Friday, January 28, 2022 
Africa Travel Week (ATW) is calling on responsible tourism businesses to submit their applications for the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards 2022 by 28 February.
With just a few weeks to go, they are urging all those responsible tourism rock stars to get their entries in as soon as possible, says Martin Hiller, Content and Creative Director of Travel, Tourism & Creative Industries.
Established in 2004, the WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards showcases the best of the best in responsible tourism, setting the compass for the global industry to take responsibility in creating sustainable travel and holiday experiences.
Free to enter, the 2022 Awards is split into four regions: Africa, India, Latin America, and the rest of the world.
The winner from each region will go on to compete in the Global Awards taking place at WTM London from 7-9 November this year.
Registrants can apply for the following ten categories:
Decarbonising Travel & Tourism
Sustaining Employees and Communities through the Pandemic
Destinations Building Back Better Post-COVID
Increasing Diversity in Tourism: How inclusive is our industry?
Reducing Plastic Waste in the Environment
Growing the Local Economic Benefit
Access for the Differently-Abled as Travellers, Employees and Holidaymakers
Increasing Tourism’s Contribution to Natural Heritage and Biodiversity
Conserving Water and Improving Water Security and Supply for Neighbours
Contributing to Cultural Heritage
As a winner, or even a finalist, taking part in this prestigious initiative offers more than just bragging rights and boosting team morale, Hiller explains.
The experience leverages increased PR and press opportunities to help build your reputation, with the opportunity to connect with industry leaders from around the world.
The Responsible Tourism format at ATW this year is as follows:
11 April: Responsible Tourism Awards presented live on the Global Stage
12 April: Responsible Tourism Conference live at the custom-built INSPIRE conference
13 April: Workshop discussion based on the 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism
This year’s programme will not disappoint! adds Hiller. Our team has been hard at work ensuring an exceptional experience for participants and attendees.
The live conference will cover a range of insightful topics such as inclusive travel, decarbonisation, biodiversity, and local economic benefit.
The in-person workshop will be facilitated by Harold Goodwin, WTM’s Responsible Tourism Advisor and co-author of the declaration, which will form the basis of the interactive discussions.
Entries can still be submitted for Africa (until 28 Feb 2022), India (until 30 Jun 2022) and the Rest of the World (until 31 Aug 2022).