Interview with the winners of the 2005 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards
Jo Pope, Robin Pope Safari's - Winner 'Best personal contribution'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year?
I always thought that winning an award was not important and simply doing the work is all that mattered. But I have to say it was totally unexpected and very humbling to receive the award. I was delighted. It has also helped bring the project into focus for me – what I do does matter and it important. Sometimes it is hard to remember this with all the logistical difficulties on a day to day basis.
What highlights should tourists come and see?
The cultural interaction with the Kunda community that Kawaza Village provides is exceptional and I think very important for safari tourists – Africa is not just about luxury camps in stunning game parks (which of course we have) !
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
Rebuilding of Kawaza School – the pupils there are now surpassing all expectations for rural areas and have a great start to their education. And watching the children from our camps visiting the school Everyone gains !
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Make contact with the staff – the waiters, the bedroom staff. And if there is any chance to visit the community do so. Even dropping into a local market and chatting with the vendors will give you that interaction.
Find a Robin Pope Safaris holiday here
Su Beswick, The Venus Company Ltd - Winner 'Best in a marine environment'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year?
This was just the most amazing endorsement for The Venus Company as the award nominations came from the general public. It shows that our efforts to minimize the harmful effects of our activities and maximise the beneficial influences on the environment and local communities are really being appreciated by our customers.
Taking care of the environment is integral to our business philosophy. Our motto “Loving the Beach” is fundamental to our business success.
Our mission is to be the greenest beach café and shop operator, so recognition through the prestigious First Choice Responsible Travel Award for Best in a Marine Environment in an international arena has been great for all our hard working team who actually make the difference. We are proud to display the Award on our publicity material and website as this endorsement helps to tell customers what Venus stands for.
What highlights should tourists come and see?
Four of the most beautiful beaches in Devon and Cornwall for a start – Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth; East Portlemouth, a ferry ride from Salcombe; and Bigbury on Sea near Modbury in South Devon and Tolcarne Beach in Newquay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of North Cornwall.
All are in stunning locations and Blackpool Sands and Bigbury on Sea beaches have European Blue Flag Awards. All are great for family fun and for watching or enjoying different types of watersports such as windsurfing, sailing and canoeing.
We have Venus Cafes at all of these beaches and Venus Beach Shops at Blackpool Sands, East Portlemouth and Tolcarne where you can buy all you need for a great day out on the beach. Venus provides an alfresco Mediterranean style dining experience using mostly, organic and locally produced ingredients and red meat and dairy products traceable to farms in the UK. We cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets. Children love our Dolphin Box Meals with free marine colouring sheet, cuddly marine toy and colouring pencils.
The Cafes are also popular stops for cyclists and South West coastal footpath walkers. At Tolcarne Beach, there are also beach village apartments, an Atlantic Surf School and beach huts for hire.
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
We are proud of the fact that our business is constantly moving towards the goal of fully sustainable operations and that we have begun to make a difference both in our immediate and local environment and on the national and international stage.
Gaining the public’s recognition through the First Choice Responsible Tourism Award and being crowned with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2005 has been hugely important to us.
We strive to improve our business performance year on year with a wide range of environmental measures that include local purchasing for food, drink and other services; returning cardboard, plastic and used cooking oil for recycling; using energy efficient equipment and menus, total chlorine free paper, purchase of locally grown and organic ingredients, non toxic and chlorine free cleaning materials and buying green tariff electricity to guarantee zero CO2 output.
We are also really proud of the Venus range of “Land to Hand” packaging made from 100% compostable paper, such as wraps, baguette and panini bags, roll down bags and paper lids for the hot drinks. These have been introduced for 2006 with a new sandwich box that has no plastic or see through film.
Lastly, the Company has raised over £20,000 in 5 years to support green lanes heritage conservation in the South Hams. We have now set up the Venus Beach Wildlife Fund to help protect and enhance the habitats of the different beach flora and fauna species. Venus will donate 5p on its customers’ behalf for every tea and flake bought at The Venus Cafes in Devon & Cornwall to support the fund. Environmental schemes will be implemented by the Devon & Cornwall Wildlife Trusts.
