A tourism project which offers guides by homeless people and a safari program in Zambia have been named joint overall winners of the 2011 Responsible Tourism Awards at the World Travel Market.
A tourism project which offers guides by homeless people and a safari program in Zambia have been named joint overall winners of the 2011 Responsible Tourism Awards at the World Travel Market.
Organizers of the event, which exists to highlight the best of ethical tourism, announced that Robin Pope Safaris and Sock Mob Events/Unseen Tours would share the grand prize on November 9, Responsible Tourism Day.
Robin Pope Safari was praised for its 20-year history in sustainable community development, citing the Kawaza Village Tourism Project in Zambia specifically and highlighting the contribution to local livelihoods.
London-based Sock Mob Events/Unseen Tours, meanwhile, was praised by the judges for offering a unique view of the city by organizing tours run by trained homeless guides, incorporating history with a unique personal touch and giving a voice to those often silent in tourism.
The best destination award went to the former mining town of Røros in Norway, which attracts over a million visitors with its unique 'local knowledge' program, despite only having 3,700 inhabitants.
The best organization for volunteers was awarded to Britain-based Global Vision International, while the best low-carbon initiative went to Eurostar.
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