To create change don’t fight the old but build the new. This great advice from Socrates resonates with us. As a non-profit focused on educating changemakers it’s our job to support the people building new things that will create greater change. Enjoy this selection of innovations, ideas and events from our global network.

This month we would like to celebrate:

NEWS AND REPORTS

Winners of our Responsible Tourism Awards Europe sponsored by easyJet holidays

Winners our Responsible Tourism Awards Southeast Asia

Ideas shared by our Founder Harold Goodwin in an Institute of Tourism Lecture series

Ethical Tour Operator and DMC guidelines by Emily Downes - an alumni of the ICRT global Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism.

Latitude I was recently delighted to speak at a networking event for this new online community of Responsible Tourism practitioners. I hope to see you at future events.

FREE GLOBAL EVENT

Do join us to be inspired by the work of our Responsible Tourism Awards worldwide winners and scholars and to hear the new categories and how to apply for the 2027 Responsible Tourism Awards

Date and Time : 25 August,12 to 1pm UK time

With thanks to our scholarship supporters ITB Berlin, easyJet holidays, the Institute of Tourism, Lemongrass Marketing, Mathur and Co and Responsible Travel.

Sign Up

Join our community for our next online training courses

10 September – the start of our next Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism

22 October – the start of our next Professional Certificate in Rebalancing Tourism

Tess Longfield (pictured) recently said: “If you’re also a lifelong learner and would like to deepen your knowledge of responsible tourism, I urge you to enrol onto ICRT global’s next course. I highly recommend the course for the combination of excellent content, an engaged and passionate cohort.. and truly supportive and accessible course leaders, Debbie and Professor Harold Goodwin.”

Pre-enrol to find out more

5 September – The ICRT Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards at BLTM India

2 November - The Annual Global Responsible Tourism Summit sponsored by easyJet holidays and the Global Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board.

Future Events

Picture credit: Akil Mazumder, Pexels

Debbie Hindle chair ICRT global

Have you ever thought, “oh we’re too small to enter an award”, or “we don’t like to shout about what we’re doing”. Well please do think again. What you’re doing could help others. As a non-profit leader in responsible tourism education we want to shine a light on the best, most innovative and replicable ideas that others can learn from. One person buzzing like a mosquito with a new idea can help others to change the world. So please join our events, awards and courses and see what you can share and learn.

NEW ICRT ECONOMIC BENEFIT METHODOLOGY

Read a new journal paper authored by our special advisor Xavier Font based on ICRT work, explaining how to accurately report on the economic impact of individual businesses using audited accounts.

NEW EUROPE FORUM

Hear about the direction of sustainable tourism in Europe at our first ICRT Europe Forum with industry leaders, presented by Paloma Hotels. The Forum will be followed by the ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards presented by easyJet holidays.

Register

NEW FREE LECTURE SERIES

ICRT global announces a strategic partnership with the Institute of Tourism; a series of three lectures in 2026 starting 26 June.

Register

NEW BOARD MEMBER
Industry leader Jane Ashton joins the board of ICRT global

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARDS NEWS

Image credit: chocolate making, Belize Tourism Board

• The Global Responsible Awards are now sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board.

• Latin America winners
  Be inspired by winners of the ICRT LATA Responsible Tourism Awards which were announced at LATA Expo this month.

• Entries are still open until 30 June or Indian Subcontinent and worldwide Responsible Tourism Awards

• Enjoy a new Africa downloadable brochure including all the 2026 winners of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards

ICRT global COURSES

• New dates for transformative responsible tourism training courses.

• Ethical partnerships: a summary of a course report written by consultant Emily Downes after completing a Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism

• Scholarships – open for entry before 30 June. With thanks to sponsors Responsible Travel, Lemongrass Marketing and easyJet holidays.

ICRT NETWORK ACTIVITY

• June, Italy, Debbie Hindle reports from the Tourism Seasonality Summit

• July 6-11, Malaysia, ICRT Southeast Asia International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality

• September 5, New Delhi, ICRT Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards

• Keep in touch with all future events here

WINNERS’ TALES

• Video interview: Jane Fox, Foxes Safari Camps and a Gold winner in the 2025 Global Responsible Tourism Awards. (Image credit Foxes Safari Camps)

• Four Questions With.. Siel Debouver, Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia

Subscribe now

These words by the US politician Jay Inslee were rattling round my head as I read the latest research by Booking.com of 32,500 people in 35 countries. A third of people said they had cancelled or changed travel plans because of extreme weather, or disasters.

And 24% of 3,715 accommodation providers surveyed across 18 countries said they had had weather-related operational disruptions last year.

So lets share ideas. Lets be the generation that does something about it. Join us at events, enter our awards, join our training programmes and networks. Lets make change together.

Tourism Seasonality Summit, 17-18 May - Rimini, Italy

• Join us next month We’re the official Impact Partners for the Tourism Seasonality Summit run by Routes and Low Season Traveller. Join the conference to re-think your approach to seasonality and hear from industry leading experts Book your place using code SBC10 for your exclusive ICRT global partner discount.

• Free resource The Tourism Seasonality Summit team have also created a free, practical resource designed to help you tackle seasonality head‑on. Give it a go.

WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award winners

• The 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards have been unveiled recognising 22 organisations across 13 countries. Read the judges citations and be inspired!

Africa Events and White Paper

• NEW virtual conference Tuesday 28 April Creating Shared Value Eswatini Responsible Tourism Conference Join us online!

• NEW two ICRT global WTM Africa White Papers covering the history of Responsible Tourism in Africa and issues facing wildlife tourism.

o Responsible Tourism Across Africa

o Tourism and the Wildlife Economy in Africa

Leaders views - Four questions with.. Siel Debouver, Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia

Learn from the pioneering winning waste management work of Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia, in our latest “Four questions with” series with Siel Debouver Gold winner of the 2025 ICRT LATA Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards

2026 Responsible Tourism Awards Worldwide and Indian Subcontinent

There’s still time to apply for two of our regional Responsible Tourism Awards for 2026. Download an application form and submit entries for our Indian Subcontinent and worldwide Responsible Tourism Awards before 30 June

o The 2026 ICRT Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards

o The 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards worldwide are open for work being done in North America, Canada, The Middle East, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Central Asia, East Asia and Australasia.

ICRT Southeast Asia and ICRT Thailand

• Join our ICRT Network in Southeast Asia at ICRTH 2026 - International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality

• Our independent network of like-minded professionals continues to expand with the formation of ICRT Thailand If you’re interested in joining our community message info@icrt.global

Expand your expertise through our next Professional Training Courses

“It’s been a long time since I last studied and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The course itself is very well organised and full of rich, relevant and thought-provoking content.” Emily Downes, Market and Commercial Readiness for DMCS

• ·Professional Certificate in Rebalancing Tourism starts 28 May

• Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism starts 30 April

  Pre-Enrol to find out more

• We have also launched a scholarship programme in partnership with ITB Berlin to offer ten places on our Professional Certificate Training courses. If you know anyone who might benefit from this let them know. Details are here and entry by 30 June 2026: 2026 Scholarships - ICRT global with thanks to sponsors Responsible Travel, Lemongrass Marketing and easyJet holidays.