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Ian Ripper, Guerba - Winner 'Best in a mountain environment'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year?
We work hard to limit our impact on the planet and to make sure that our impact on the people in places we visit is as positive as possible. While we often think we are doing the right thing, it is always reassuring to have a panel of independent judges test what we do and then to actually vote us as winners of an award!
What highlights should tourists come and see?
I think the bulk of tourists will always be drawn to the big-name highlights. In east Africa these are the great game parks, in India icons such as the Taj Mahal.
It's the responsible operators role to ensure that these highlights are seen in a wider context and that in seeing them, the traveller is not adversely affecting the very highlight they are experiencing and at the same time the locals actually benefit from this influx of people to their back yards.
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
In 1990, we had a fleet of overland trucks throughout Africa with 50+ expatriate crews (mainly English and Antipodeans). We started a company in Nairobi to allow us to formalise the employment of local casual labourers who helped clean tents, wash trucks and do other odd jobs while we were in Nairobi between tours. It was a great moment for us when last November we handed over 49% of the shareholding in Guerba Kenya to our 3 local managers. Guerba Kenya is now locally run, all the crew in Africa are Africans, and with 49% shareholding in the company, our local team have really been given a great opportunity.
I think this sits up there with the completion of our Guerba Computer Training Centre in Kilimanjaro district and the breaking ground on the new Amani Children's Home in Moshi, Tanzania.
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Stop and think what it must be like to be in the shoes (or more likely bare feet) of the guy who is hassling you. Stop and think "am I leaving this place as least as pristine as I found it?" Open your eyes to the needs and aspirations of the people you see. It's surprising how similar they are to our own!
Find Guerba holidays here
Claude Graves, Nihiwatu - Winner 'Best hotel'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year?
Seventeen years ago we started developing Nihiwatu with a primary goal of creating a new paradigm in tourism. At the time other developers and hoteliers in Bali ridiculed our plan to make it a priority to help the surrounding community. Over the years several well known hotel organizations offered to buy into our property but refused to commit to our vision which they considered a financial burden, we of course could not accept the offers. While we struggled to establish Nihiwatu on our own we saw the conventional resorts on Bali thriving and, at times, we wondered if what we were doing made sense. Wining Best Hotel at The First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards 2006 was very important to us. Receiving the award has validated all we have worked so hard to achieve.
What highlights should tourists come and see?
The island of Sumba is stunning, it has mountains, pristine beaches and a thriving ecosystem both on land and in the sea, but for me the highlight is the very unique Sumbanese culture. This is a megalithic culture that has not changed in thousands of years and one that gives travelers a real insight into our past. Once our guests have experienced a day in a traditional village many are compelled to help us help our Sumbanese neighbors by donating to The Sumba Foundation that we established for this purpose.
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
Knowing that our resort has been able to make a positive impact on more than 10,000 peoples lives, seeing the children we saved in our clinics from certain death, who are now thriving and learning in the schools that we have rehabilitated, seeing the difference the water we have been able to provide to dozens of villages makes in peoples lives, these are my proudest achievements.
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Be aware of the impact you could be making, have an open mind and try to learn from the places and people you visit, and if possible get involved.
Find a holiday at Nihiwatu here
Sofia de Meyer, Whitepod - Winner 'Best for innovation'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year? Winning the award meant recognition for all the hard work invested and recognition is often the greatest form of encouragement!
What highlights should tourists come and see?
The pods! And the Alps away from ski resorts, quiet and magical.
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
Increasing awareness towards low impact accommodation and promoting winter activities as exiting but less harmful to the environment than traditional alpine skiing.
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Be aware of your impact on the environment (cultural, natural and economical) throughout your trip and make decisions appropriately. In other words, be responsible!
Find a holiday at Whitepod here
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year? I always thought that winning an award was not important and simply doing the work is all that mattered. But I have to say it was totally unexpected and very humbling to receive the award. I was delighted. It has also helped bring the project into focus for me – what I do does matter and it important. Sometimes it is hard to remember this with all the logistical difficulties on a day to day basis.
