards demonstrate the breadth of the responsible tourism market, with categories focussing on beaches, cultural heritage, cultural engagement and reducing poverty.

To submit a nomination for the 2015 awards click here. Nominations will close on Monday 6 April.

The full list of categories for 2015

Best Animal Welfare Initiative – supported by the Born Free Foundation

Best for Beach Tourism – sponsored by Jersey Tourism

Best Cultural Heritage Attraction – sponsored by Wightlink

Best Destination for Responsible Tourism – sponsored by Visit Norway

Best Accommodation for Disability Access

Best for Engaging People and Culture

Best Hotel for Local Sourcing

Best Innovation for Carbon Reduction

Best for Poverty Reduction

Best Responsible Tourism Blog – sponsored by Fair Trade Tourism

Best Sea or River Cruise

Best for Wildlife Conservation

People’s Choice in Responsible Tourism

Photo: World Travel Market

Further reading:

Responsible tourism 2015: Harold Goodwin

World Responsible Tourism Awards highlight best in industry

Q: Can Certification be counted as Responsible Tourism? A:No.

UN ethical tourism efforts praised

The Guide to Sustainable Tourism 2014