NEW Scholarship programme to launch at ITB Berlin, 3 – 5 April

• We’re delighted to confirm we’ve become CSR Partner with ITB Berlin and we’ll be launching a scholarship progamme at the show next month. Get in touch with ICRT global Chair Debbie Hindle if you’re there and would like to say hello. debbie@icrt.global

• Or WATCH virtually Our special advisor Willy Legrand is running the Responsible Tourism track on Thursday. Check out the convention programme

Responsible Tourism Awards are open for entry

• Share your ideas and inspire others. Entries are now open for the 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards. Our first deadlines are for 20 March for WTM Africa, and 27 March for ICRT LATA Awards. It’s always free to enter.

FREE ONLINE WEBINAR Responsible Tourism Opportunities in Europe, 16 March

• Join our webinar showcasing Responsible Tourism opportunities in Europe including examples of great practice, addressing tourism seasonality and how to win a Responsible Tourism Award. 2pm CET Sign up today

WTM Africa, 13 to 15 April,

• Join WTM Africa’s Responsible Tourism sessions WTM Africa’s Responsible Tourism Sessions curated by Harold Goodwin and join us for the winners of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards

Offer for Tourism Seasonality Summit, Italy, 17 to 18 May

• We’ve become the official Responsible Impact Partners for the Tourism Seasonality Summit run by Routes and Low Season Traveller. It’s an important conference for anyone wanting to rethink their approach to seasonality. Just use ICRT10 to get a preferential discount when booking.

NEW Research - Calling Hotels

• We’re working on a new Whitepaper reviewing how hotels can measure and demonstrate their impact on the local economy. If you’re hotel and would like to take part at no cost please email us at info@icrt.global

Useful ideas for changing narratives:

• A great BBC Travel article by Tarang Mohnot

• It’s time to shift corporate Responsible Tourism communication “from burden to benefit”

• “It’s low season not off-season” Podcast

And get more ideas for change with ICRT global

• Professional Certificates in Responsible Tourism start on 5 March or 30 April.

• Professional Certificate in Rebalancing Tourism starts 28 May

  Pre-enrol today

When we launched we said that the giants of Responsible Tourism are those practicing it and it’s been an incredible year in which we’ve shared news of exciting Responsible Tourism Award winners from around the world, launched two online training courses, run events in Brussels and London as well as spoken at events in Berlin, London, Indonesia, Africa and India. Our ICRT network has expanded too with new colleagues across Europe and in the Balkans. And we’ve welcomed Professor Hiram Ting and Professor Willy Legrand as new Special Advisors.

So what can we see ahead for 2026?

1. Rebalancing tourism becomes a new field of expertise.

• Read our thoughts in this excellent article in Adventure Magazine Can we solve the world’s overtourism problem? We ask the experts | Adventure.com

• Pre-enrol to take find out more about our next Professional Certificate in Rebalancing Tourism 12-week online course Pre-enrol registration - ICRT global

2. Moving stakeholder collaboration from theory to practice.

• NEW ICRT global is launching a series of bespoke workshops which can bring together multiple stakeholder to agree a framework for action.

• Download our 2026 introduction here

3. Hearing from pioneering changemakers.

If you’ve done great work in Responsible Tourism then share it to inspire others.

• Read about the inspiring 2025 Global Responsible Tourism Award Winners

• The 2026 Responsible Awards are now open for entries 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards - ICRT global

• NEW – we have a new award category to highlight excellence in the field of regenerative tourism.

• Read Harold Goodwin’s paper on Regenerative Tourism here Regenerativefv.pdf

4. Building a community of Responsible Tourism changemakers

• We’ll be announcing new ICRT networks in the months ahead and we’ll be launching a new course on Creating Economic Value.

• In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming more students on our next Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism which starts on 5 March.

• Join us or pre-enrol for other dates New 2026 dates for “transformative” courses - ICRT global

Steven Keen, founder of Cretan said: “This course has been nothing short of transformative. It’s rare to encounter learning that resonates this deeply—not just intellectually, but emotionally too. What you’ve created is so much more than a course; it feels like a compass for anyone striving to shape a more responsible and sustainable future.”

We look forward to celebrating and learning from the world’s Responsible Tourism changemakers in 2026!

Subscribe now

Thirty organisations from across the world including community villages and homestays, a cultural education centre, walking tours, agricultural tourism, tour operators, luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts are among the global winners on the recognition list for the 2025 International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Global Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by Sabre.

Each of the organisations has already won gold in regional awards held with ICRTs in Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel and founder of ICRT global said: “Everyone being recognised in this year’s Global Responsible Tourism Awards is doing something remarkable that others can learn from. These are exceptional examples of innovation and creative solutions that the judges hope will inspire and motivate others. Congratulations to each and everyone involved.”

Each of the organisations recognised will be celebrated at the ICRT global annual summit and awards ceremony in London on Monday 3 November, starting at 2pm UK time. Please sign up to watch virtually, or to be sent an event recording:

Watch Virtually

And the organisations that will be recognised are:

Nature Positive Global Responsible Tourism Awards

Astungkara Way, Indonesia is a 135 km regenerative pilgrimage in Bali that blends environmental restoration with cultural renewal. It weaves through rice paddies and forests, linking 14 local partner families who host visitors.

Cardamon Tented Camp, Cambodia Cardamom Tented Camp operates within Botum Sakor National Park and helps fund18 forest rangers from camp profits. It enables patrols that combat illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, sand bank dredging, and land grabbing.

Emboo Safari Camp, Kenya Located in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Emboo Safari Camp is a sustainability leader, running entirely on solar power and recycling all waste. It was the first camp in East Africa to use electric safari vehicles, which not only reduce emissions but also enhance the wildlife experience through quieter, more immersive encounters.

Rainforest Expeditions and Wired Amazon Peru Rainforest Expeditions’ Wired Amazon programme integrates scientific research with ecotourism to conserve biodiversity while benefiting local communities. It engages volunteers in citizen science, using AI to process drone footage, camera trap images, and bioacoustic data.

Jetwing Vil Uyana Sri Lanka Jetwing Vil Uyana exemplifies nature-positive tourism through its transformative restoration of degraded land into a biodiverse wetland supporting over 300 species. The judges commended Jetwing Vil Uyana for presenting a leading model in ecosystem regeneration and visitor education.

Six Senses Laamu The luxury resort of Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives delivers a highly replicable, science-backed model of nature-positive tourism, grounded in long-term conservation initiatives such as coral spawning research, megafauna tracking, and turtle ranger programs; each showing measurable ecological outcomes.

