2008 Responsible Tourism Awards
Help support Responsible Tourism in our
2008 Awards!
Join in to help us support and recognise responsible tourism this year with
the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008. We are back for the second
year as headline sponsor of the awards, organised by responsibletravel.com and
in partnership with The Telegraph, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine.
The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche
to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and
benefits destinations and local people. The Awards recognise individuals, companies
and organisations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment
to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive
contribution to biodiversity conservation.
The Responsible Tourism Awards are different from other awards schemes in that
winners are nominated by tourists. One of the founding principles of the Awards
is to always seek out new responsible tourism ventures that deserve to be celebrated
and your nominations are fundamental to this process.
In 2007 we received over 1700 nominations from travellers around the world
and we will be relying on your responsible travel experiences once again to
find the best of the best in 2008.
"Virgin Holidays enters its second year as headline sponsor of the 2008
Responsible Tourism Awards, and we are delighted. Recognising those in our industry
that put sustainability on the agenda and keep it there, mirrors our own position
as a tour operator taking an active role in shaping a sustainable reality for
travel. We see these awards as an outward statement of our continued commitment
to sustainable tourism solutions, as new community projects, research and industry
partnerships drive our own efforts and progress behind the scenes at Virgin
Holidays."
Amanda Wills, Managing Director of Virgin Holidays
How to Nominate
If you know of a deserving individual, organisation or company, nominate them
for the 2008 Responsible Tourism Awards by visiting http://www.responsibletourismawards.com/
where you can find information about the nomination process, the selection criteria
and the judges.
Nominate a winner in our 2008 Awards, and you could win an unforgettable
holiday to India for you and a friend with Real World Adventures
The categories for 2008 are listed below, and include a new award for the ‘Best
responsible cruise operator’.
Best Responsible Tour Operator
A tour operator that acts responsibly towards the environment and local people.
Best Large Accommodation
A hotel, lodge or other accommodation of more than 50 rooms that is run with
the environment and needs of local people in mind.
Best Small Accommodation
A hotel, lodge or other accommodation of fewer than 50 rooms that is run with
the environment and needs of local people in mind.
Best in a Mountain Environment
An organisation related to a mountain environment, such as an eco-friendly
ski resort or a trip that contributes to the welfare of mountain porters.
Best in a Marine Environment
An organisation related to a beach or other marine environment, such as turtle
conservation or a marine eco-tourism trip.
Best Responsible Cruise Operator **New for 2008**
A cruise operator that acts responsibly towards the environment and local people.
Best for low carbon transport or technology
An organisation or initiative that is developing or promoting low carbon transport
or technology.
Best for Conservation of endangered species or protected area
A group or initiative working for the conservation of an endangered species
or a protected area, such as a national park. For example, a wildlife safari
or a rainforest trip that supports environmental efforts and maintains the rights
of indigenous people.
Best for Conservation of Cultural Heritage
A tourism organisation or initiative working to protect and promote cultural
heritage.
Best for poverty reduction
An organisation that acts to reduce poverty among communities.
Best Volunteering Organisation
An organisation offering volunteering opportunities, such as the chance to
work on conservation or social projects.
Best Destination
A resort, village or an entire country that manages tourism well for the long-term
benefit of tourists, conservation and local people.
Best personal contribution
A person who has made an outstanding contribution to responsible tourism.
"If we are really to understand each other better, then we need to be
reminded to travel carefully and thoughtfully, listening to people along the
way and respecting the world we are privileged to travel through. The Responsible
Tourism Awards are one of the most important ways in which we can understand
how to travel better.
Michael Palin, Actor, writer and television presenter