A South African animal sanctuary and a Brazilian adventure resort specialising in accessible tourism were announced Joint Overall Winners this morning at the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2014 in London, sponsored by the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism.
In a special ceremony at the World Travel Market’s Global Stage as part of the World Responsible Tourism Day annual celebrations, South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance and Campo and Parque dos Sonhos jointly took the coveted position of Overall Winners from of a selection of 25 finalists gathered from around the world.
“The judges wanted to recognise two very different winners – Campo and Parque de Sonhos and South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance – for the overall award” said Harold Goodwin, Chair of the Judging Panel. “The Sanctuary Alliance for demonstrating that animal attractions can liberate previously captive wildlife and, without petting or exploitation, be commercially successful. Parque de Sonhos for demonstrating that truly inclusive tourism can enhance the adventure activity experiences for everyone, and enable families and friends to share their leisure and the experiences. Both winners demonstrate that it is possible to address the rights agenda, to swim against the tide, and also achieve a successful business.”
Speaking before a packed audience of over 500 tourism professionals, media, ministers and officials,Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletavel.com pinpointed what makes the Award winners the leaders in responsible tourism:
“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.”
The Awards were once again sponsored by the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism. Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary for the Oman Ministry of Tourism, who handed out the Awards, said:
“As proud headline sponsor of the Awards for the second time, the Oman Ministry of Tourism is delighted to return to London to meet this year’s inspirational finalists in person. As The Sultanate of Oman cements its commitment as a leader of responsible tourism development in the Arabian Peninsula, we are pleased to congratulate the vision of those Award winners throughout the world providing leadership in their own sectors, and effectively contributing to making tourism a growing sustainable industry .”
The Awards are the flagship event of WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Programme, extended for the first time across four days this year. Simon Press, Awards Judge and Senior Exhibition Director at World Travel Market, had this to say:
"Congratulations to South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance and Campo and Pargue dos Sonhos for being the overall winners of the award. Animal Welfare and disability access are two of the key issues in responsible tourism so I congratulate both companies, and all the category award winners, for their great work. I found this year’s judging process again inspiring to see so many travel companies acting in such a responsible manner.”
Read below for the full list of this year’s finalists, or log on to www.worldresponsibletourismawards.com to read their stories, download images, or watch videos from the Overall Winners. You can also access a full free copy of Progress in Responsible Tourism Vol 3 (2), edited by Harold Goodwin and Xavier Font.
