Reforestation work in in Mallorca, regenerative agriculture in Greece, tours created by people with lived experience of homelessness in the UK, ethical businesses in Sicily, a nature positive hotel group in Turkey and an innovative community-focused school trip specialist are among the winners of the 2026 ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by easyJet holidays.
The awards were unveiled at an ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Forum and Awards ceremony at the Press Club Brussels on Tuesday 23 June.
Harold Goodwin, founder of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism global and chair of the judges, said: “The judges were impressed by the quality and practicality of the initiatives entered this year. We saw tourism businesses and organisations demonstrating how tourism can actively restore ecosystems, strengthen local economies, celebrate cultural diversity and create opportunities for people who are often excluded. Many of this year’s winners have developed approaches that can be replicated elsewhere, showing how responsible tourism can create lasting benefits for destinations and communities.”
Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet holidays, said: “At easyJet holidays, we’re proud to support the ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards because celebrating and sharing best practice is one of the most effective ways to drive meaningful impact across the industry. These winners show what can be achieved when organisations put communities, culture and the environment at the heart of decision making. By recognising and showcasing their achievements, we’re reinforcing our commitment to supporting more businesses to learn from their success and continue raising standards across tourism.”
And the winners of the 2026 ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism awards are:
Adapting to Climate Change Responsible Tourism Award
Gold: TUI Forest Mallorca, Spain
TUI Forest Mallorca is helping restore forests, dune systems and wildlife habitats within the Península de Llevant Natural Park. Delivered through a partnership with the Balearic Islands Government, the initiative addresses the threat of desertification and biodiversity loss caused by increasing wildfires while engaging local communities, students and visitors in conservation activities. The judges were impressed by the way habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, visitor education and community participation have been brought together to strengthen climate resilience and support long-term ecosystem recovery.
Silver: Paloma Grida, Turkey
At Paloma Grida hotel fire risk mapping has been used to reduce flammable vegetation and strengthen emergency preparedness. The resort has also developed innovative responses to extreme heat, including shaded areas, cooling stations, green roofs and heat-stress protocols for guests and staff. The judges praised the resort’s holistic approach, noting that many of the interventions are practical, measurable and highly replicable for tourism businesses facing similar climate-related challenges.
Championing Cultural Diversity Responsible Tourism Award
Gold: CAS Trips, Czech Republic
CAS Trips has developed an innovative approach to educational travel that places local communities at the centre of the visitor experience. Students undertake extensive preparation before travelling and then work alongside local organisations to understand community priorities and cultural perspectives. The judges were particularly impressed by the way the programme prioritises local voices while creating meaningful cultural exchange and deeper understanding for young travellers.
Silver: TUI Colourful Cultures Croatia in partnership with DEŠA,
Working with civil society organisation TUI Colourful Cultures Croatia connects visitors with local artisans through workshops, events and cultural experiences. The initiative helps preserve traditional skills while creating new income opportunities and strengthening local pride. The judges praised the project for demonstrating how tourism can support cultural heritage, create economic benefits for local communities and enrich the visitor experience through authentic engagement.
One to Watch: Kameni otok, Croatia
Journey Through Stone introduces visitors to the centuries-old tradition of Brač stone carving through demonstrations and hands-on experiences led by master stonemason Željka Frančeski. Since launching in 2024, the initiative has engaged visitors and local schoolchildren in learning about this important cultural heritage. The judges were impressed by the progress achieved in a short period and believe the concept shows strong potential for future growth.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Responsible Tourism Award
Gold: Unseen Tours, United Kingdom
For fifteen years, Unseen Tours has used tourism as a platform for social inclusion by training and employing people with experience of homelessness as walking tour guides in London. Through sharing their stories and perspectives, guides challenge stereotypes while creating meaningful employment opportunities. The judges recognised both the longevity and impact of the initiative, which demonstrates how tourism can support dignity, inclusion and economic opportunity while enriching the visitor experience.
Silver: Cyprus Environment Foundation, Cyprus
The Cyprus Environment Foundation is using tourism to support regenerative agriculture while creating opportunities for women, people with disabilities and those facing economic disadvantage. Through training, scholarships and links to tourism supply chains, the initiative helps participants build skills and access new markets. The judges were impressed by the way tourism has been used to support inclusion while strengthening local food systems and environmental sustainability.
