Best in a mountain environment
An organisation related to a mountain environment, such as an eco-friendly ski resort or a trip that contributes to the welfare of mountain porters. Have you ever been trekking in the mountains? Stayed in a high altitude lodge or accommodation? Been skiing in a fantastic destination putting the local environment and communities first?
The mountain category seeks to award the diverse range of holiday experiences available in mountain environments. See our previous winners below.
Previous winners
2011
Winner: Himalayan Holidays (Pvt), Pakistan"The Judges were full of praise for this responsible tour operator committed to providing low volume, low impact trekking holidays in what is a highly controversial tourism destination.
In the face of incredible odds Himalayan Holidays' 'Vacations for All' programme in the Kaghan and Astore Valleys provides tented accommodation that secures employment for local people, and the Khanpur water-based sports programme benefitting over 80 families with income."
Highly commended:
Mountain Lodges of Peru, Peru"Mountain Lodges of Peru continue to use ancient activities of porters and mule drivers, part of the cultural values of the Andean Communities. They work with communities to ensure that this remains a cultural asset for the future generations, and to drive revenue using traditional cultural activities."
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada"Whistler Blackcomb have impressive renewable energy achievements and report extensively to the public on their sustainability performance. In Whistler2020 they have set up an ambitious partnership with local government about "enriching community life, enhancing the resort experience, ensuring economic viability, protecting the environment and partnering for success."
2010
Winner: Ecosphere, India
"Ecosphere is a self-reliant social enterprise where the economic benefits to mountain communities are both clearly demonstrated and transformative. Ecosphere has moved from being donor funded to self-supporting, and 55 out of the 66 villages in the Spiti Valley have seen their incomes rise by up to 50% through Ecosphere's trekking and homestay initiatives. Their carbon reduction programme is also comprehensive, citing a reduction of 520 tons of C\O2 per year.”
Highly commended:
Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco
Shakti Himalaya, India
Village of Corrençon en Vercors, France
2009
Winner: Upland Escapes, UK
Upland Escapes is leading the way with their ‘No-Frills Escapes’ (30 per cent cheaper than regular trips) - proof that it is possible to negotiate the effects of the economic downturn while still preserving the benefits of tourism to local communities. They have also achieved an increase of guests arriving by train, from just two percent in 2006, to 19 per cent just three years later.
Highly commended:
Wilderness Journeys, Kenya
Ecocamp Patagonia, Chile
2008
Winner: Community Action Treks & Community Action Nepal, UK/Nepal
For the example they have set in using tourism for the economic and cultural benefit of communities, for the provision of health and education services, and for their work with porters which contributed to the development of the International Porter Protection Group.
Highly commended:
Shakti Tours Private Limited, India
Upland Escapes , UK
2007
Winner: Explorandes, Peru
For developing homestay accommodation with real volume and livelihood activities, kayaking, textiles and culture, through a partnership with a group of thirty families at Llachon on the shore of Lake Titicaca.
Highly commended:
Peregrine Adventures
Shakti Uttaranchal Tours Pvt Ltd, India
2006
Winner: Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Resorts Ltd, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Resorts created an Environmental Management System in 1993 and it has been the guiding document to achieve the highest level of mountain stewardship in the resort group and industry. Through Operation Green UP they have spent over $1.5million on watershed restoration, and their Whistler Blackcomb Habitat Improvement Team has aided in 64 restoration projects since inception promoting conservation of biodiversity and bringing the community together.
Highly commended:
Ski Club of Great Britain's Respect the Mountain Campaign
World Expeditions, UK
2005
Winner: Guerba World Travel
Recognised for their employment of local guides, and their porter protection policies in Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail.
Highly commended:
Neilson, UK
The Black Sheep Inn, Ecuador
2004
Winner: Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco
A mountain accommodation situated in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco , Kasbah de Toubkal has forged an extraordinary partnership between the Berber community and Discover Ltd, leading to the sensitive development of tourism and extensive benefits to the local community.
Highly Commended:
Guerba World Travel
Sponsored by Visit Norway
Norway is a country rich on natural beauty. Through history Norwegians have developed a strong relationship to nature and activities in nature. This gives a sincere engagement in protecting and developing our tourism in such a way that it protects and develops our local communities, food, culture, history and daily life.
A responsible tourism development is therefor vital to our tourism industry – and gives the best opportunities for the coming generations. We strongly support authentic experiences provided by people who are genuine hosts and represent a real “taste” of Norway.
We are continuously improving our sustainable practice to maximize positive and minimize the negative impacts of tourism.
Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards celebrates and showcase good examples, and gives a better understanding on how sustainable tourism can be operated. Norway take pride in having one of the awarded destinations in 2011 and look forward to see the new ones for 2012.
