(Monday 4 November) The winners have now been unveiled for the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, sponsored by Sabre. Thirty three incredible changemakers from all corners of the world, from small community projects to major tour operators, have competed for the Global Responsible Tourism Award accolade. Each finalist is already a winner – they have won Gold in regional Responsible Tourism Awards in the Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia and a Rest of the World Category. They then qualify to compete for the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, sponsored by Sabre. The winners and finalists are:
Tourism creates diverse employment opportunities, and local employment has long been recognised as a very important way of ensuring that local communities benefit from visitors and tourism businesses. However, there are still many challenges; employment inequalities, instability through seasonal variations and lack of growth opportunities, to name a few. We are looking for tourism businesses that are making a conscious effort to recruit, train and promote local people to provide long-term stable employment and opportunities for local communities.
WINNER
Grootbos Lodge & the Green Futures College, South Africa Grootbos Private Nature Reserve & Grootbos Foundation
Grootbos has been conserving a growing part of the fynbos overlooking Walker Bay since 1994, generating funds for conservation and upskilling and empowering people in its neighbouring communities. The Lodge upskills, trains and mentors its staff and supports and promotes local producers. Through the Grootbos Foundation, it provides free skills and business training for employment and ‘economic dignity’ for local people. Its Green Futures College covers the training costs, uniforms, transport, food, stipends and childcare for between 20 and 24 unemployed people each year. The Grootbos Foundation, funded by the business and other donors, has provided fully funded training to 92 horticulture graduates since 2003, 115 hospitality graduates since 2014, entrepreneurship training for 849; seed funding and mentorship to 189 independent small businesses, and trained 20 female biodiversity stewards now working in two independent contractor teams in the local landscape. This citation cannot capture all that has resulted from the efforts of a tourism enterprise on the fynbos, largely devoid of the charismatic megafauna found on safari and in the ocean,
FINALISTS
Beypore Integrated Responsible Tourism Development Kerala www.keralatourism.org/rt The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTMS) is able to draw on its accumultated experience of implementing Responsible Tourism back to 2008. Beypore RT Destination includes Beypore beach, harbour, and in the surrounding areas, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, the estuary including the coastal area of Chaliyar River and historical area of Beypore. The KRTMS is able to operate at scale because of its experience in developing Responsible Tourism across Kerala over fifteen years. The Beypore project’s objective “is to provide quality services and unique travel experiences to tourists, simultaneously develop the local economy, improve the quality of life of the local people, create direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local community through tourism, and enhance the capacity of local residents. The project also aims to transform tourism into a vehicle for rural development and women empowerment by imparting necessary training to people in tourism-related activities.” The judges were impressed by the scale of this operation and the detail that the KRTMS was able to provide for us of its planned and phased approach and the scale of impact, which has already been achieved. We hope that others will be inspired by this holistic approach to achieve the implementation of change at scale.
Latin Trails, Ecuador https://latintrails.com/ and https://illaexperiencehotel.com/
The ILLA Experience Hotel offers luxury in the San Marcos neighbourhood of downtown Quito. ILLA works through its NESTS project run by Latin Trails, with 40 different families from San Marcos, providing them with additional livelihood opportunities, and their guests have gastronomy, artisan, music, mixology, wellness, and awareness experiences. NESTS is working with the ILLA restaurant to provide training for young culinary talent from rural communities from Ecuador’s poorest areas. The offering includes a full board and a full scholarship with chef Juan Carlos Donoso to learn to manage a luxury restaurant. Young talent is chosen in partnership with the elders and leaders of each community. They then return to their community and share the skills they have learnt.
Hanjeli Tourism Village, Indonesia www.wisatahanjeli.com
Hanjeli Tourism in Sukabumi, West Java, offers a unique experience of the local staple food hanjeli. With harvesting activities, food processing, and a special dish of hanjeli liwet rice. Hanjeli or adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi) is drought tolerant and has potential as a substitute for rice and as a prestigious food containing calcium, carbohydrates, fats, high protein, fiber, calcium minerals, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Amino acids contained in hanjeli grains consist of amino acids tyrosine, arginine, histidine, glutamate acid, lysine and leucine. Sukabumi is being promoted as a hanjeli village to improve the welfare of the community. the hanjeli tourism village provides a variety of creative economies in which it consists of processed hanjeli, hanjeli crafts, bamboo crafts, and many other products. all of which are done by the local community. Hanjeli is being promoted as an alternative to illegal gold mining, with all its associated ills, and tourism is being used to create a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable community.
