Press release: Responsible Hotels of the World

MEDIA RELEASE: embargoed until 7th July 2009, 12:01am

Launch of Responsible Hotels of the World

Leading global travel website for responsible holidays, responsibletravel.com, will today launch a new collection of stunning hotels that respect local people and environments under the brand name Responsible Hotels of the World. The company is at the same time launching a dedicated travel agency division to book these hotels on behalf of their customers.

The new collection can be found on the new microsite – www.responsiblehotelsoftheworld.com and will also be marketed through the main responsibletravel.com site.

Justin Francis, managing director and co-founder of responsibletravel.com said:

“When we launched in 2001 there was a definite feeling in the tourism industry that customers didn’t care about responsible tourism. What we have shown over the last eight years is that there is a real demand for enjoyable, authentic, locally distinctive holidays that are better for local people and environments. Whilst the UK remains our most popular destination, we’ve also discovered hotels around the world that are meeting this demand - providing truly unique holiday experiences whilst at the same time putting responsibility at the heart of their businesses.

"Now as a traditional travel agent we will be offering travellers a more tailor-made, personalised service, as well as passing on the best deals and looking after their travel arrangements, including flights in the process.”

As with all holidays on responsibletravel.com, all hotels within the Responsible Hotels of the World collection have been carefully screened for their commitment to responsible tourism and all travellers will be asked to leave a review of these elements of their holiday when they return.

Responsible Hotels of the World launches with 40 hotels in the Caribbean, South East Asia, the Indian Ocean, Central America and East Africa and will be gradually expanded as more properties qualify.

responsibletravel.com has become a member of the Travel Trust Association, giving customers total financial security and protection when taking bookings for both accommodations and flights.

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Notes to editors