Naturetrek, is a UK-based wildlife holiday tour operator established in 1986, which supports multiple conservation initiatives and stood out to the judges for allocating its own profits to buy land reserves around the world as a long-term investment to support conservation and biodiversity.

Peace Understanding and Inclusion, Global Responsible Tourism Awards

Anthro on Foot Audio Walking Tours, Philippines offers affordable self-guided audio tours across all 17 Philippine regions, including underrepresented or conflict-affected sites. It includes in-depth narratives that span pre-colonial, colonial, and modern histories.

Township & Village, Stellenbosch, South Africa Township & Village (T&V) creates community-based tourism experiences around Stellenbosch that encourage guests to explore local culture, history, and life through immersive guided tours in historically marginalised communities.

Valencia Travel Cusco for the Ruqha Ayllu Project, Peru launched the Ruqha Ayllu Project of experiential tourism to empower a marginalised community of 25 families excluded from mainstream tourism.

Better Life Foundation has created a peacebuilding-led, culture-centred model in Nagaland India that builds trust through regenerative farming and then introduces tourism with ex-insurgents trained as guides, turning fear into shared pride and livelihood.

MEJDI Tours,is a socially conscious travel company that uses tourism as a tool for peacebuilding, cultural understanding, and economic justice. It designs immersive, multi-narrative experiences led by local voices -often from opposing perspectives- to help travellers engage with the complexity, beauty, and humanity of the places they visit.

Managing Waste Global Responsible Tourism Awards

EcoCamp, Patagonia, Chile located in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to waste management. In a remote park where landfill is the default, EcoCamp offers a replicable model for sustainable waste handling.

HBD Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe operates with a clear vision of environmental responsibility on the island of Príncipe. Its ten-person waste management team leads a range of community and business-focused initiatives that reduce landfill and support reuse and recycling.

WormingUp™ Malaysia is a youth-led, ISO 14001 certified social enterprise in Sarawak. It transforms organic waste using Black Soldier Fly larvae, creating natural fertiliser and insect protein, and diverts waste from landfills

TIEEDI Permaculture Foundation, India is an environmental conservation organisation in Darjeeling which proudly proclaims it is waging a war on waste through permaculture-based zero-waste homestays, forest gardens, eco-architecture and education.

Increasing Local Sourcing and Creating Shared Value Global Responsible Tourism Awards

Dlala Nje, Johannesburg, South Africa runs transformative inner-city tours in Hillbrow and Yeoville, encouraging guests to reframe their perceptions of Johannesburg’s most misunderstood areas.

!Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Southern Africa is a cultural and educational centre that honours the San people’s heritage while supporting economic empowerment and sustainability. Its approach to food and beverage sourcing is deeply rooted in ethics and tradition.

Kuyana Amazon Lodge, Ecuador sources over 80% of its food from nearby farms, anchoring its cuisine in traditional Amazonian gastronomy and strengthening the local economy

Community Homestay Network Nepal is a social enterprise that partners with local communities across Nepal to offer culturally immersive homestay experiences.

Delphina hotels and resorts, Sardinia is a family-owned business which operates twelve hotels, six spas and villas in Sardinia. It runs a “Genuine Local Food Oriented^®“ initiative, which focuses on promoting healthy, sustainable, and local cuisine

Climate Adaptation and Resilience Global Responsible Tourism Awards

Amazonas Explorer, Peru reduces carbon emissions by offering low-impact adventure travel, such as trekking, biking, and rafting, across Peru’s Sacred Valley. It operates E-bikes, sources food locally, and avoids air-conditioned transport

Green Safaris Conservation Foundation, Zambia is innovating the safari model through solar-powered, silent vehicles and lodges that are over 80% powered by solar energy. Its commitment to low-emissions tourism is matched by community-facing climate resilience work.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Beach Resort & Hotel in Vietnam built Vietnam’s first on-site solar farm (Crystal Water Plant), supplying both potable water and greywater treatment systems

Heritance Hotels, Kandalama Heritance Kandalama is a luxury hotel in Sri Lanka which was designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. It is addressing and adapting to climate change goals, by offering a long-term, well-integrated regenerative tourism model that is measurable, credible, and deeply embedded in both ecology and community.

All-Inclusives Global Responsible Tourism Awards

Foxes Safari Camps, Tanzania operates an impressive all-inclusive tourism model that prioritises sustainability and community development across its Tanzanian properties.

Nay Palad Hideaway, Philippines redefines barefoot luxury on Siargao Island by emphasising nature, culture, and community. It operates an all-inclusive model featuring permaculture gardens, organic food, composting, recycling, and environmental stewardship- including mangrove restoration, plus support for local education and healthcare.

Sen Caraih, Vietnam is a Cham-led, community-run ecotourism village. It has transformed lowland rice paddies into lotus fields, offering guests hands-on activities like lotus harvesting, fishing, cooking, weaving, and cultural performances.

Heel Oya CBT Village Sri Lanka is a community-based tourism village in Sri Lanka. The judges praised its community-based tour packages for integrating food, trekking, local gastronomy, and traditional agriculture into immersive experiences, while offering homestays and newly curated activities.

Club Marvy, is a 303-room property based in Özdere, Turkey. It views sustainable gastronomy as a core value and adopts local supply policies to strengthen the local economy, promote healthy living, and contribute to environmental protection and the preservation of traditional agricultural practices.

The judges of the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, chaired by ICRT Founder Harold Goodwin included: Justin Francis CEO of Responsible Travel, Manisha Pande ICRT India Foundation, Carol Hay, ICRT global special advisor and chief tourism offier McKenzie Gayle, Glynn O Leary ICRT Southern Africa and Transfrontier National Parks, Quin Meyer, ICRT global director and founder Crees Manu, Gustavo Pinto ICRT Latin America, Kerry Carmichael founder of Echo and from ICRT Southeast Asia Mr Sochea Nhem and Dr Phuong Bui.

Read the full citations

Subscribe now

And the 2025 Europe Responsible Tourism Award winners are:

Local Sourcing and Creating Shared Value Responsible Tourism Awards

Gold: Delphina Hotels & Resorts, Sardinia

Delphina operates 12 hotels and 6 spas across Sardinia, with a “Genuine Local Food Oriented®” initiative that sources 76% of food and beverage from 128 Sardinian suppliers Its Selezione Delphina collection showcases local food, wine, cosmetics, and crafts, curated by the founders and a master chef. Judges applauded its commitment and storytelling approach, connecting guests to producers and traditions.

Silver: Emotional Sicily, Italy
Emotional Sicily rejected tourism models in Sicily which bypass local communities. It offers deep engagement with local communities and heritage by co-createing travel experiences with 150+ artisans, guides, chefs, and artists. Judges praised its place-based model and philosophy that “Responsible Tourism is not a checklist but a mindset.” Emotional Sicily lifts up all partners involved and sets an inspiring example that others can learn from.

