Africa Travel Week (ATW) is encouraging responsible tourism businesses to apply for the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards 2022 by the 28th of February. The WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards was established in 2004 to recognise the best of the best in responsible tourism, and to serve as a compass for the worldwide industry to take responsibility for developing sustainable travel and vacation experiences.
Martin Hiller, Content + Creative Director: Travel, Tourism & Creative Industries at RX Exhibitions. mentioned that “…with just a few weeks to go, we are urging all those responsible tourism rockstars to get their entries in as soon as possible,” says
“Considering the challenges our industry has experienced, we want to celebrate those who continue to make a positive impact and lead by example. Sustainability champions, changemakers, movers and shakers – this one’s for you!
The 2022 Awards, which are open to the public, are divided into four regions: Africa, India, Latin America, and the rest of the world. The regional winners will participate in the Global Awards, which will be held at WTM London from November 7-9 this year.
The following ten categories are open to registrants:
Decarbonising Travel & Tourism
Sustaining Employees and Communities through the Pandemic
Destinations Building Back Better Post-COVID
Increasing Diversity in Tourism: How inclusive is our industry?
Reducing Plastic Waste in the Environment
Growing the Local Economic Benefit
Access for the Differently-Abled as Travellers, Employees and Holidaymakers
Increasing Tourism’s Contribution to Natural Heritage and Biodiversity
Conserving Water and Improving Water Security and Supply for Neighbours
Contributing to Cultural Heritage
Taking part in this prestigious initiative as a winner, or even a finalist, offers more than just bragging rights and boosting team morale.” “The experience combines increased PR and press opportunities with the opportunity to network with industry leaders from around the world to help build your reputation.”
This year’s ATW Responsible Tourism format is as follows:
11 April: Responsible Tourism Awards presented live on the Global Stage
12 April: Responsible Tourism Conference live at the custom-built INSPIRE conference
13 April: Workshop discussion based on the 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism
Hiller affirmed that this year’s programme will not disappoint. He addded that their team has been working tirelessly to ensure that participants and attendees have an unforgettable experience. The live event will touch on a variety of interesting themes, including inclusive travel, decarbonization, biodiversity, and local economic benefit. Harold Goodwin, WTM’s Responsible Tourism Advisor and co-author of the declaration that will serve as the foundation for the interactive discussions, will lead the in-person workshop.
He advised that people should not miss their chance to shine a light on Africa as a continent that truly cares about its people, places, and the well-being of our planet. Pay it forward by nominating someone you know on the WTM global hub before the deadline if this sounds like an opportunity for them.
Entries can still be submitted for Africa (until 28 Feb 2022), India (until 30 Jun 2022) and the Rest of the World (until 31 Aug 2022).
