A community of tourism businesses, working together to make better places to live in and great places to visit was announced Overall Winners this at the African Responsible Tourism Awards 2015 in Cape Town, sponsored by Wesgro. In a special ceremony at World Travel Market Africa, Gansbaai took the coveted position of Overall Winner from of a selection of 22 finalists gathered from around Africa.
A community of tourism businesses, working together to make better places to live in and great places to visit was announced Overall Winners at the African Responsible Tourism Awards 2015 in Cape Town, sponsored by Wesgro.
In a special ceremony at World Travel Market Africa, Gansbaai took the coveted position of Overall Winner from of a selection of 22 finalists gathered from around Africa.
“It is exciting to bring the Word Responsible Tourism Awards family of the Awards to Cape Town & Africa” says Harold Goodwin, Chair of the Judging Panel. “There are many world class winners being announced today. Since 2004 African businesses from 14 countries have won awards, 20% of the Awards winners have been from Africa, 20% of all of those awarded.“
Speaking before a packed audience of over 100 tourism professionals, media, ministers and officials, Heidi van der Watt, managing director of Better Tourism Africa pinpointed what makes the Award winners the leaders in responsible tourism in Africa, “Our winners have a vision that extends beyond the commercial – linking business success with the wellbeing of local communities and the longevity of their environments. They want to make profits with principles, communicate balance sheets alongside beliefs, and won’t undermine passion in the pursuit of professionalism. They are resilient, determined, humanising advocates for their destinations. They are the future of tourism in Africa.”
The Awards were sponsored by Wesgro, Tim Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Wesgro, who handed out the Awards, said, “As the proud headline sponsor of the inaugural African Responsible Tourism Awards, Wesgro is delighted to pay tribute to this year’s inspirational winners. As the official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, we continue to show our commitment to responsible tourism development both in our province and on the African continent. We are pleased to recognise the vision of the Award winners for providing leadership in their respective sectors throughout Africa, and effectively contributing to growing tourism in a sustainable manner.”
A community of tourism businesses, working together to make better places to live in and great places to visit was announced Overall Winners this at the African Responsible Tourism Awards 2015 in Cape Town, sponsored by Wesgro.
In a special ceremony at World Travel Market Africa, Gansbaai took the coveted position of Overall Winner from of a selection of 22 finalists gathered from around Africa.
“It is exciting to bring the Word Responsible Tourism Awards family of the Awards to Cape Town & Africa” says Harold Goodwin, Chair of the Judging Panel. “There are many world class winners being announced today. Since 2004 African businesses from 14 countries have won awards, 20% of the Awards winners have been from Africa, 20% of all of those awarded.“
Speaking before a packed audience of over 100 tourism professionals, media, ministers and officials, Heidi van der Watt, managing director of Better Tourism Africa pinpointed what makes the Award winners the leaders in responsible tourism in Africa, “Our winners have a vision that extends beyond the commercial – linking business success with the wellbeing of local communities and the longevity of their environments. They want to make profits with principles, communicate balance sheets alongside beliefs, and won’t undermine passion in the pursuit of professionalism. They are resilient, determined, humanising advocates for their destinations. They are the future of tourism in Africa.”
1. Overall Winner – sponsored by Wesgro
Gansbaai
2. Best for Beach Tourism – supported by BulkSMS and Shark Spotters
Gold Winner: Chumbe Island Coral Park
Silver Winner: Nuarro Lodge
3. Best Blog for Responsible Tourism – sponsored by Cape Town Tourism
Gold Winner: The Good Holiday
Silver winner: My Slow Journey
4. Best Destination for Responsible Tourism, sponsored by the V&A Waterfront
Gold Winner: Gansbaai
Silver Winners: Bigodo Wetlands Sanctuary, Cape Town
5. Best for engaging people and cultures, sponsored by Gauteng Tourism Authority
Gold Winner: Coffeebeans Routes, Cape Town, South Africa
Silver Winners:
- Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
- Nkwichi Lodge
- TFPD Foundation, for the work done at Baleni Camp
6. Best for Poverty Reduction, sponsored by Marine Dynamics
Joint Gold Winner: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in partnership with the Grootbos Foundation
Transfrontier Parks Destinations
Silver Winner: Stormsriver Adventures
7. Best for resource management, supported by the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa
Gold Winner: Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana
Silver Winners:
- Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
- Sandele Eco-Retreat and Learning Centre
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company
- Vineyard Hotel
8. Best for Wildlife Conservation, sponsored by South African National Parks
Gold Winner: Marine Dynamics, South Africa
Silver Winner:
- andBeyond’s Rhinos Without Borders
- Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
