African Responsible Tourism Awards 2015 longlist announced
Sponsored by Wesgro and organised by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism - South Africa, the awards are part of a family of regional Responsible Tourism Awards which culminate each year with the World Responsible Tourism Awards which are presented at WTM in London on World Responsible Tourism Day.
The longlist names over 50 tourism organisations, initiatives, businesses and projects across seven categories. These categories include wildlife conservation, poverty reduction, resource management and best blog.
The longlisted nominees have been selected from over 120 submissions from all corners of Africa - covering the continent north to south and east to west. The list includes nominees from Morocco, the Gambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa and many more.
"At this stage, the award's judges are working through information submitted by nominees. The quality of the nominations is superb - we've seen the information put forward and are excited about the possibilities," said Heidi van der Watt, founder of the awards and director of the ICRT South Africa.
A shortlist, to be announced on 13 April, will be chosen from the longlist by a judging panel made up of industry experts.
The award winners will be announced at the 2015 African Responsible Tourism Awards on Thursday, 16 April 2015, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town. The awards are part of the responsible tourism programme at WTM Africa, which kicks off with the 11th International Responsible Tourism in Destinations conference on 14 and 15 April, and will have 18 speakers from Europe, India and Africa.
Prof Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel, added, "The African Responsible Tourism Awards matter because they recognise those who have gone the extra mile to create great products and experiences which make better tourism; better for the local community, better for their natural and cultural environment, and better services and experiences for the holidaymakers and guests. There are many inspirational and credible nominees on the longlist - we hope that others will be inspired and motivated to do more themselves."
The award categories and the longlisted businesses are:
Best Blog - supported by Cape Town Tourism
Greenloons
My Slow Journey
The Good Holiday
Best for Beach Tourism - supported by Shark Spotters and BulkSMS.com
ATKV-Hartenbos Beach Resort
Cabana Beach Resort
Chumbe Island Coral Park
GVI Seychelles
Nuarro Lodge
Best Destination for Responsible Tourism - supported by the V&A Waterfront
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary (KAFRED)
City of Cape Town
Gansbaai
Best for engaging people and culture - supported by Gauteng Tourism Authority
!Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
Abang Africa Travel
African Ivory Route : Blouberg Camp
City Sightseeing Johannesburg & Soweto
Coffeebeans Routes
Dorobo Tours & Safaris
Footsteps Eco Lodge
Kasbah Du Toubkal - Discover Ltd
Nkwichi Lodge
Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Newlands
Run Cape Town - Sightseeing on the Run
TFPD Foundation - Baleni Camp
Turtle Bay Beach Club
Uthando South Africa
Best for Poverty Reduction - supported by Marine Dynamics
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in partnership with the Grootbos Foundation
Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED)
Karen Blixen Camp, Masai Mara
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Malealea Lodge
Mdumbi Backpackers
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
Nkuringo Walking Safaris and Gorilla Camp
Stormsriver Adventures
Transfrontier Parks Destinations (TFPD)
Wilderness Safaris - Children in the Wilderness (CITW)
Best for Resource Management - supported by the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa
Bikes 'n Wines
Chobe Game Lodge
Green Mamba Garden
Hotel Verde
Machaba Camp
Magalies Park Resort
Ocean View House
The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel
Sandele Eco-Retreat and Learning Centre
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company
Tzaneen Country Lodge
Umlani Bushcamp
Vineyard Hotel
Wilderness Safaris - Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Best for Wildlife Conservation - supported by South Africa National Parks
African Conservation Experience
All Out Africa
andBeyond & Great Plains Conservation - Rhinos Without Borders
Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse
Global Vision International's South African Wildlife Conservation Project
Marine Dynamics
SAASA
Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness and Rehabilitation Centre