One to Watch: Six Senses Ibiza, Spain
Six Senses Ibiza created a community learning centre to preserve local knowledge and foster dialogue. It offers workshops, farming activities, gastronomy events, and environmental programmes. In 2024, 250 people participated in pilot programmes, with plans to double that in 2025. Judges praised its community-first approach and replicable model.

Managing Waste Responsible Tourism Awards

Silver: Liberty Fabay, Turkey

Liberty Fabay is a five-star resort in Fethiye, Turkey, with a robust waste reduction strategy. In 2024, it cut 5.97 tons of paper, 10.05 tons of glass, 1.2 tons of metal, and 10.73 tons of plastic. It plans to convert organic waste into animal feed in partnership with the local community. Judges applauded its clear metrics and thorough processes.

Silver: Skiathos Palace, Greece
Skiathos Palace has embedded circular thinking into its operations. Over 70% of beverages are in returnable glass bottles, 80% of beer is draft, and single-use plastics have been eliminated. Instead of replacing furniture, the hotel refurbished its lounge using local craftsmen. Judges praised its supply chain engagement and practical steps to reduce waste, calling it a strong example of resource-conscious hospitality.

One to Watch: Swatchloop, Turkey
Swatchloop tackles hotel-generated textile waste through a fully traceable circular system. In partnership with a coastal resort, it recovered 4,082 kg of towels, linens, and uniforms — 79% recycled and the rest upcycled by women-led enterprises. Judges called it a highly innovative model with potential to scale across the sector.

Nature Positive Responsible Tourism Awards

Gold: Naturetrek, UK

Naturetrek is a specialist wildlife tour operator which will celebrate its fortieth anniversary in 2026 and offers hundreds of expert-led tours. The judges felt that Naturetrek stood out because of its long-term strategy of using its own profits to buy land reserves to protect nature. At its Macchietelle Reserve in Italy for example, fruit trees have been planted to support the Marscian Brown Bear, the Apenine wolf is protected, wetlands are being restored and the landscape rewilded.

Silver: Brabant Partners, Netherlands
Brabant Partners leads the MONA project to manage the increasing volume of nature-based tourism in North Brabant. It tackles congestion and pollution through sustainable transport, inclusive route planning, and behavioural nudging. Its Wandelstarter platform offers interactive maps with route info, parking, and facilities. Judges praised its measurable impact and scalability, calling it a strong initiative for managing tourism pressure in natural areas.

One to Watch: Animondial, Global
Animondial’s NATOUR IMPACT is an online tool helping travel businesses assess nature-related risks and impacts and guiding them towards meeting the environmental commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2020. The tool simplifies complex evaluations, educates users, and guides them toward Nature Positive Tourism. Judges were impressed by early tour operator feedback and its ambition to become a global benchmark for nature-positive transformation.

Peace, understanding and inclusion Responsible Tourism Awards

Gold: MEJDI Tours, Global
MEJDI Tours is a socially conscious travel company that uses tourism as a tool for peacebuilding, cultural understanding, and economic justice. It designs immersive, multi-narrative journeys led by local voices, often from opposing perspectives. Its “dual narrative” model, pioneered in Israel and Palestine, allows travellers to hear guides from both populations side by side. Now operating in 40+ countries, MEJDI fosters empathy, intercultural dialogue, and social impact. A study showed 83% of travellers reported shifts in attitudes or behaviours. Judges called MEJDI an inspiring and world-leading example of how tourism can contribute to peace.

Silver: Costa Navarino, Greece
Costa Navarino is a luxury destination in Messinia, Greece, founded to protect heritage and empower the local community. It has invested €11 million in infrastructure and contributes 11% to regional GDP. Judges highlighted its inclusive offerings from wheelchair sand cruises to gender-neutral facilities and culturally inclusive amenities. Costa Navarino shows how luxury tourism can be inclusive, locally rooted, and economically transformative.

Silver: Via Transilvanica, Romania

Via Transilvanica is a 1,600 km long-distance trail that traverses Romania’s cultural, historical, and natural landscapes. Developed and managed by Tășuleasa Social Association with the help of over 20,000 volunteers, it connects more than 400 communities, many of which are rural, depopulated and underserved. Between 2023 and 2024, accommodation options along the route increased from 123 to 322, supported by the trail’s growing popularity. Judges praised its community regeneration, cultural storytelling, and economic impact. (Image credit Tășuleasa Social Association)

Adapting to climate change Responsible Tourism Awards

Silver: Barut Hemera, Turkey
Barut Hemera is a beachfront resort in Side, Antalya which is the first and only hotel in Turkey to fully eliminate plastic water bottles, replacing them with inhouse water dispensers; preventing the use of 1 million bottles annually. It also reuses wastewater for irrigation and solar energy power has saved 4.5 million tons of carbon emissions. Food waste has been reduced by 18%. Judges praised its self-funded pilot programmes and replicable model, showing what’s possible when climate responsibility is embedded in operations.

Responsible All-Inclusives Responsible Tourism Awards

Gold: Club Marvy, Turkey

Club Marvy is a 303-room resort in Özdere, Turkey, which demonstrates an award-winning level of integration with local communities. It spent nearly $4 million on local sourcing in 2024, including produce from women’s cooperatives and operates its own organic farm, mills oil and has a production workshop where local women can create crafts for sale. In partnership with local government it opened a daycare centre, to help local women join the workforce and 63% of female staff are now local. The judges said this is a clear demonstration of how responsibly an all-inclusive hotel can operate, when it works to source locally and maximise local employment.

Silver: Castelli Hotel, Greece
Castelli Hotel is a family-run, adult-only retreat in Zakynthos, Greece, which was built around the island’s oldest eucalyptus tree - the owners reduced planned room numbers to preserve it. It champions local sourcing, offering homegrown olive oil, locally produced wine, and a shop filled with regional goods. Guests are invited to connect with the locale through olive picking, cooking classes, and regular talks from an NGO. Judges said Castelli’s Hotel is an exemplary example of a resort immersing itself in nature and communicating clearly with guests.

Chair of the judges and emeritus professor Harold Goodwin and founder of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT global) said: “The Responsible Tourism Awards shine a light on innovative, replicable ideas being created by changemakers around the world. I’m pleased to say our 2025 Europe winners show practical, measurable and inspiring examples of what is possible when those involved take responsibility for the people and places they operate in.”

Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet holidays, which also took part in the judging said: “We’re proud to support the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards. At easyJet holidays, we believe travel should be a force for good but we also recognise that tackling the challenges our industry faces requires collaboration. That’s why we value learning from each other, and why we’re celebrating the incredible work of this year’s winners. They’re setting the standard for what responsible tourism can look like, not just for travellers, but for local communities and the planet too.”

