Says Harold Goodwin, Chair of the Judging Panel. “All of those longlisted should be recognised as having made a significant contribution and be proud of what they have achieved. As in the World Responsible Tourism Awards the judges looked for winners who might educate and inspire others, for examples of businesses and organisations which are realising the ambition of Responsible Tourism to use tourism to make better places for people to live in; great places to live are great places to visit."
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.”
Tim Harris, chief executive officer of awards sponsor Wesgro said: "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. Today, we celebrate their commitment and achievements.”
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy, a conservancy that brings together community and wildlife conservation to make better places to live in and great places to visit was announced as the Overall Winner.
Judges’ reasons for winning: “Prior to setting up Naboisho Conservancy, four years of consultation with the 554 landowners lead to 94% of them signing over their land to a holding company with their own appointed directors who have in turn entered into a management agreement with Naboisho Conservancy. The community gets direct and tangible benefits from wildlife conservation; no other activity provides as much income to as many people as Naboisho Conservancy.
With these direct benefits there is less need for the community to rely on other destructive practices such as intensive farming and over grazing by too many cattle. This in turn furthers the cycle for a sustainable future for community driven wildlife conservation. Naboisho Conservancy pioneered controlled livestock grazing and holistic rangeland management. The co-existence between wildlife and cattle, where the interests of wildlife and traditional Maasai livestock practices are mutually respected and genuinely integrated. The term ‘Naboisho’ literally means "coming together" in the Maasai's Maa language and this is exactly what Naboisho Conservancy represents.”
Gold Winner: Nkwichi Lodge
Gold Winner (Innovation): Shark Spotters
Silver Winner: Baobab Beach Resort
Gold Winner: Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve
Silver Winners:
Silver Winners:
“The judges’ decision not to award a Gold in this category reveals that much work still needs to be done in the tourism sector."
Gold Winner: !Xaus Lodge
Silver Winners:
• Sani Lodge Backpackers and Drakensberg Adventures
Gold Winner: Spier
Silver Winners:
Gold Winner: Great Plains Conservation
Gold winner: National Department of Tourism, South Africa
Silver winners:
• Ministry of Tourism, Morocco
Joint Gold Winners
Silver Winner: Conservation Travel Foundation
Winner: Marine Dynamics
