Virgin Holidays and responsibletravel.com launch Responsible Tourism Awards 2009

Nominations are now open for the Responsible Tourism Awards 2009, organized by responsibletravel.com and sponsored by Virgin Holidays. The Awards celebrate tourism ventures around the world that make positive contributions to conservation and the economies of local communities.

Nominations are now open for the Responsible Tourism Awards 2009, organized by responsibletravel.com and sponsored by Virgin Holidays. The Awards celebrate tourism ventures around the world that make positive contributions to conservation and the economies of local communities.

Now in their sixth year in a row, the awards are the most prestigious of their kind in the world, with 13 categories receiving a total of over 1,900 nominations in 2008. Partners include The Telegraph Media Group, Geographical Magazine (the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society), BBC World News and World Travel Market.

“In the past, awards were given for Best Meal, Best View, Most Grovelling Staff, Biggest Ballroom, or whatever. It’s encouraging that tourism organisations and individuals are being rewarded for doing something that is ethically right or supporting a position that will help the planet, ” says Paul Theroux, travel writer. “That’s the greatest lesson of travel: it is a very small and easily bruised planet.”

This year sees the introduction of an annual theme for the Tour Operator category which focuses on ‘cultural engagement’ of local cultures and communities for 2009.

“This year will be one of great change for the travel and tourism industry as the global economic situation alters the way we think about our holidays,” said Justin Francis, founder of the Awards and MD of responsibletravel.com. “It is therefore more crucial than ever before that responsible tourism remains high on the agenda and that tourism ventures, destinations and travellers around the world continue to ensure that local communities and environments do not become the forgotten voices. We urge the travelling public to join us in uncovering and nominating those passionate innovators who are leading the way in responsible tourism.”

Nominate your Choice, win a Safari
Nominations should be made online at www.responsibletourismawards.com. Nominations close on Monday, June 15th, 2009.

Individuals who nominate a category winner will be entered into a draw to win a once in a lifetime eight day safari for two to Kenya (including flights) courtesy of Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps – a 2008 Award winner. Full details can be found on www.responsibletourismawards.com.

Responsible Tourism Award categories
For full details of the criteria for each category visit www.responsibletourismawards.com/categories.html:

1. Best tour operator for cultural engagement – sponsored by Tourism Western Australia *New title and criteria*
2. Best large hotel / accommodation – sponsored by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
3. Best small hotel / accommodation – sponsored by Discover Dominica Tourism Authority
4. Best in a mountain environment – sponsored by World Expeditions
5. Best in a marine environment – sponsored by Tourism Fiji
6. Best cruise or ferry operator
7. Best low carbon transport & technology
8. Best for conservation of wildlife & habitats – sponsored by South Australian Tourism Commission – *New title and criteria*
9. Best for conservation of cultural heritage – sponsored by Jamaica Tourist Board
10. Best for poverty reduction – sponsored by PromPeru
11. Best volunteering organisation – sponsored by Kenya Tourist Board
12. Best destination – sponsored by Conservation International
13. Best personal contribution – sponsored by Tourism Ireland

For more information, visit http://www.responsibletourismawards.com.

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awards, Conservation International, destinations, responsibletravel.com, Virgin Holidays