Local Economic Benefit Responsible Tourism Award
Gold: Addiopizzo Travel, Italy
Addiopizzo Travel has built a unique tourism model that directs visitor spending towards businesses in Sicily that publicly refuse to pay Mafia protection money. Working with a vetted network of local enterprises, the organisation demonstrates how tourism can contribute to economic development while supporting ethical business practices and social change. The judges praised the initiative’s measurable impact and its success in ensuring tourism revenue remains within local communities.
One to Watch: Visit Gdańsk, Poland
Visit Gdańsk has successfully addressed seasonality by encouraging domestic visitors to explore the city during the autumn months. Through carefully targeted marketing and promotion of locally owned businesses, the campaign helped increase visitor numbers and accommodation occupancy outside the peak summer season. The judges were encouraged by the early results and see strong potential for future local economic benefits.
One to Watch: Zagreb County Tourist Board, Croatia and Slovenia
InterWine is a cross-border initiative linking tourism businesses, winemakers, farms and cultural organisations across Croatia and Slovenia to create a shared destination based on wine, gastronomy and heritage. The judges were particularly interested in the collaborative approach and its potential to maximise local economic benefits across two neighbouring regions while creating a model that could be replicated elsewhere.
Nature Positive Responsible Tourism Award
Gold: Club Marvy, Turkey
The Club Marvy hotel has embedded nature-positive principles throughout its operations, demonstrating how tourism can actively contribute to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. Initiatives include habitat protection, invasive species management, marine conservation, reforestation support and programmes to protect endangered species such as the Mediterranean monk seal. The judges were impressed by the breadth of actions being taken and the resort’s commitment to delivering measurable benefits for nature.
One to Watch: Mallorca SUP Company, Spain
Mallorca SUP Company offers low-impact paddleboarding experiences designed to deepen visitors’ connection with the marine environment. Through guided experiences, participants learn about local wildlife, marine ecosystems and the importance of Mediterranean seagrass habitats. The judges were impressed by the business’s commitment to creating a genuinely low-impact tourism experience while encouraging visitors to develop a greater appreciation for the natural environment.
Regenerative Tourism Responsible Tourism Award
Gold: TUI Field to Fork, Greece
TUI Field to Fork Greece connects farmers, food producers and tourism businesses to support regenerative agriculture across Crete and Rhodes. Delivered with partners Futouris and the Sustainable Food Destination Organisation, the initiative provides training, strengthens local supply chains and creates new market opportunities for regenerative producers. The judges recognised the project as an excellent example of how tourism can contribute to environmental restoration while supporting local livelihoods and rural economies.
Silver: Camp Ilijin Vir, Montenegro
Located within the protected Zeta River Nature Park, Camp Ilijin Vir demonstrates how a small family-run tourism business can contribute to environmental regeneration. Through habitat protection, visitor education and responsible operational practices, the campsite seeks to improve ecological conditions rather than simply reduce impacts. The judges were impressed by its commitment to showing how regeneration can begin at a micro scale.
Silver: Haltia Lake Lodge, Finland
Haltia Lake Lodge has developed a tourism model that actively contributes to conservation within Nuuksio National Park. Its innovative conservation holidays enable guests to participate directly in habitat restoration and nature management activities under professional supervision. The judges particularly praised the way the lodge has created a practical tourism product that links visitor experiences directly to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Gold winners of the ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by easyJet holidays will now compete on a world stage against gold winners from Latin America, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and a worldwide regional award for other geographies. All gold winners automatically go onto contend for a Global Responsible Tourism Award sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board which will be announced in London in November.
The 2026 Europe Responsible Tourism Awards judging panel was chaired by Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, founder ICRT global and judges included Scott Lawson, senior ESG manager at easyJet holidays, Antonio Buscardini, founder & CEO Travel Tomorrow, Tiomóid Foley, net zero tourism manager, business development and intermediary marketing at VisitScotland, Debbie Hindle, chair of ICRT global, Sarah Habsburg-Lothringen, ICRT global special advisor and responsible hospitality and training and ICRT Balkans members Vicky Smith, founder Earth Changers and Danica Banjevic, tourism consultant.
Image credit: Zagreb County Tourist Board
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