The judges of the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by easyJet holidays were: Professor Emeritus Harold Goodwin, managing director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and founder of ICRT global, Danica Banjevic, tourism manager and ICRT Balkans, Martin Brackenbury, board director ICRT global, António Buscardini, founder and editor-in-chief, Travel Tomorrow, Kerry Carmichael, founder Echo, Kirsi Hyvaerinen, consultant and ICRT Balkans, Debbie Hindle chair ICRT global, Scott Lawson, senior ESG manager easyJet holidays, Vicky Smith, Earthchangers and ICRT Balkans, Caroline Warburton, Visit Scotland and director ICRT global.

All gold winners of the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards now go onto contend for a Global Responsible Tourism Award sponsored by Sabre which will be announced on 3 November 2025.

Read the full citations here

Subscribe now

Manisha Pande, managing director of Village Ways and co-founder of ICRT India said: “Every year the judges find an incredible range of innovative ideas, all backed with clear evidence of impact. We commend every single organisation that has been recognised today and urge any organisation, anywhere in the world to be inspired by our outstanding 2025 winners.”

The awards were presented at the BLTM trade conference in New Delhi on 13 September 2025 and the Gold Responsible Tourism Award winners are:

Heel Oya CBT Village, Sri Lanka, Gold All-Inclusive Responsible Tourism Award Heel Oya offers immersive community-based tourism experiences, including trekking, local cooking, and homestays. A dual pricing system ensures affordability for locals and tourists, with student discounts. The village emphasizes inclusivity, involving women, youth, and differently abled visitors in tourism activities. Additionally, 20% of income goes into a Community Development Fund to support education and infrastructure. Heel Oya preserves traditional knowledge, fosters unity, and creates sustainable livelihoods while offering authentic cultural exchange. Judges recognized it as an exemplary model of regenerative, community tourism.

TIEEDI Permaculture Foundation, India Gold Waste Management Responsible Tourism Award TIEEDI in Darjeeling promotes regenerative tourism through zero-waste homestays and permaculture. Since 2016, it has diverted 650+ tonnes of waste and transformed a municipal dumpsite into a forest garden. The foundation helps 50 households transition to zero-waste and offers educational workshops. TIEEDI’s community-led approach to composting and waste management empowers locals and inspires tourists to adopt sustainable practices. Judges lauded its ability to turn waste into opportunity, making it a model for eco-conscious tourism that benefits both the environment and the community.

Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka, Climate Adaptation and Resilience Responsible Tourism Award Heritance Kandalama, a luxury hotel in Sri Lanka, embraces climate adaptation through reforestation, sustainable architecture, and community integration. Over 200 acres of land have been reforested with native species, enhancing biodiversity. The hotel minimizes environmental impact with green roofs, passive cooling, and biomass energy sourced from local villages. More than 50% of staff are local, and the hotel runs an in-house training school for sustainable livelihoods. Judges praised Heritance Kandalama for its proven climate resilience and leadership in integrating ecological and community goals.

Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka, Gold Nature Positive Responsible Tourism Award Jetwing Vil Uyana, near Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, exemplifies nature-positive tourism by transforming degraded agricultural land into a biodiverse wetland. The resort supports over 300 species and implements sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and solar energy. Its Loris Conservation Project provides wildlife education without disturbing ecosystems. Judges commended its ecosystem regeneration efforts and robust visitor education programs. Independent research confirms the resort’s significant environmental impact, making it a leading model in sustainable tourism that could deepen community engagement for broader conservation outcomes.

Six Senses Laamu, Maldives Gold Nature Positive Responsible Tourism Award Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives is a benchmark for nature-positive tourism, with long-term conservation projects like coral research, turtle programs, and megafauna tracking. The “Protect the Seagrass” campaign has led to policy changes and national environmental reforms. The resort engages the local community through sustainable fishing programs and educational outreach. Judges noted Six Senses Laamu's ability to inspire action, from sustainable practices to national-level changes, and its role as a leader in luxury tourism sustainability.

Community Homestay Network, Nepal, Gold Increasing local sourcing Responsible Tourism Award Community Homestay Network in Nepal partners with 50 communities to offer culturally immersive homestays, mainly managed by women. The organization reinvests 80% of income into local families and community projects, promoting sustainable tourism and local development. In 2023, the network generated US$139,024 and welcomed 7,900 travellers. It also trains over 2,000 local hosts and strengthens market access through partnerships. Judges praised its replicability and impact, as the model supports local economies, fosters cultural exchange, and improves livelihoods.

Better Life Foundation, Nagaland, India, Gold Peace and Inclusivity Responsible Tourism Award The Better Life Foundation in Nagaland uses regenerative farming to build trust and peace, training ex-insurgents as tour guides to foster social cohesion. Women’s economic inclusion is emphasized through 389 self-help groups, and 4,500 families report improved incomes. Local ownership of farms and homestays has created sustainable livelihoods. With 2,100 tourists hosted and 16,000 festival attendees, the foundation demonstrates how tourism can promote peace, dignity, and economic empowerment. Judges recognized it as a pioneering model for peacebuilding and inclusivity in a volatile region.

Silver and one to watch winners are:

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Silver All-Inclusive Responsible Tourism Award Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board promotes inclusive, sustainable tourism through accessible infrastructure for senior and differently-abled travellers. Initiatives like ‘Paryatan Pakhwada’ highlight local food and culture. The Board’s community training and promotion of heritage villages create a replicable model for responsible tourism in India.

DDH Hospitality, Silver Waste Management Responsible Tourism Award DDH Hospitality in Kerala promotes zero-waste tourism by gifting steel bottles and cotton bags to guests. It conducts eco-friendly treks and over 80 clean-up drives, removing 2,600-3,000 kg of plastic. The self-funded, community-first approach aligns with Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission, encouraging eco-conscious behaviour.

SAGG Eco Village, Silver Nature Positive Responsible Tourism Award SAGG Eco Village in Kashmir offers nature-positive tourism with sustainable design and ecological restoration. Involving locals in building, organic farming, and cultural revival, it creates livelihoods and fosters community participation. Judges commended SAGG for combining authenticity, environmental sensitivity, and scalability in its tourism model.

Intrepid Tours India Pvt Ltd, Silver Increasing Local Sourcing Responsible Tourism Award Intrepid Tours India champions local sourcing with 80% of operational spend staying in communities. It supports women drivers in Varanasi and collaborates on marine waste cleanup in Kovalam. By hiring locally and empowering communities, it provides sustainable, inclusive tourism, benefiting over 140 local women and youth.

Six Degree Adventures, Silver Increasing Local Sourcing Responsible Tourism Award Six Degree Adventures supports local sourcing through homestays, indigenous guides, and community co-ops in Northeast India. Its “Kamakhya Walks” and “Nagaland on Foot” create livelihoods for over 120 locals, promoting eco-conscious tourism. The model combines cultural authenticity, sustainable practices, and direct community impact.

Karikot Village, Silver Karikot Village’s community-led tourism boosts local income through homestays, guiding, and crafts. Involving over 60 villagers, it promotes cultural revival and peaceful coexistence. With 60,000 visitors since 2024, it empowers women, youth, and local governance, setting an example for cross-border, inclusive tourism.