Le Tonlé Guesthouse and Restaurant, Cambodia www.letonle.org and
www.facebook.com/letonletrainingcenter
Working in the remote northeast of Cambodia, rich in natural resources but with significant poverty and a lack of education, Le Tonlé is a training guesthouse and restaurant. It offers apprenticeships to a small number of vulnerable youths. The training focuses on kitchen, reception, service and housekeeping skills for disadvantaged youth and through skills development, secure stable employment for them and improve local business quality for sustainable growth in the future. Le Tonle is a social enterprise project of the Cambodian Rural Development Team a not-for-profit NGO in Cambodia. This will help solve the human development program of Cambodia and lift the poverty rate in the future. Le Tonie has struggled through the pandemic. More recently, the occupancy rate has averaged 85% over the high season periods but is relatively low, averaging 20% in the low season, attracting both international and domestic visitors. The judges were impressed by the vision and tenacity which lies behind this initiative and wish it every success. We also think that it is highly replicable and can make an important contribution to local economic development and poverty reduction in remote and undeveloped, but scenically attractive, areas.
Wilderness Explorers, Guyana https://wilderness-explorers.com/
The judges recognised the value of Wilderness Explorers’ approach to working with indigenous communities in Guyana. Indigenous communities work with, rather than for, Wilderness Explorers. Their approach focuses on the empowerment of indigenous communities, creating socio-economic benefits and additional livelihoods, thus ensuring that tourism does not replace traditional livelihoods. The communities are enriched with additional livelihood opportunities; the tourists benefit from richer, more authentic experiences. Wilderness Explorers provides immersive experiences that enhance the visitor’s experience and foster cultural awareness and pride in the communities, including interactive culinary, heritage and music tours, wildlife-friendly experiences, and access to citizen science projects. Wilderness Explorers seeks to ensure that “Guyana’s new-found wealth is tied not only to oil but to its natural riches of forests, water, minerals and incredible biodiversity, and the country has now become an important global player in energy security, food security, climate security, conservation and sustainable tourism.”
The travel industry is lagging behind other sectors in advancing inclusion. The travel and tourism sector needs to widen its offer. The need for action is more pressing than ever. Inclusive travel ensures that all travellers feel welcome and included and can have an appropriate experience in a destination. It fosters belonging and empowers individuals to sign up for new experiences. We are looking for businesses that are avidly working to ensure that inclusion has a stronger place in tourism’s future.
WINNER
TUI UK & Ireland, UK https://www.tui.co.uk/holidays/accessible-holidays/
Tour operator TUI UK and Ireland serves more than six million holidaymakers a year. Its dedicated Accessible Holidays Strategy team has partnered with AccessAble to survey hotels and develop detailed access guides which are now available. This includes the opportunity to book access rooms. It has also partnered with Sign Live to provide interpreting services for British sign language users via video relay. The TUI specialist team regularly achieves 9.5/10 customer satisfaction scores. The judges were pleased to see a major tour operator address the needs of those with access needs and hope that others will follow their example.
FINALISTS
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, India www.tourism.mp.gov.in
Madhya Pradesh’s Responsible Tourism Mission (RTM) has supported the advancement of inclusive travel by implementing initiatives to ensure that all travellers feel at home in Madhya Pradesh. Through awareness programs, training sessions and employment opportunities, “RTM ensures that women feel empowered to travel independently and participate in tourism activities without any sense of fear.” Through Project Humsafar, the RTM addresses the accessibility needs of differently-abled individuals at tourist destinations. By conducting accessibility audits and implementing infrastructural changes, RTM ensures that all travellers, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the state’s tourist attractions. The Responsible Tourism Mission “aims to create opportunities for everyone to participate in and benefit from the tourism sector, thereby promoting social equity and empowerment.”
