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