These awards highlight and promote the very best practices in sustainability and responsibility in the industry
WTM Africa 2023 honoured the champions of Responsible Tourism on the African continent, the winners of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2023, at an event held during the meet in Cape Town.
According to a press statement issued by WTM Africa, these annual awards highlight and promote the very best practices in sustainability and responsibility in the tourism industry. The aim is to promote good practice and showcase pioneering projects that focus on the wellbeing and sustainability of tourism, while also caring for the people and landscapes that make the industry thrive.
The winners of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2023 are:
Best for Addressing Climate Change:
Gold, Tourism Authority Mauritius
Gold, Weeva
Best for Diversity and Inclusion:
Gold, BirdLife South Africa
Silver, Liveable
Best for Local Sourcing, Craft and Food:
Gold, Ngwenya Glass
Gold, Tourism Authority Mauritius
Silver, Artisans Co Ltd
Best for Meaningful Connections:
Gold, uThando South Africa
Silver, Happy Soul Adventures
Best for Nature-Positive Tourism:
Gold, Wildlife ACT
Silver, BirdLife South Africa
One to watch: Cape Vulture Lodge
Best for Tackling Plastic Waste
Gold, Lemala Camps & Lodges
The statement adds that the winners of 2023 Responsible Tourism Awards will go on to compete in the Global Awards to be decided at the flagship event during WTM London in November.
Megan Oberholzer
“Congratulations to all the winners of the WTM Responsible Tourism Africa Awards. Your passion, commitment, and innovative approach towards tackling sustainability is truly inspiring. WTM is thrilled to recognise and celebrate your efforts towards creating a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and the tourism industry as a whole,’’ says Megan Oberholzer RX Africa Portfolio Director Travel, Tourism & Marketing.
“It is remarkable to see how small changes can have such a big impact. From eco-friendly accommodations to community-based tourism initiatives, each winner has shown that sustainability is not only achievable but also profitable. Your success stories are a testament to the fact that responsible tourism is the way forward,’’ Oberholzer adds.
“We wish all the winners the very best at the global awards and hope that your accomplishments will inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Let’s continue to work towards making the tourism industry more responsible and sustainable, one step at a time,’’ she says.