Huasquila Amazon Lodge, Ecuador https://huasquila.com/
Since 2007 Huasquila has been working to make its lodges accessible to all and to enable guests with disabilities to enjoy the cultural and nature-based experiences offered in this private nature reserve. Huasquila now has seven fully accessible bungalows and accessible pathways throughout its infrastructure. The staff are trained to accommodate people with different disabilities and to enable them to participate with the other guests in the experiences offered to all guests by using a specially adapted wheelchair. They have trained other service providers, like rafting and kayak operators, to enable people with disabilities to participate.
Tripseed, Thailand, www.tripseed.com
Tripseed’s strap line “It’s time to grow travel back better” articulates it ambition to facilitate authentic local connections offering day visits to, for example, to artists’ and artisans’ communities and removing barriers to travel for those with disabilities offering a range of specially designed and exclusive tours tailored to meet the needs of elderly and disabled travellers. “Extensive accessibility audits have been conducted across properties, tour locations and transportation – to evaluate everything from ramp inclinations, availability of grab bars, manoeuvrability clearance and many other important aspects, to advise our agents and partners on the most suitable travel options based on the level of assistance required. Tripseed is a DMC founded in 2021; they have collated database of detailed accessibility information across Thailand and have the first wheelchair-accessible Tuk Tuks, closing the gender and expat/local pay gaps. The judges were impressed by the range of efforts being made by Tripseed to make travel better and more inclusive. They report that In 2022, THEY were able to keep 89% of their business expenditure within Thailand, with only 11% leakage abroad.
Warrior on Wheels Foundation, South Africa www.warrioronwheels.co.za
Warrier on Wheels provides sport and adventure experiences for children with disabilities, uplifting and empowering them and “changing perceptions of ability and bridging gaps between able-bodied and differently-abled communities.” It is a registered not-for-profit reliant on sponsorships, volunteers, and partnerships with adventure hosts to provide regular adventures, experiences, and outings to differently-abled children and their families. These have included zip lining, river rafting, cycling, surfing, wildlife safaris, boat cruises, helicopter and plane rides. “As at the start of 2024, Warrior On Wheels is 8 years old, we have 100+ families on our invitation mailing list, and we have hosted 89+ experiences with an average of 12 to 15 families attending each event.”
The results of climate change can manifest in many ways, and the tourism industry is exceptionally vulnerable. Each year, the impact becomes more evident and, for many, more disastrous. Droughts, floods, wildfires, and extreme weather conditions devastate communities and businesses in destinations across the world. They are no longer unusual or isolated incidences. We are looking for businesses and destinations actively contributing to the decarbonisation of tourism operations and exploring innovative ways to protect against threats to ensure business continuity.
WINNER
Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka, www.jetwinghotels.com
Jetwing hotels currently secures 60% of its energy from renewable sources, from biomass, solar PV, solar thermal, and biogas. The first system was commissioned at Jetwing Blue in 2010 – a 20 kW roof-mount system with a battery backup. In 2023, Jetwing Hotels generated 1069 MWh of solar energy across its properties, equivalent to providing power for about 13,490 households and mitigating the release of 608 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, and PV is currently being delivered across a further twelve properties. The company has shortened its supply chain, reducing transport emissions, and is now sourcing 40% of their inputs locally to their hotels. It has reduced the operational cooling needs of its hotels through open architecture natural ventilation and building innovation with high roofs and double glazing, and now, it has four vapor absorption chillers operating that utilise steam generated by biomass boilers. “By sharing our journey of sustainability, what we have learnt and achieved, we aim to inspire change and create a butterfly effect.” The judges wish them well in their endeavours and hope that others will follow.