What highlights should tourists come and see?
The cultural interaction with the Kunda community that Kawaza Village provides is exceptional and I think very important for safari tourists – Africa is not just about luxury camps in stunning game parks (which of course we have) !
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
Rebuilding of Kawaza School – the pupils there are now surpassing all expectations for rural areas and have a great start to their education. And watching the children from our camps visiting the school Everyone gains !
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Make contact with the staff – the waiters, the bedroom staff. And if there is any chance to visit the community do so. Even dropping into a local market and chatting with the vendors will give you that interaction.
Find a Robin Pope Safaris holiday here Su Beswick, The Venus Company Ltd - Winner 'Best in a marine environment'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year?
This was just the most amazing endorsement for The Venus Company as the award nominations came from the general public. It shows that our efforts to minimize the harmful effects of our activities and maximise the beneficial influences on the environment and local communities are really being appreciated by our customers.
Taking care of the environment is integral to our business philosophy. Our motto “Loving the Beach” is fundamental to our business success.
Our mission is to be the greenest beach café and shop operator, so recognition through the prestigious First Choice Responsible Travel Award for Best in a Marine Environment in an international arena has been great for all our hard working team who actually make the difference. We are proud to display the Award on our publicity material and website as this endorsement helps to tell customers what Venus stands for.
What highlights should tourists come and see?
Four of the most beautiful beaches in Devon and Cornwall for a start – Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth; East Portlemouth, a ferry ride from Salcombe; and Bigbury on Sea near Modbury in South Devon and Tolcarne Beach in Newquay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of North Cornwall. All are in stunning locations and Blackpool Sands and Bigbury on Sea beaches have European Blue Flag Awards. All are great for family fun and for watching or enjoying different types of watersports such as windsurfing, sailing and canoeing.
We have Venus Cafes at all of these beaches and Venus Beach Shops at Blackpool Sands, East Portlemouth and Tolcarne where you can buy all you need for a great day out on the beach. Venus provides an alfresco Mediterranean style dining experience using mostly, organic and locally produced ingredients and red meat and dairy products traceable to farms in the UK. We cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets. Children love our Dolphin Box Meals with free marine colouring sheet, cuddly marine toy and colouring pencils.
The Cafes are also popular stops for cyclists and South West coastal footpath walkers. At Tolcarne Beach, there are also beach village apartments, an Atlantic Surf School and beach huts for hire.
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
We are proud of the fact that our business is constantly moving towards the goal of fully sustainable operations and that we have begun to make a difference both in our immediate and local environment and on the national and international stage.
Gaining the public’s recognition through the First Choice Responsible Tourism Award and being crowned with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2005 has been hugely important to us.
We strive to improve our business performance year on year with a wide range of environmental measures that include local purchasing for food, drink and other services; returning cardboard, plastic and used cooking oil for recycling; using energy efficient equipment and menus, total chlorine free paper, purchase of locally grown and organic ingredients, non toxic and chlorine free cleaning materials and buying green tariff electricity to guarantee zero CO2 output.
We are also really proud of the Venus range of “Land to Hand” packaging made from 100% compostable paper, such as wraps, baguette and panini bags, roll down bags and paper lids for the hot drinks. These have been introduced for 2006 with a new sandwich box that has no plastic or see through film.
Lastly, the Company has raised over £20,000 in 5 years to support green lanes heritage conservation in the South Hams. We have now set up the Venus Beach Wildlife Fund to help protect and enhance the habitats of the different beach flora and fauna species. Venus will donate 5p on its customers’ behalf for every tea and flake bought at The Venus Cafes in Devon & Cornwall to support the fund. Environmental schemes will be implemented by the Devon & Cornwall Wildlife Trusts.
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
- Try and choose businesses who are demonstrating their commitment to improving and protecting the environment.
- Buy local food and drink products wherever possible.
- Dine out where local produce is served.
- Only buy locally made gifts to take home.
- Be energy, waste and water wise.
- Have fun at attractions and in activities with minimal environmental impacts.
