!Khwa Ttu 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards

 !Khwa Ttu In Finals Of 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards #ARTA19 #RTAwardsAfrica

Finalists for the 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards announced

!Khwa Ttu 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards News: A sports event attracting 20 000 participants, an operator specializing in treks up Kilimanjaro and a safari beach lodge are only some of the inspirational organisations selected as finalists for the 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards (sponsored by Wesgro and organised by Better Tourism Africa).

 !Khwa Ttu 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards

With the quality of entries high and competition tough, who will take the top spots in each category? And who will scoop the win as the much-coveted ‘Overall Winner’.

The panel of expert judges had their task cut out for them. The Judging Day was held in Johannesburg on 29 March, and after vigorous debate, 15 organisations were shortlisted. The finalists are:

The 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards winners will be announced during WTM Africa at a ceremony to be held on Wednesday, 10 April 2019 at 16.45 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. A celebratory function, sponsored by Cape Whale Coast, to toast the winners will be held immediately after the ceremony.

Namibian judge Sisco Auala said the following of the judging process:

“Judges were supplied with clear criteria to guide the selection of winners. We were given plenty of opportunities to freely debate, exchange views and clarify our diverse perspectives in a rigorous manner before we reached consensus”.

Commenting on the finalists, Heidi van der Watt, managing director of Better Tourism Africa, said:

From an aquarium actively campaigning against single use plastics to an immersive cultural experience near a famous battlefield, this year’s finalists are worthy examples of change makers who bravely use tourism to create positive change for Africa’s people and environments. We have inspiring Gold and Silver winners, but some categories are surprisingly weak. We know that there are many more worthy contenders on the continent. The judges can only award from among those who are nominated and complete the entry process. The categories for next year will be announced at the end of the Awards ceremony.

Professor Harold Goodwin, Chair of the Judging Panel and WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor, reflected on the decisions made on the Judging Day:

“With a high calibre panel of judges, there is always much passionate discussion and argument about the category and overall winners in the Responsible Tourism Awards family of awards. Chairing the judges is a privilege, the more so when there are lively debates as there were again this year in the 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards. The worthy winners, Gold and Silver, are demonstrating their responsibility and we are pleased to recognise them, and we have identified a number of ones to watch – there are some great new responsible businesses emerging.”

 !Khwa Ttu 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards

The awards would not be able to shine a light on the best of the best in responsible tourism in Africa without the support of its sponsors and partners, several of whom have demonstrated their commitment to responsible tourism by sponsoring the awards several years in a row. This year’s supporters are:

The judging drew on the expertise of carefully chosen professionals from throughout the tourism industry in Africa:

The African Responsible Tourism Awards is part of the responsible tourism programme at WTM Africa. The responsible tourism programme includes panel discussions on how the tourism industry can reduce its carbon emissions and promote wildlife conservation as well as a two-day conference in which responsible tourism leaders explore the business case for responsible tourism.

Carmen Lerm, Founder of West Coast Way, is following the outcome of the awards closely: “We believe tourism should be harnessed to create better places for people to live and to visit and therefore we are incredibly proud of  !Khwattu located on the West Coast Way Culture Route and Tractor Route. They share with their visitors authentic interactions in a beautiful environment, walking and biking trails, inspiring San nature and culture tours, good food, compelling art, exhibitions and a stylish special event and corporate function venue. On top of all of this they offer professional friendly hospitality with accommodation set in the Cape West Coast biodiversty corridor. And now they have also launched their new Heritage Centre with at the core the Way Of The Sun experience with 3D curved digital wall enveloping visitors into a San community experience. This is the only space of its kind dedicated to telling the story of the heritage and culture of the San people of Southern Africa.” 

West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature

West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.

Road-Trip-Southern-Africa-West-Coast-Way-Routes Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way: Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve. For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777.  Follow us on  on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.

West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists.  Explore a unique collection of 101 road trip stops along themed routes by planning a self-drive trip or guided tour for a nature and adventure-filled Cape West Coast vacation. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Tractor Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route, the West Coast Way Wild Route – as well as the newly launched Cape Way Route – all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many.

For more information on West Coast Way, the other routes on offer, and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.

 

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