The finalists of the prestigious 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards have been announced, and each will be recognised for their outstanding work in responsible tourism. The twenty-one organisations have all demonstrated clear evidence, replicability, innovation, influence, sustainability and an overall commitment to responsible tourism, and will be recognised on Tuesday April 14 at WTM Africa 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by Rachel Nxele board member of South Africa National Parks and recognised organisations will be receiving either “one to watch”, “silver” or “gold” Responsible Tourism Award accolade including:
Agro-Tourism Park by Eco Terra Vista Tours Co. Ltd., Rwanda, http://www.ecoterravista.com/
Cape Tourist Guides Association, South Africa, https://tourguides.capetown/
Desert & Delta Safaris, Botswana, https://desertdelta.com/
Ele Collection, Zimbabwe, https://elecollection.co/
Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA), Namibia, http://www.ehranamibia.org/
TUI Field to Fork, Tanzania, https://tuicarefoundation.com/
Graskop Gorge Lift Co, South Africa, http://www.gglc.co.za/
Green Safaris, Zambia and Malawi, http://www.greensafaris.com/
Imvelo Safari Lodges, Zimbabwe, https://imvelosafarilodges.com/
Jacada Travel, Zimbabwe, https://www.jacadatravel.com/
LUX Marijani, Zanzibar, https://www.luxresorts.com/en/zanzibar/hotel/luxmarijani
Rural Revive, Namibia, https://ruralrevive.com/
Saruni, Kenya, https://sarunibasecamp.com/
Spekboom, South Africa, https://www.spekboom.org/
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, South Africa, http://www.tablemountain.net/
Traditional African Homestays Southern Africa (TAHS-SA), South Africa, http://www.homestaysa.com/
TUI Colourful Cultures Egypt and Green Planet For Sustainable Development, https://tuicarefoundation.com/, http://www.green-planet.life/
TUI Futureshapers, North Africa, https://tuicarefoundation.com/
TUI and Planet Diversity, Turtle Aid, Cape Verde, https://tuicarefoundation.com/
Unexplored Cape Town, South Africa http://www.unexplored.co.za/
The V&A Waterfront, South Africa, http://www.waterfront.co.za/academy
The judges of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026 were chaired by Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, managing director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and founder ICRT global and included Glynn O’ Leary Transfrontier Parks Destinations and ICRT Southern Africa, Ruth Crichton, regional head Southern Africa The Long Run and ICRT Southern Africa, Adama Bah, Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) and ICRT West Africa, Martin Brackenbury, formerly IFTO and UN Advisor, Kerry Carmichael founder of Echo and Tiomóid Foley, net zero tourism manager, business development and intermediary marketing at Visit Scotland.
WTM Africa attendees are encouraged to hear inspiring ideas and stories from the 2026 Responsible Tourism Award winners by joining the ceremony on Tuesday 14 April from 3.30 to 4.30pm on the Inspire stage.
Picture credits: Nothing Ahead, Pexels & Kévin et Laurianne Langlais, Pexels
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