FINALISTS
Ecodrop, Zimbabwe www.ecodrop.co.zw
Ecodrop’s mission is to eliminate single-use plastic bottles from the tourism sector across Southern Africa. Their eco-friendly alternative provides purified water through Reverse Osmosis dispensers and top-tier, reusable drinking bottles designed for durability and convenience. Refill stations are located in hotels, airports, and popular tourist attractions. Visitors and locals purchase a sturdy, refillable bottle equipped with a unique QR code that can be scanned at any of the refill stations to fill their bottles with purified cold water for the duration of their stay. Ecodrop has removed the use of 72 860 plastic bottles in Victoria Falls between April 2023 and January 2024. Ecodrop has seen a 30% increase on a month-to-month basis since early 2023. 500ml water bottles cost 20c and were sold to the end user for $2 – $3. The judges were impressed by the innovative Ecodrop system, which can be implemented at the destination level, reducing waste and demand for oil to make plastic bottles. The concept has been proven at Victoria Falls; the judges will be interested to see how far and fast it spreads.
Explore, www.explore.co.uk
Explore clearly states on its website, “We’ve calculated and published the carbon footprint of EVERY one of our trips—because you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” It has worked with the independent carbon consultancy ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of all its trips, which include over 1,800 accommodation providers, transport, activities and excursions, meals, and guides, and using the average group size from 2018/19, pre-Covid. Explore has included their offices and staff and omitted all travel to the start of the Explore trip and additional meals and excursions. In February 2024, Explore was able to report a 7.2% reduction in intensity (per person, per night) carbon emissions across its trips. It has an ambitious target of a 50% reduction by 2030 and net zero before 2050. On the website, the average carbon footprint per person is clearly stated, empowering consumers.
Wise Sustainability www.wisesustainability.com
Wise Sustainability assists businesses in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by “turning the invisibility of energy, water, food, and materials use into visible, measured, monitored, and controlled consumption that reduces the use of finite supplies.” Applying the principle that you can only manage what you can measure, Wise Sustainability uses technology to measure use, identify the profligate use of resources and enable management to reduce resource use. The company has developed subscription-based services, including a live reporting widget that provides real-time, transparent, and independently verified sustainability progress.
Wildlife and the natural environment are important drivers for travel. The travel and tourism sector depends on nature’s beauty to provide its goods and services, yet tourism can have negative impacts on the places we visit. The tourism sector has a responsibility to contribute to the reversal of biodiversity loss and protect nature for future generations by promoting a regenerative approach to tourism. We are looking for businesses that act as guardians of biodiversity and take a regenerative approach to their operations.
WINNER
CREES, Peru www.crees-manu.org/
CREES offers a range of tours and volunteering opportunities as both internships and learning experiences. Operating in the Manu Biosphere Reserve CREES works to “promote sustainable alternatives that respect human rights, intergenerational rights, biodiversity rights, and the rights of its species to ensure long-term sustainable economic development.” This a broad and holistic agenda seeking to demonstrate through business that the community can find economically viable alternatives through the responsible management of natural resources. This is then shared with its clients through educational tourism. It has has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conserved over 600 hectares of forest in the buffer zone of Manu National Park and works with educational programmes to benefit the local people and conserve biodiversity.
FINALISTS
Denis Private Island, Seychelles www.denisisland.com
At the heart of this island destination is a sustained regeneration project; the conservation initiatives are funded by earnings from the small eco-lodge on the island. Palm trees and copra plantations are being removed. Natural vegetation has been restored, non-native predators have been removed, three critically endangered bird species have been reintroduced, and the sea around the island has been recognized as a marine protected area. “The island’s owners are proud Seychellois and passionate conservationists. They want to recreate and preserve an island reminiscent of the Seychelles of their youth and help secure the future of critically endangered species of Seychelles wildlife
