Entries Open For The 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards In Cape Town

Published on January 8, 2026

The clock is ticking for the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026 where the entry is formally opened for the businesses, destinations, and individuals in Africa that support sustainable and responsible tourism. The event, which is to be held at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on the 14th of April 2026, will give place to a grand ceremony where the innovators changing the African tourism industry by uplifting local communities, safeguarding nature, and supporting equitable development will be awarded. With the date of submission set for 20 March 2026, the awards will attract a multitude of diverse actors espousing the positive change across the continent.

Celebrating Africa’s Pioneers in Responsible Tourism

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards offer a unique platform for recognising Africa’s most innovative and impactful tourism initiatives. The winners of the Gold awards in Cape Town will go on to compete at the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, putting Africa’s top performers on the global stage alongside the best in the world.

In 2025, the awards highlighted several outstanding initiatives, including Foxes Safari Camps, which won Gold in the All-Inclusives Responsible Tourism Award category. The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre also secured Gold for Increasing Local Sourcing & Creating Shared Value. This recognition is a testament to Africa’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable and ethical tourism. Other notable winners from WTM Africa, including Township & Village and Dlala Nje went on to achieve international acclaim at the ICRT Global Awards.

Six Categories of Excellence

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards feature six categories that cover a broad spectrum of responsible tourism efforts. These categories aim to acknowledge the diverse ways in which tourism can make a positive impact. The categories for the 2026 awards include:

1. Local Economic Benefits: Celebrating businesses and initiatives that support local communities, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), and ensure tourism spending benefits local economies.
2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Recognising organisations creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in tourism’s workforce.
3. Nature Positive: Honouring efforts that promote biodiversity and protect natural heritage through tourism activities.
4. Championing Cultural Diversity: Focusing on experiences that promote understanding, respect, and pride in local cultures.
5. Adapting to Climate Change: Acknowledging innovation in tourism design and practices that prepare the sector for climate challenges.
6. Regenerative Tourism: A new category recognising those going beyond sustainability to restore and regenerate ecosystems and communities.

Free to Enter, Open to All

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards are free to enter, and the organisers encourage a wide range of applicants, from small community initiatives to large tourism operators. All applications must be submitted through the WTM Africa website by 20 March 2026, with a panel of independent experts set to judge the entries.

Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for Travel, Tourism, and RX Africa Marketing, expressed excitement for the upcoming awards, stating that the entries not only showcase the incredible work being done in Africa but also inspire others to follow suit.

Cape Town: A City at the Forefront of Sustainable Tourism

Cape Town, a city renowned for its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, will play a central role in this year’s awards. Local leaders, such as Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, have highlighted the importance of tourism in Cape Town’s economy while ensuring that it is managed in an environmentally and socially responsible way. These awards are vital in showing how tourism can benefit not just tourists but local communities, cultural heritage and the environment.

A Global Platform for Change

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards are more than just a recognition event; they are a celebration of the collective effort to make tourism more inclusive, sustainable, and regenerative. By spotlighting these remarkable organisations and individuals, the awards aim to inspire further action, amplifying their impact across the travel and tourism industry.

In a statement from Harold Goodwin, a prominent figure in responsible tourism, he emphasised that these awards are vital for sharing replicable good practices. “We have seen numerous examples of responsible tourism initiatives that can be adapted and adopted across the continent. These efforts provide hope for the future of tourism in Africa, ensuring that the sector can grow while respecting the people and places that make it unique,” he said.

Inspiring Action Across the Continent

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards are a call to action for Africa’s tourism industry to come together and elevate their commitment to responsible travel. By participating in the awards, organisations can not only gain recognition but also help inspire others to follow their lead. The awards offer a chance to be part of a larger movement aimed at making travel better for people, places, and the planet.

Submit Your Entry Today

With only a few months left until the 20 March deadline, there’s no time to waste. Tourism initiatives that meet the criteria for these prestigious awards are urged to submit their entries through the WTM Africa website. This is a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible work being done to make African tourism more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable.

As Africa continues to lead the way in responsible tourism, the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards offer a crucial platform for celebrating the organisations and individuals making a tangible difference. With Cape Town as the backdrop for this exciting event, the 2026 awards promise to be a highlight of the global tourism calendar.

Participate and Honor Responsible Tourism

Africa’s sustainability future heavily relies on tourism. Therefore the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards are a big light of hope which shows to the world that tourism can be a good thing. These awards are, in fact, celebrating the local economic growth, promoting cultural diversity, and supporting the conservation of natural resources, all done by the best in African tourism.