Finalists for African Responsible Tourism Awards announced

But who will take the top spot?

With just seven categories to be won, as well as the much-coveted top spot of Overall Winner 2015, the competition just got real for the finalists announced today.

Following an intense debate on the Judging Day in Cape Town on Monday, 13 April, an expert panel of 10 Judges from across the industry have finally selected the finalists from around Africa, including organisations from Botswana, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania.

The finalists for the African Responsible Tourism Awards are:

• !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre;
• andBeyond Rhinos without Borders;
• Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse;
• Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary;
• Chobe Game Lodge;
• Chumbe Island Coral Park;
• City of Cape Town;
• Coffeebeans Routes;
• Gansbaai;
• Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in partnership with the Grootbos Foundation;
• Marine Dynamics;
• My Slow Journey;
• Nkwichi Lodge;
• Nuarro Lodge;
• Sandele Eco-Retreat and Learning Centre;
• Stormsriver Adventures;
• Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company;
• The Good Holiday;
• Transfrontier Parks Destinations Foundation - Baleni Camp;
• Transfrontier Parks Destinations;
• Vineyard Hotel; and
• Wilderness Safaris – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp.

The supporters of the African Responsible Tourism Awards are:

• Best Blog – supported by Cape Town Tourism;
  
• Best for Beach Tourism – supported by Shark Spotters and BulkSMS.com;
  
• Best Destination for Responsible Tourism - supported by the V&A Waterfront;
  
• Best for engaging people and culture – supported by Gauteng Tourism Authority;
  
• Best for Poverty Reduction – supported by Marine Dynamics;
  
• Best for Resource Management – supported by the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa; and
  
• Best for Wildlife Conservation – supported by South Africa National Parks.

The award winners will be announced at the 2015 African Responsible Tourism Awards on Thursday, 16 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town. The awards are part of the responsible tourism programme at WTM Africa, which kicks off with the 11^th International Responsible Tourism in Destinations conference.

Commenting on the finalists, Heidi van der Watt, founder of the Awards and managing director of Better Tourism Africa, said: "Represented in this year’s finalists are some of the most trendsetting examples of responsible tourism in Africa! From a community-focussed birding destination to a rhino relocation programme, from comprehensive greening efforts to revival of traditional economic activities – the Shortlist has a lot to say about where responsible tourism on the continent is, and where it is going next."

Reflecting on the decisions made on the Judging Day was Professor Harold Goodwin, Chair of the Judging Panel and Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism: "This is not just the Judges’ Shortlist – the judges can only select from amongst those who are nominated and make the considerable effort required to apply. For each finalist we’ve chosen, there are many others doing ground-breaking work we’re looking forward to seeing who will be nominated next year. I’d like to thank all those who came forward to share their inspiring stories with the Judging Panel, and hope they’ll join in celebrating the winners on Thursday."

Looking forward to the ceremony is Tim Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Wesgro: "We would like to congratulate all those selected by the Judges for the African Responsible Tourism Awards Shortlist this year. These forward thinking and innovative organisations are true examples of how we can take the tourism industry to new heights in a sustainable and attractive manner. We look forward to the awards ceremony on 16 April at World Travel Market Africa, where we will celebrate the winners in person."