Nisargyatri Sanstha, Maharashtra www.instagram.com/yatrinisarg/Konkan geoglyphs on the western coast of India provide signs of thousand years of human existence through artistic expressions of those inhabitants, etched on laterite plateaus. Tentatively dated from Pre-historic period, they exhibit a variety of rock engraving techniques to depict human, animal and abstract figures that include various marine and riverine animals, mammals, reptiles, amphibian and avian fauna, some that are now extinct in the region. Study of these geoglyphs could shed, light on the change in climatic and ecological conditions over millennia. Nisargayatri Sanstha was established in 2018 to give wider scope to work begun in 2005 on the Geoglyphs of Konkan. More than 200 Geoglyphs sites have been discovered in Ratnagiri & Sindhudurg Districts, nine of which have been nominated for World Heritage Site listing. In the last three years, more than 150,000 people have visited the Geoglyph sites in Ratnagiri, significantly benefiting the local villagers. The scenic landscape of Konkan, along with its rich culture and traditions, are closely associated with each other. Their blend together will lead to conservation and preservation along with economic development of the villages and the village people. 450 bird species and more than fifty new endemic species of flora have been identified, and 12,000+ sea turtle eggs have been protected and hatched. The judges were impressed by this unusual “celebration” of man’s relationship with nature and tourism’s contribution.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysia www.sukau.com
https://www.facebook.com/sukaurainforestlodge/
The lodge, part of Borneo Ecotours, was constructed using recycled wood and eco-design principles, solar heated showers, rainwater harvesting, waste management and a BioSolv Treatment System, a greener and better alternative in sewage treatment. It provides environmental education programmes to guests and the local community alike. “The lodge is currently providing employment for more than 80% of the local residents of Sukau, ensuring that economic benefits stay within the community. It also supports local Bornean artisans by selling their crafts at the lodge, providing them with a market for their products and promoting cultural heritage.” The judges were impressed by the comprehensive approach to making tourism nature-positive. As they pointed out in their application: We need to provide options and alternatives for the local people so they don’t have to destroy their ecosystems. Through the power of ecotourism, we have the opportunity to turn them into advocates of conservation.”
As one of the world’s leading sectors of consumption, tourism provides many economic benefits, including employment and business opportunities. Far too often, the money does recirculate with the local economy location or provide any benefit to the local people or environment. Tourism businesses can grow the local economy by spending on local goods and services and procuring services and products locally. We are looking for businesses that have local purchasing practices in place and are actively working to create and promote local businesses and sole traders through their own supply chain and encouraging visitors to buy locally produced crafts and souvenirs.
WINNER
Sivatel Bangkok Hotel (Thailand) www.sivatelbangkok.com and
www.facebook.com/SivatelBangkokHotel
On its website the Sivatel spells out its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to environmental sustainability driven by a commitment to their customers, their local community and the planet. The hotel sources 70% of its ingredients organically, aiming for 100% by 2030, and partners with over 50 local farmers through the “Sivatel’s Farmer Friends Network.” Achieving zero food waste to landfill in 2023, they strive for zero overall waste by 2024 and plan to integrate renewable energy by 2025. The Sivatel supports local producers and fosters a sustainable ecosystem through the “Sivatel Sustainable Market,” connecting staff, guests, and local vendors. The “From Kitchen to Chicken” program is a closed-loop system, diverting food scraps to feed black soldier fly larvae, which are then used as protein for organic chickens at Tankhun Organic Chicken Farm, promoting resource efficiency and fresh, organic eggs. Uniforms are designed by Folkcharm, a local sustainable fashion brand that works with a community in Loei, supporting local artisans while providing unique uniforms.
FINALISTS
Borneo Adventure, Malaysia www.borneoadventure.com
Borneo Adventure is a specialist tour operator which has worked with the local Iban communities in Sarawak in a way which has increasing local sourcing and created shared value. In the award submission the company said: “there is no point talking about conservation when communities are trying to overcome poverty.” Forty families in the region are now involved in tourism in a way which visitors are welcomed as guests on their terms. Tours to the area focus on conservation and the environment and Borneo Adventure also contributes to a community longhouse fund through a tourist tax and headman levy for each tourist that visits Ulu Ai. The money from tourism has broken the subsistence
agriculture cycle and stimulated a cash economy in the area.
The Crannog Centre, Scotland www.crannog.co.uk
The Crannog Centre in Scotland is an open-air museum recreates an Iron Age village on the banks of Loch Tay and sources as much as possible from within the travelling distance of the museum. The museum is growing its own food for the café and developing coppice sites to harvest natural materials to maintain the building. Four apprentices work on site, ensuring that skills are available locally to maintain the museum. Crannog Centre said: “We are owning our future ourselves as a community—exactly what people 2,500 years ago would have done.”
