World Responsible Tourism Awards nomination deadline extended

The deadline to submit nominations for consideration to the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2015 has been extended to 20 April.

The prestigious awards celebrate the most inspiring and innovative examples of responsible tourism, with categories ranging from best for engaging people and culture to best for innovation in carbon reduction.

Winner in the best for wildlife conservation category in 2014 Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours explains that government and not-for-profit organisations are now more inclined to engage with the organisation now that it has been internationally recognised. Since winning the award the company has seen a 17% increase in sales in the first three months of 2015.

Justin Francis, managing director of Responsible Travel, which co-founded the awards, has previously commented, “The principles of responsible tourism can apply to any business, mainstream or niche – it’s what makes 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.”

To submit a nomination in one of the categories click here to select a category and download a submission form. The form must be returned by April 20.

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: Makio Kusahara via Freeimages

Further reading:

World Responsible Tourism Award 2015 open for nominations

Responsible tourism 2015: Harold Goodwin

World Responsible Tourism Awards highlight best in industry

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

The Guide to Sustainable Tourism 2014