Trek The Himalayas, One to Watch Trek The Himalayas offers inclusive treks for families, seniors, and differently-abled travellers. Their responsible trekking experiences include trail clean-ups and waste segregation. The community-driven model empowers locals and provides sustainable livelihoods. Judges praised its transformative approach to inclusive, accessible, and eco-conscious trekking.

The Soaltee Kathmandu, One to Watch The Soaltee Kathmandu blends Nepali heritage and modern luxury, focusing on climate adaptation. Its initiatives include solar panels, an EV fleet, and in-house glass bottling to reduce plastic. Judges recognized it for potential as a regional model, combining cultural preservation with sustainable hospitality practices.

Tripura Tourism, One to Watch Tripura Tourism enhances access to heritage while supporting eco-tourism and community inclusion. Its efforts in infrastructure development and cultural tourism improve the visitor experience, and judges encouraged further focus on sustainability and eco-tourism to increase regional impact.

Dream Acres Farm Homestay, One to Watch Dream Acres Farm Homestay employs 30 local women and collaborates with artisans to produce and sell value-added products. The homestay promotes local sourcing and economic development, with 30% annual growth. Judges recognized its model for expanding local sourcing and community-driven enterprise development.

The ICRT Indian Subcontinent Judging Panel

The judges of the Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards were Professor Harold Goodwin, Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and Founder of ICRT global, Manisha Pande Managing Director Village Ways and ICRT Indian Subcontinent, Charmarie Maelge, Director of ICRT Sri Lanka. International judges included ICRT Southeast Asia representatives Dr Lenny Yusira, Associate Professor in Ecotourism at Universitas Asa Indonesia and Kevin Phun Director at the Centre for Responsible Tourism Singapore, together with Debbie Hindle chair of ICRT global.

ICRT India Foundation member judges included Kumar Anubhav Founder NotOnMap , Dr. Aditi Choudhary Professor at Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Swati Pramar Senior Technical Expert Social Management Framework and Gender under NRETP (Govt. of Madhya Pradesh), Manoj Kumar Singh, Madhya Pradesh and Rupesh Kumar, CEO Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission, Govt of Kerala.

All Indian Subcontinent Tourism Award Gold winners now automatically go onto contend for a 2025 Global Responsible Tourism Award sponsored by Sabre and will compete on a world stage against winners from Latin America, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Read More

Subscribe now

It’s surprising how many destinations we talk to which say: “we don’t have a problem with overtourism.”

There’s a perception that overtourism affects just a few congested cities in Europe. But there are examples all over the world. And it’s not just in cities. It could be too many surfers on a beach, or just ten people in a loud tour group in a rural village. What is clear is that it’s much easier to prevent overtourism than it is to address it once it’s become established.

Harold Goodwin defines overtourism as a destination where hosts or guests, locals or visitors, feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of life in the area. or the quality of the experience, has deteriorated unacceptably. That causes them to rebel.

So our advice for all destinations is to take responsibility for it before it happens. Undertake an overtourism risk review and understand local community views and concerns before you get to the point of overtourism.

Some articles on overtourism that we think are interesting reading for this month:

· Why Airbnb has made me angry an article by our Chair Debbie Hindle pointing out the lack of responsibility in a recent report published by the short-term rental company.

· Is it time for digital nomads like me to leave Lisbon? Alex Holder writes in the Guardian her concern about the impact of digital nomads in Portgual.

· How to stop surf spot overcrowding an article by Jérémy Lemarié in Adventure.com including a focus on the importance of regulation

· Japan overhauls travel rules to protect heritage against over-tourism increasing regulation and differential prices for visitors and locals.

· And you can find more articles on Harold Goodwin’s site here Overtourism - Responsible Tourism Partnership

ICRT global runs a ten-week online Professional Certificate in Addressing Overtourism and Managing Success. Find out more and join us this autumn.

“The overtourism course run by ICRT global is an exceptional course covering the complexities of overtourism in a digestible format. It presented the problems and possible solutions and I would encourage any tourism stakeholder to enrol.” Ollie Payton ESG analyst at easyJet holidays.

Pre-Enrol

Responsible Tourism Awards Update

Southeast Asia and LATA awards winners confirmed. India Europe and Global Responsible Tourism Awards to come

We’re now officially closed for entries for 2025. Thank you to everyone who submitted your exciting projects and the final judging sessions are underway!

New regional award winners confirmed:

· Latin America Responsible Tourism Award winners LATA Responsible Tourism Awards - ICRT GLOBAL

· Southeast Asia Responsible Tourism Award winners SE Asia Award Winners - ICRT GLOBAL

Awards to come:

· The Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards recognition list will be published shortly and the winners will be announced at the BLTM trade show in new Delhi on 13 September.

· Europe We’ll soon be announcing the recognition list and then the winners of the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by easyJet holidays

· Global - The gold winners of all the regional awards including WTM Africa then go onto contend for a Global Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by Sabre which will be announced in November. Check out the current contenders here Global Awards Shortlist Builds - ICRT GLOBAL

Be inspired by our Responsible Tourism Winners

We have launched a “four questions with” series of interviews with our Responsible Tourism Award winners to inspire you with more background about their work. We ask what they have taken responsibility for, why, how and what impact they have made. Check out our latest posts:

· Four questions with Quang Dai Tuyen, Sen Caraih - ICRT GLOBAL

· Four questions with Hannah Tranter, Imvelo Safari Lodges - ICRT GLOBAL

· Four questions with Michael Daiber, !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, - ICRT GLOBAL

· Four questions with Valery Super, Emboo - ICRT GLOBAL

Responsible Tourism Professional Certificate - 10 week Course

Our final course date for 2025 is now open for bookings.

We start our next ten-week Responsible Tourism Professional Certificate on Thursday 2 October with meetings held at the beginning, middle and end of the course on 2 October, 30 October and 27 November. Find out more by pre-enrolling.

“I've rarely completed a programme that felt so purposeful, so human, and so timely. It's already helping me reframe what we're building.” Steven Keen, Corfu

Pre-Enrol

Upcoming Events

· ICRT India Foundation and ICRT Sri Lanka BLTM Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards, 13 September, New Delhi

· ICRT Europe Announcement of the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by easyJet holidays

· ICRT Finland – three day free webinars Enhancing Responsible Tourism in the Nordic Countries | Jamk

· ICRTH Southeast - ICRTH 202

Surfing image credit:Alex Fernando, Pexels.

Lily image credit: Sen Caraih

We humans are terrible at assessing risk.

We assume that because things have always happened one way they’ll continue in that vein. In our ICRT global courses taught by Harold Goodwin there are numerous examples of how we, as an industry, continued “business as usual” without appreciating how the world is changing, or how we are changing the world.

