Sponsored by Wesgro and organised by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism - South Africa, the awards are part of a family of regional Responsible Tourism Awards which culminate each year with the World Responsible Tourism Awards which are presented at WTM in London on World Responsible Tourism Day.
The longlist names over 50 tourism organisations, initiatives, businesses and projects across seven categories. These categories include wildlife conservation, poverty reduction, resource management and best blog.
The longlisted nominees have been selected from over 120 submissions from all corners of Africa - covering the continent north to south and east to west. The list includes nominees from Morocco, the Gambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa and many more.
"At this stage, the award's judges are working through information submitted by nominees. The quality of the nominations is superb - we've seen the information put forward and are excited about the possibilities," said Heidi van der Watt, founder of the awards and director of the ICRT South Africa.
A shortlist, to be announced on 13 April, will be chosen from the longlist by a judging panel made up of industry experts.
The award winners will be announced at the 2015 African Responsible Tourism Awards on Thursday, 16 April 2015, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town. The awards are part of the responsible tourism programme at WTM Africa, which kicks off with the 11th International Responsible Tourism in Destinations conference on 14 and 15 April, and will have 18 speakers from Europe, India and Africa.
Prof Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel, added, "The African Responsible Tourism Awards matter because they recognise those who have gone the extra mile to create great products and experiences which make better tourism; better for the local community, better for their natural and cultural environment, and better services and experiences for the holidaymakers and guests. There are many inspirational and credible nominees on the longlist - we hope that others will be inspired and motivated to do more themselves."
The award categories and the longlisted businesses are:
Best Blog - supported by Cape Town Tourism
Best for Beach Tourism - supported by Shark Spotters and BulkSMS.com
Best Destination for Responsible Tourism - supported by the V&A Waterfront
Best for engaging people and culture - supported by Gauteng Tourism Authority
Best for Poverty Reduction - supported by Marine Dynamics
Best for Resource Management - supported by the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa
Best for Wildlife Conservation - supported by South Africa National Parks