Okavango Gin, Botswana, www.okavangogin.com
“Okavango Gin was founded out of a love and passion for the pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta … by a handful of like-minded naturalists, safari guides, botany enthusiasts and hospitality experts” Using locally harvested Mophane seeds and traditional Marula Beer sourced from local women in Gweta, distilled off-grid, with gin bottle sleeves sewn locally and recycling gin bottles in Botswana this new gin has the authenticity of the Delta and is a souvenir to remind travellers of their wilderness experience at home. Recognising the “need for a more innovative approach to tourism, beyond the “bums in beds”, Okavango Gin has demonstrated how a quality local product can displace imported brands, becoming the house gin of most lodges in the Okavango Delta. The business started with one full-time working director it now directly employs six and creates additional employment in its supply chain and distribution, in 2023 revenue grew 75%. The judges were delighted to see this innovative approach to creating additional and shared value from tourism. In 2022, Okavango Gin won a Double Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirit Competition.
Saguna Baug, Maharashtra, India www.sagunabaug.com
Since 1985, Saguna Baug has been developing agritourism across Maharashtra, helping farmers earn an additional income and increase their dignity. There are presently 2000+ agritourism centres across Maharashtra, showcasing agriculture, aquaculture, dairy farming, apiculture, pearl farming, vermicompost, biogas plants, plant nurseries and freshwater pearl culture to visitors many from cities. Only locals from within a five km radius are employed, creating eco-friendly and traditional accommodations with zero waste and 100% recycled. Agritourism contributes to the conservation of rural culture, architecture, food, language, festivals and the environment. The centres host around 1,000 visitors each week and they retail bamboo products made by the tribal communities and 400 value-added products such as pickles, jams and masalas. Two tribal villages have planted bamboo and 100 tribals have registered with the government’s handicraft department. As India urbanises, there are increasing opportunities for responsible agritourism to bring economic benefits to rural areas, reduce out-migration by young people and provide experiences for adults and their children from urban areas.
Pura Aventura, https://pura-aventura.com/
Pura is a travel company which works directly with micro-enterprises and small-scale owner-hosted hotels and experiences, generally in less visited areas. This enables Pura to provide unique experiences for its guests, providing a richer guest–host cultural exchange. 90% of their suppliers are micro or small enterprises, individual guides, single properties offering excursions, local crafts, local experiences, transfers and small local eateries. In 2023 Pura worked with 500 different suppliers, amongst them 62 in Costa Rica, 57 in Chile and 49 in Argentina. Amongst their top twenty suppliers, 55% are micro-enterprises. Of their top 50 suppliers, 78% are micro-enterprises, rising to 85% of their top 100 partners. Using mostly small and microlocal businesses and individuals ensures that more tourist income remains with the local community.
Six Senses, Krabey Island, Cambodia, www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/krabey-island, www.facebook.com/sixsenseskrabeyisland/
With 40 private pool villas on a private island Krabey Island, provides restaurants, SPA, wellness, activities and sustainability life style: organic mattresses, plastic free amenities, mini bar, water bottle and modern technology with energy efficiency which includes the use of LED lighting, Lutron technology in our Villas to control lighting, shading, and temperature, ensuring optimal energy usage, water-saving toilet flush, and 50% of our villas feature green living roofs that reduce the temperature of the roof surface and surrounding air and solar panels for renewable energy sources. The Earth Lab at the heart of the resort, provides data on the resort’s consumption of water, energy, and waste and educates guests in “sustainable practical life hacks.” In 2023 Krabey Island achieved 59% local sourcing, and is on track to reach 70% in 2024. The judges were impressed by the range and depth of Six Senses’ efforts on Krabey Island to achieve sustainability by taking responsibility for its operations
Visiting a country goes far beyond visiting the honeypot landmarks. We travel to experience other peoples’ places, climates, built heritage, lived culture and the world’s diverse nature. By experiencing cultures other than our own, we broaden our understanding and respect for one another. We are looking for examples of destinations and businesses that are actively working to support the preservation and celebration of culture, and to create meaningful connections for visitors.
