Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008

Nominate in our 2008 Awards! Nominations for our Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008 are now open! Make your nomination by Monday 16 June and sign up to our emagazine to receive the latest announcements, nominations and updates. Our Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by Virgin Holidays 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. The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people. Our Responsible Tourism Awards are different from other awards in that winners are nominated by tourists. One of the founding principles of the Awards is always to seek out new responsible tourism ventures that deserve to be celebrated and your nominations are fundamental to this process. In 2007 we received over 1700 nominations and we will be relying on your responsible travel know-how once again to find the best of the best in 2008. The deadline for receiving nominations is Monday 16 June. All nominees are assessed on an equal basis. Read more about the Responsible Tourism Awards judging process. 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 nominate for the chance to win a holiday! Nominate a winner in our 2008 Awards, and you could win an unforgettable holiday for you and a friend! Real World Adventures by Virgin Holidays & Intrepid Travel is offering a fantastic prize trip of a 15 day tour of India. The prize includes 14 nights accommodation (11 nights hotel/guesthouses, 1 overnight train, 2 nights deluxe air-conditioned tent) and return economy flights with Virgin Atlantic to Delhi. Find out more about this amazing prize holiday . Download r:travel, the responsible travel magazine featuring all the winners of our Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2007 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* 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 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 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