- Enjoy the local heritage and culture
- Let those that cater for you in a responsible way, know how much you appreciate their efforts – you will inspire them to even greater success!
Ian Ripper, Guerba - Winner 'Best in a mountain environment'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year? We work hard to limit our impact on the planet and to make sure that our impact on the people in places we visit is as positive as possible. While we often think we are doing the right thing, it is always reassuring to have a panel of independent judges test what we do and then to actually vote us as winners of an award!
What highlights should tourists come and see?
I think the bulk of tourists will always be drawn to the big-name highlights. In east Africa these are the great game parks, in India icons such as the Taj Mahal.
It's the responsible operators role to ensure that these highlights are seen in a wider context and that in seeing them, the traveller is not adversely affecting the very highlight they are experiencing and at the same time the locals actually benefit from this influx of people to their back yards.
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
In 1990, we had a fleet of overland trucks throughout Africa with 50+ expatriate crews (mainly English and Antipodeans). We started a company in Nairobi to allow us to formalise the employment of local casual labourers who helped clean tents, wash trucks and do other odd jobs while we were in Nairobi between tours. It was a great moment for us when last November we handed over 49% of the shareholding in Guerba Kenya to our 3 local managers. Guerba Kenya is now locally run, all the crew in Africa are Africans, and with 49% shareholding in the company, our local team have really been given a great opportunity.
I think this sits up there with the completion of our Guerba Computer Training Centre in Kilimanjaro district and the breaking ground on the new Amani Children's Home in Moshi, Tanzania.
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Stop and think what it must be like to be in the shoes (or more likely bare feet) of the guy who is hassling you. Stop and think "am I leaving this place as least as pristine as I found it?" Open your eyes to the needs and aspirations of the people you see. It's surprising how similar they are to our own!
Find Guerba holidays here Claude Graves, Nihiwatu - Winner 'Best hotel'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year? Seventeen years ago we started developing Nihiwatu with a primary goal of creating a new paradigm in tourism. At the time other developers and hoteliers in Bali ridiculed our plan to make it a priority to help the surrounding community. Over the years several well known hotel organizations offered to buy into our property but refused to commit to our vision which they considered a financial burden, we of course could not accept the offers. While we struggled to establish Nihiwatu on our own we saw the conventional resorts on Bali thriving and, at times, we wondered if what we were doing made sense. Wining Best Hotel at The First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards 2006 was very important to us. Receiving the award has validated all we have worked so hard to achieve.
What highlights should tourists come and see?
The island of Sumba is stunning, it has mountains, pristine beaches and a thriving ecosystem both on land and in the sea, but for me the highlight is the very unique Sumbanese culture. This is a megalithic culture that has not changed in thousands of years and one that gives travelers a real insight into our past. Once our guests have experienced a day in a traditional village many are compelled to help us help our Sumbanese neighbors by donating to The Sumba Foundation that we established for this purpose.
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
Knowing that our resort has been able to make a positive impact on more than 10,000 peoples lives, seeing the children we saved in our clinics from certain death, who are now thriving and learning in the schools that we have rehabilitated, seeing the difference the water we have been able to provide to dozens of villages makes in peoples lives, these are my proudest achievements.
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Be aware of the impact you could be making, have an open mind and try to learn from the places and people you visit, and if possible get involved.
Find a holiday at Nihiwatu here Sofia de Meyer, Whitepod - Winner 'Best for innovation'
What did it mean to you to win a responsible tourism award last year? Winning the award meant recognition for all the hard work invested and recognition is often the greatest form of encouragement! What highlights should tourists come and see?
The pods! And the Alps away from ski resorts, quiet and magical.
What are your proudest achievements with regard to responsible tourism?
Increasing awareness towards low impact accommodation and promoting winter activities as exiting but less harmful to the environment than traditional alpine skiing.
What tips could you give to tourists to help them travel responsibly?
Be aware of your impact on the environment (cultural, natural and economical) throughout your trip and make decisions appropriately. In other words, be responsible!
Find a holiday at Whitepod here See all First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards 2005 winners here 
Vote in this year's awards here