WINNER
Rajasthan Studio, India, https://rajasthanstudio.com/
Rajasthan Studio curates art experiences with master artisans in Rajasthan, contributing to the preservation of the state’s local traditional crafts and culture. Their objective is to enable travellers to experience, understand and value the local culture of the place they are visiting and to meet local people to learn about the traditions, stories and local practices. Travellers can engage with master artists at home, meet their families, see the efforts and process behind making local handicrafts and create a personalised souvenir for themselves co-created with the crafter. The traveller can connect with the artist in an authentic Indian style. Tourists can understand the history and traditional practices of a specific art form, making a significant contribution to promoting, preserving and propagating art heritage.
Rajasthan Studio has created a harmonious ecosystem where travellers and local artists mutually benefit. Travellers have an immersive cultural experience, while the artists enjoy a business opportunity that enriches the travel experience and benefits Rajasthan’s creative economy. The judges think that this is a highly replicable approach.
FINALISTS
Trip to Help – Kenya & Tanzania through an online agency registered in Spain www.triptohelp.org
Trip to Help is a boutique travel agency operating in Kenya and Tanzania, and Morrocco from this year. Its strap line states its mission: to enable people to Travel Consciously, Sustainably and Fairly. It offers: “unique experiences… with positive social, and cultural impact. It works “side by side with locals, community projects, cooperatives or NGOs. … They are at the center of this journey. They are not just guides.” The people it works with make a living wage, and 80% of what the traveller pays goes to the local community. Activities are led by salaried Maasai guides. Cultural immersion experiences are organized and conducted by Maasai families who host visitors, retaining 100% of the proceeds from each activity. Through tourism activity, supplemented by private donations and funds, Trip to Help supports over 3000 children aged 4 to 16 in accessing free education, including English language instruction, in Maasai areas
Finding Shiva, Uttarakhand, India www.findingshiva.in
Finding Shiva was established by young entrepreneurs in Nabhi in the Vyas Valley at 11,000 ft at the India, China, Nepal border in the upper Himalayas. There are thirty-five homestays in a community with strong cultural traditions; the villagers feel pride in showcasing their traditional culture. Visitors are served local cuisine, and festivals are “celebrated with great fanfare”, creating opportunities for visitors to experience local culture. The homestays are primarily run by women, with the entire community involved in providing services. Visitors are offered opportunities to trek, hike or walk with guides to gain an understanding of local culture, agriculture and architecture. The judges were delighted to hear that this approach to community-based tourism is already being replicated in adjacent villages like Kutti & Gunji. Finding Shiva increased local pride, reversed outmigration by young people, and created many micro-enterprise opportunities for villagers.
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens, Costa Rica www.tortugalodge.com
In 2022, there was only one man left who could play calypso in Tortuguero. Calypsonian Caribbean music was not being taught or played often, and it was in danger of being lost. In 2024, 42 children were learning to play their traditional music. The Tortuga Lodge is one of five Böëna Wilderness Lodges, which has a Conservation Fee used to support community, conservation and cultural projects. That fee pays the teacher’s salaries, and funds, music equipment, uniforms and transport for teaching and presentations. The judges were very impressed by this initiative, which they consider to be highly replicable. Who will follow?
Tropical Trekking, Vietnam, https://tropicaltrekking.club www.facebook.com/tropicaltrekking
The judges were surprised and delighted to see the way in which Tropical Trekking blended the traditional trekking experience and cultural heritage, enhancing both the cultural experience for the trekker and the benefits to the local community whose culture is valued and shared. They work with local K’Ho Cil guides. Each trekking route is named after and tells a unique cultural story. They offer the village “hidden in the fog”, a salt trail, highland mountain cuisine and much more. They understand that trekking should not only be seen as a sport going out of their way to make it accessible and fun for children and the elderly. Tropical Trekking was established in 2019 to conserve the forest and indigenous culture and turn hunters into guides, providing them with a stable income and ensuring that they no longer have to rely on hunting, slash-and-burn farming, or logging for a living. Becoming guides, the Cil people can take pride in sharing their birthplace and culture with visitors.
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