At a ceremony to mark World Responsible Tourism Day during the 2009 World Travel Market, Reed Exhibitions’ global event for the travel industry, organisations were recognised for their significant contribution to sustainable tourism.

Whale Watch Kaikoura, from Australia’s Gold Coast, was named overall winner for providing responsible whale watching tours with minimal impacts. The enterprise, founded by four Maori families, was also recognised for its contribution to supporting the local Maori community as profits have been used to buy back ancestral land for the benefit of indigenous peoples.

An additional 13 awards were presented in a range of categories encompassing Best for poverty reduction, Best volunteering organisation, Best personal contribution and Best large hotel/accommodation.

Justin Francis, founder of the awards and managing director of responsibletravel.com, said:

“I have been particularly impressed to see that despite this year’s recession, organisations continue to come up with innovative ideas around responsible tourism that ensure local communities and environments benefit from tourism as much as possible. The money may have dried out a little in the past year but the passion, ingenuity and creativity certainly hasn’t."

Launched in 2004, the Awards, sponsored by Virgin Holidays, are run in association with World Travel Market, The Daily Telegraph and Geographical Magazine.


Overall Winner: Whale Watch Kaikoura, New Zealand

Best tour operator for cultural engagement: Village Ways, India

Best large hotel/accommodation: YHA Wellington City, New Zealand

Best small hotel/accommodation: Rivertime Resort and Ecolodge, Laos

Best low carbon transport & technology: Alcatraz Cruises, US

Best in a mountain environment: Upland Escapes, UK

Best in a marine environment: Whale Watch Kaikoura, New Zealand

Best cruise or ferry operator: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, US

Best for poverty reduction: Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique

Best for conservation of wildlife & habitats: Great Plains Conservation, South Africa

Best for conservation of cultural heritage: Selena Travel LLC, Mongolia

Best volunteering organisation: People and Places, UK

Best destination: City of Cape Town, South Africa

Best personal contribution: Gavin Bate, Founder of Adventure Alternative and the Moving Mountains Trust

For more detail see: www.responsibletourismawards.com