That’s why when I read a recent article by Edmund Morris the founder of Equator, it struck a real chord. Reflecting on his concern that a tour operator assumed that Venice would always be popular he concluded: “The strength of a theory lies not in how easily it can be confirmed, but in how rigorously it can be tested. In the case of Venice, that means asking “what would need to happen for Venice to suddenly become unpopular?”… History, however, has shown that it’s exactly these types of questions we regret not asking. They’re how we identify blind-spots. Or know what early-warning systems are needed so that we can future-proof a strategy.”

So ,what questions should we be asking ourselves? What would need to happen for tourism to stop in the community I operate in? What would need to happen for my destination to suddenly lose visitors, to become overwhelmed with tourism, for tourism to overbalance the needs of residents?

As a starter for ten it would be good to see more organisations ask residents what they think. Here is some research that does just that

· Failte Ireland Resident Survey

· Booking.com Resident Sentiment Research

JOIN OUR CHANGEMAKERS

Our students have been asking themselves many critical questions and we’re delighted to announce that our first courses on Responsible Tourism and Addressing Overtourism are now completed. Congratulations to our first student cohort to receive their Professional Certificates!

“This course provided exceptionally valuable insights into responsible tourism and gave me actionable ideas to help build a better and fairer travel industry.” Ewan Cluckie, Tripseed, Thailand

“A five-star course. It reinforced that tourism can and should make a positive impact, while addressing the ongoing challenges we face as an industry.” Katie Costick, The Latin America Travel Association

Pre-enrol now to find out more, join our community of changemakers and take advantage of early booking offers Pre-enrol registration - ICRT GLOBAL Our next course on Responsible Tourism starts on 19 June.

Pre-Enrol

JOIN OUR EUROPE NETWORKS

Do join one of our ICRT networks which are affiliations of like-minded professionals and changemakers asking critical questions to make tourism better and to share knowledge and ideas. It’s free to take part. Find out more here:

• ICRT Finland ICRT Finland - ICRT GLOBAL

• ICRT Balkans ICRT Balkans - ICRT GLOBAL and ICRT Expands In Europe - ICRT GLOBAL

• ICRT Europe ICRT Europe - ICRT GLOBAL

WATCH OUR EUROPE WEBINAR

Listen to Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer, easyJet holidays Petra Blinnikka, ICRT Finland and Senior Lecturer, Global Competence School of Business, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Danica Banjevic and Kirsi Hyvaerinen, ICRT Balkans and Tourism Consultants, Willy Legrand, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany and Harold Goodwin, ICRT global Founder discuss What's New In Responsible Tourism In Europe?

Watch

SHARE YOUR GREAT WORK

It’s time to enter the Responsible Tourism Awards in Europe and India. Just as a reminder our categories for 2025 include tackling waste, climate change, peace and inclusivity, responsible all-inclusives, nature positive tourism and creating shared value. Click on the buttons below to download the entry forms

Europe RT Awards Deadline 23 June

India RT Awards Deadline 30 June

And check out Harold Goodwin chair of the judges describe “How to Win A Responsible Tourism Award” in this short video How to win a Responsible Travel Award, May 2025

HEAR ABOUT OTHERS’ STORIES:

WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award winners revealed

We had an amazing afternoon in Cape Town at the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards. Amongst singing and dancing from the Heart of Cape Town community we heard about inspirational work being done across the country. Read more here Africa Changemakers 2025 - ICRT GLOBAL

Four Questions With..

Let us introduce our new series “Four Questions With” where we ask our changemakers what they are taking responsibility for, why, how and what their impact has been. Let us introduce you first to Valery Super of Emboo Safari Camp in Africa Four questions with Valery Super, Emboo - ICRT GLOBAL

Building Trust in Southeast Asia

Hear how our award winners in Southeast Asia spent years building trust with locals and staff in order to build responsible tourism Building Trust In Southeast Asia - ICRT GLOBAL

COMING UP IN JUNE

Our Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards in association with LATA will be announced at LATA Expo on 4 June. Watch this space for some more exciting winners.

Join us in Southeast Asia at the ICRTH 2025 Conference in the Philippines between 16 – 18 June Events - ICRT GLOBAL

Picture credit: Sivatel Hotel Bangkok, Global Responsible Tourism Award, 2024

At ICRT global, our mission is to support positive change in Responsible Tourism through education, training, and exchanging knowledge. This month’s newsletter offers insights, resources, and opportunities to get involved.

Addressing Overtourism: Finding the Right Balance

How many tourism organisations put the needs of local people before that of visitors? Not enough as the growth of overtourism has shown. This month we share three interesting discussions on this complex topic:

· Rethinking Overtourism - A thought-provoking one-hour conversation featuring Justin Francis, CEO of Responsible Travel; Annabel Grossman, global travel editor at The Independent; and travel editor Ben Parker.

· Digtal Nomads and Overtourism- A recent article by Jane Flanagan in The Times explores how campaigns to attract digital nomads have sparked protests in South Africa

· Can the Louvre build its way out of overtourism? - Edmund Morris examines strategies for managing visitor flows in redevelopment plans for the iconic museum in his The Travel Track Substack newsletter.

For further insights:

· Watch Professor Harold Goodwin’s free 20 minute talk on Responsible Tourism and Overtourism

· Explore our next 10-week Professional Certificate in Addressing Overtourism

We also welcome innovative ideas on how organisations are successfully managing visitor pressures. Please do share your examples with us.

NEW: Self-Study Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism

We are pleased to introduce our new ten-week, self-study Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism . Designed to fit around your schedule, this course offers flexibility while enhancing your career and impact.

Book

NEW: Future 2025 Dates for Scheduled Courses

Alternatively, consider joining one of our scheduled courses, which includes three interactive sessions with Professor Harold Goodwin and fellow participants. The next session begins on 1 April. Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism - ICRT GLOBAL And our new starting dates for courses during 2025 are as follows:

· 24 April - Professional Certificate in Addressing Overtourism and Managing Success

· 19 June - Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism,

· 4 Sept - Professional Certificate in Addressing Overtourism and Managing Success,

· 2 October, - Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism

Pre-Enrol

Cooperation in West Africa

Dr. Adama Bah, chairman of the board of Directors of The Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia, ICRT West Africa and director of ICRT global recently took part in a four-day workshop with the Economic Union of West African States (ECOWAS) presenting on the value of responsible tourism as an effective tool for sustainable development. Read more about the sessions here.

NEW: Awards to Recognise Europe’s Leaders in Responsible Tourism

New for 2025 we have launched the inaugural Europe Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by easyJet holidays Announcing the awards at ITB Berlin, Scott Lawson, easyJet holidays’ senior ESG manager, emphasised the goal is to "shine a light on best practice across Europe and inspire faster change."

Entries are now open for categories such as responsible all-inclusives, climate action, shared value creation, nature-positive tourism, waste management, and promoting peace and inclusivity. It’s free to enter and the deadline for submissions is 23 May.

