The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 launches with support from Simon Reeve
Nominations are now open for the Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 organised by responsibletravel.com and sponsored by Virgin Holidays. The Awards celebrate tourism ventures around the world that make positive contributions to conservation and the economies of local communities. Author, broadcaster, and currently circling the world in 'Tropic of Cancer' on BBC2, Simon Reeve is supporting this year's Awards: “The Responsible Tourism Awards focus attention on travel firms that are providing us all with amazing trips that make a difference to a local community while still protecting the environment and our planet. And they remind us that responsible travel is not only better for our world, it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel.” Read the full interview here. The Awards are now in their seventh year and are the most prestigious of their kind in the world, with 13 categories receiving nominations for 580 tourism organisations, individuals and destinations in 2009. Partners include Metro Newspaper, Geographical Magazine (the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society), and World Travel Market. Justin Francis, founder of the Awards and Executive Director of responsibletravel.com said: “The Awards are great for showcasing the exciting growth of the responsible tourism movement as it develops into different destinations, new territories and even better experiences. As the movement continues to gather speed in 2010, I’m excited to see that momentum spark the creation of even more authentic travel experiences and genuine community relationships." How to nominate Nominations should be made online at the Responsible Tourism Awards Website or by post to responsibletravel.com, Pavilion House, 6 Old Steine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EJ, and include the name and contact details of the nomination, plus up to 200 words on why they should win a Responsible Tourism Award. The category of entry should also be specified (see notes to editors). Nominations close on: Monday 14th June 2010 Win a holiday to Kenya! Those individuals who nominate a category winner will be entered into a draw to win a once in a lifetime eight day holiday for two to Kenya (including flights) courtesy of Virgin Holidays. Full details can be found on the Responsible Tourism Awards website - ENDS – Further information For more information on the Responsible Tourism Awards visit the website Images of last year's winners and the presentation ceremony are available upon request. Responsible Tourism Award categories For full details of the criteria for each category visit the category page here: Overall Winner - chosen from among 13 winners Best tour operator for local economies - sponsored by Oman Ministry of Tourism *New title and criteria* Best accommodation for the environment- sponsored by Tourism Western Australia *New title and criteria* Best accommodation for the local community - *New title and criteria* Best in a mountain environment - sponsored by Oman Ministry of Tourism Best in a marine environment – sponsored by Fiji Visitors' Bureau Best cruise or ferry operator – sponsored by Oman Ministry of Tourism Best low carbon transport & technology – sponsored by The Quito Visitors Bureau Best for conservation of wildlife & habitats – sponsored by South Australian Tourism Commission Best for conservation of cultural heritage - sponsored by Jamaica Tourist Board Best for poverty reduction – sponsored by PromPeru Best volunteering organisation – sponsored by Swaziland Tourism Authority Best destination - sponsored by Oman Ministry of Tourism Best personal contribution - sponsored by Oman Ministry of Tourism For details of this year’s sponsors visit the Responsible Tourism Awards website The judging panel The judging panel for the Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 is chaired by Harold Goodwin, Professor of Responsible Tourism Management at Leeds Metropolitan University & Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, and includes: Tricia Barnett, Director, Tourism Concern Justin Francis, CEO and founder, responsibletravel.com Graeme Gourlay, Owner, Circle Publishing Dr Rebecca Hawkins, Considerate Hoteliers Association Debbie Hindle, Managing Director, bgb communications Sue Hurdle, Chief Executive, The Travel Foundation Fiona Jeffery, Chairman, World Travel Market Ian Reynolds, former Chief Executive of ABTA & Trustee of The Travel Foundation Lisa Scott, Travel Editor, Metro Newspaper John de Vial, Director of ABTA - The Travel Association, Travelife and The Travel Foundation Matt Walpole, Head of Ecosystem Assessment, UNEP-WCMC Nikki White, Head of Destinations & Sustainability, ABTA Notes to editors Share this press release on Facebook and Twitter About responsibletravel.com: responsibletravel.com is the world's leading travel agent for responsible holidays. The site offers over 3,500 richer, deeper and more locally distinctive travel experiences that are better for destinations and local communities. Whether you're after an action-packed adventure, a relaxing beach escape or a charming countryside getaway closer to home, there's something to suit all tastes and budgets. Co-founder, Justin Francis had the original idea for the website on his travels through Africa having completed his MSc in ResponsibleTourism. He launched the site with backing from Dame Anita Roddick in 2001 and since then has been included in Courvoisier’s The Future 500, Thames and Hudson’s 60 Innovators Shaping Our Creative Future and taken his place on the Advisory Board of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University. Based in Brighton, England responsibletravel.com also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry. www.iknowagreatplace.com is responsibletravel.com's online travel community website, launched in December 2008. The site offers local travel secrets to travellers throughout the world. Post questions in our Q & A, swap your tips and ideas, upload photos and blogs from your travels and look for companions for your next trip. Contact: Alexander Lyons alex@responsibletravel.com 01273 648 519
