Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008

Nominations are now closed for our Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008 A huge thank you to all of you who nominated - we received over 1900 nominations for inspiring tourism ventures all over the world that are making a real difference to local communities and the environment. Read a selection of your nominations. The 2008 Responsible Tourism Award winners will be announced at World Travel Market on Wednesday 12 November, and in The Daily Telegraph on Saturday 15 November. Find out how the Awards are judged or read all about our previous Responsible Tourism Award winners, including interviews with our 2007 winners to see how winning a Responsible Tourism Award has made a difference to them. Keep up to date with the latest on our Awards and other responsible tourism news on the responsibletravel.com blog or by signing up to our responsibletravel.com ezine. The Responsible Tourism Awards are the largest awards of their kind in the world and are a collaboration between online travel directory responsibletravel.com, who founded and organise the Awards, UK media partners The Daily Telegraph and Geographical Magazine, and World Travel Market, who host the Awards ceremony (read more about our Partners). support for 2008 Responsible Tourism Awards "Getting to know more about each other remains one of the most important hopes for the peaceful future of the planet. If we are really to understand each other better, then we need to be reminded to travel carefully and thoughtfully, listening to people along the way and respecting the world we are privileged to travel through. The Responsible Tourism Awards are one of the most important ways in which we can understand how to travel better." Michael Palin Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008 categories Best responsible tour operator sponsored by The Adventure Company A tour operator that acts responsibly towards the environment and local people. 2007 winner: Gecko's Adventures, Australia Best large accommodation sponsored by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts A hotel, lodge or other accommodation of more than 50 rooms that is run with the environment and needs of local people in mind. 2007 winner: Apex Hotels Ltd, UK Best small accommodation sponsored by VisitBrighton A hotel, lodge or other accommodation of fewer than 50 rooms that is run with the environment and needs of local people in mind. 2007 winner: Finca Esperanza Verde Ecolodge, Nicaragua Best in a mountain environment sponsored by Exodus 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. 2007 winner: Explorandes, Peru Best in a marine environment sponsored by Royal Caribbean An organisation related to a beach or other marine environment, such as turtle conservation or a marine eco-tourism trip. 2007 winner: blue o two, UK Best responsible cruise operator *New for 2008* sponsored by Passenger Shipping Association A cruise or ferry operator that acts responsibly towards the environment and local people. Best for low carbon transport or technology sponsored by Maison de la France An organisation or initiative that is developing or promoting low carbon transport or technology. 2007 winner: Eurostar, UK Best for conservation of endangered species or protected area sponsored by South Australian Tourism Commission A group or initiative working for the conservation of an endangered species or a protected area, such as a national park. For example, a wildlife safari or a rainforest trip that supports environmental efforts and maintains the rights of indigenous people. 2007 winner: Protected area: La Ruta Moskitia, Honduras / Conservation of an Endangered Species: Grootbos Nature Reserve, South Africa Best for conservation of cultural heritage sponsored by Jamaica Tourist Board A tourism organisation or initiative working to protect and promote cultural heritage. 2007 winner: Andaman Discoveries, Thailand Best for poverty reduction An organisation that acts to reduce poverty among communities. 2007 winner: Borana, Kenya Best volunteering organisation sponsored by Intrepid Travel An organisation offering volunteering opportunities, such as the chance to work on conservation or social projects. 2007 winner: Azafady, UK / Madagascar Best destination sponsored by Conservation International A resort, village or an entire country that manages tourism well for the long-term benefit of tourists, conservation and local people. 2007 winner: The New Forest, UK Best personal contribution sponsored by Tourism Ireland A person who has made an outstanding contribution to responsible tourism. 2007 winner: Anthony Climpson, The New Forest, UK Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2007 winners Download r:travel, the responsible travel magazine featuring all the winners of our Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2007

With thanks to our headline sponsor, Virgin Holidays and our partners, World Travel Market, The Daily Telegraph and Geographical magazine more information about our Responsible Tourism Awards Background to the Awards and judging process See the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2007 winners See the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards 2006 winners See the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards 2005 winners or download a brochure See the  Responsible Tourism Awards 2004 winners media For media releases and the latest information contact Krissy Pentland: press@responsibletravel.com