Register for Entry Forms

WTM Africa: Discussions and Awards

Entries for the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards have now closed, but the winners will be announced at the show in Cape Town on 10 April. Professor Harold Goodwin will also moderate a series of panel discussions featuring prominent industry speakers at WTM Africa on 9-10 April. If you are attending the show please do put these sessions in your diary: WTM Africa 2025 - Responsible Tourism Partnership

AND FINALLY…Upcoming Award Deadlines

Don’t miss these other key dates for Responsible Tourism Awards across the globe:

· 11 April — LATA Responsible Tourism Awards

· 28 April — Southeast Asia Responsible Tourism Awards

· 30 June — Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards

Gold winners of all the regional awards automatically go onto contend for a Global Responsible Tourism Award, sponsored by Sabre. For details on all awards, visit ICRT global

As Gandhi reminded us, the future is shaped by today’s actions. We look forward to hearing about what you are doing today to influence our future to make tourism better.

Subscribe now

Here’s a snapshot of some of the ways we are using our words to galvanise change this month:

1. Addressing overtourism

Might you be contributing to overtourism? Read Harold Goodwin’s latest blog on the subject here: Who manages a destination? - Travel Tomorrow

Overtourism is subject Harold has been lecturing and writing about since the 1990s, but a tremendous amount has changed in the last three years. How can you avoid or reduce it? To find out about the varied reasons for overtourism and the different levers that can be used to address it sign up to our first short ten-week Professional Certificate in Addressing Overtourism . This will be taught by Harold Goodwin and starts on 27 February for £395. Book before Monday 17 February for an early bird offer of £365.

2. Working in Africa? Join our free 45 minute webinar on 20 February

Join our free webinar to hear the words of judges and former winners of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards to understand how and why you should enter.

Speakers will include Dr Harold Goodwin, Dr Adama Bah of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of the Gambia, and Julie Cheetham former winner and judge of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards and now Chief Operating Officer of Travalyst. In addition, Olivia Gradidge Marketing Manager of WTM Africa and ILTM Africa will be available to answer your questions. Book your spot here: Free Webinar: How To Win a WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award

3. ICRT global launches new learning platform

We’re happy to announce our shiny new learning platform is now live. Check it out here: International Centre for Responsible Tourism global

· Courses start! Our first Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism is in full swing. We’ve got a great mix of people from around the world including tour operators, a hotel CEO, DMC owner, and representatives from an industry body and a destination.

· Join us on 27 March Become part of a similarly interesting study group and join us for our next scheduled Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism course including three live webinars with Dr Harold Goodwin, starting 27 March. Find out more and book here: Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism.

· Or Self Study Our self-study Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism is now live. Study the course in your own time and at your own pace. Take a look here: Self-Study Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism.

· Free 20 minute talk – watch Harold Goodwin’s Free 20 minute talk on Responsible Tourism and Overtourism introducing the key principles of Responsible Tourism and addressing Overtourism.

With our thanks to our Founding Partner easyJet holidays which is supporting the creation of our online training courses.

4. Entries now open for the Latin America and Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards

Tell your story of achievement in Responsible Tourism and inspire others by entering a Responsible Tourism Award. The LATA Latin America and the Indian Subcontinent awards are now open for entries. Check out our website page which is regularly updated with details of how and when to enter each regional award and timings of winners’ announcements: 2025 Responsible Tourism Awards - ICRT GLOBAL

Regional awards will be run in Latin America, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Europe. This year’s award categories are:

1. Can An All-Inclusive Be Responsible?

2. Adapting To Climate Change

3. Increasing Local Sourcing - Creating Shared Value

4. Peace, Understanding and Inclusivity

5. Managing Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle

6. Nature Positive

Gold winners of regional Responsible Tourism Awards go onto contend for a Global Responsible Tourism Award, sponsored by Sabre.

Thank you for being part of the Responsible Tourism Movement.

We look forward to hearing your piercing words to share and spread an understanding and implementation of Responsible Tourism worldwide.

Debbie Hindle

Chair, ICRT global

Intentions give you flexibility, allowing you to adapt and focus on progress rather than perfection. Even if you stumble, you’re still moving in the right direction. So, what might your New Year intentions in Responsible Tourism look like?

Intention 1: Share Your Ideas

Pictured: Crees Manu, Responsible Tourism Award winner 2024

The world is full of inspiring work in Responsible Tourism, and we want to hear about yours! What successes have you had? How have you overcome challenges? Sharing your story can inspire others and amplify your impact.

A great way to showcase your achievements is by entering the 2025 Responsible Tourism Awards:

• WTM Africa’s Responsible Tourism Awards are already open for entries – don’t miss the deadline for entries on 19 March

• Stay tuned as we update details for awards in Latin America, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

• Exciting news: We’re launching a new Europe Award for 2025! Watch this space for more information. 2025 RTAwards

• All the awards are free to enter, and regional gold winners automatically qualify to be considered for a prestigious Global Responsible Tourism Award, sponsored by Sabre.

..And be inspired by others

Pictured: Finalists and winners of the 2024 Global Responsible Tourism Awards sponsored by Sabre

And read all about our 2024 global finalists and winners here 2024 Global Winners - ICRT GLOBAL . These are impressive organisations demonstrating innovative ideas for protecting and educating travellers about fragile natural landscapes and culture, and delivering replicable activities to reduce carbon and improve accessibility for travellers.

Intention 2: Keep Learning: Professional Certificates Launched

As the world evolves, so do the ideas and solutions in Responsible Tourism. Staying informed is key to staying effective. If you’re eager to learn but short on time or budget for a full master’s program, we’ve got you covered.

At ICRT global, we’re passionate about lifelong learning. That’s why we’ve launched two 10-week online courses:

• Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism – Starts at the end of January 2025.

• Professional Certificate in Addressing Overtourism – Begins in February 2025.

Both courses are designed to fit into your busy schedule while providing you with practical knowledge you can apply right away. Find out more and secure your spot here Professional Courses - ICRT GLOBAL

With thanks to our founding partner easyJet holidays for supporting the creation of these courses.

Book Now

Intention 3: Keep Supporting

The best winners of the Responsible Tourism Awards aren’t just those who do great work—they’re also the ones who support others by sharing their knowledge and inspiring change. You can contribute to this spirit of collaboration by:

• Joining one of our ICRT networks around the world, or starting your own local ICRT network to foster learning in your community.

• Find out more here: ICRTs - ICRT GLOBAL

Our intentions – the launch of ICRT global

ICRT global is a non profit and our intention for 2025 is to share knowledge, training and education in Responsible Tourism. In addition to the Responsible Tourism Awards and training programmes we’re committed to empowering academic institutions with tools and resources to expand Responsible Tourism education and learning.

Find out more about our work by watching the videos of our launch event in London ICRT global - YouTube

This New Year, set your intentions to make a difference. Whether it’s learning, sharing, or supporting, there are countless ways to contribute to Responsible Tourism. Let’s make 2025 a year of positive change—together!

Subscribe now