Nominations Open for the 2027 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards
Entries are now open for the 2027 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards, which recognise businesses and destinations working in sustainable and responsible tourism across Africa. Entry is free, and submissions close on 31 December 2026.
The awards are part of the ICRT Global Responsible Tourism Awards programme. An independent judging panel will assess entries, chaired by Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, founder of ICRT Global and Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership. The panel includes specialists in responsible tourism, conservation, inclusion and destination management.
Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at RX Africa, said the awards were intended to identify operators with verifiable results.
“These awards exist to shine a light on those that don’t simply claim to be sustainable or responsible, but can clearly demonstrate what they’re doing, the impact they’re achieving, and what others can learn from their approach,” she said.
Industry context
The launch follows WTM Africa’s 2026 Africa Travel & Tourism: State of the Industry Report, which found that the continent received 81 million international visitors in 2025, an increase of 8% and the fastest growth of any region globally.
According to the same report, fewer than 5% of African hospitality properties currently hold third-party sustainability certification.
Goodwin said recognition was overdue for operators making measurable changes.
“Those who are taking responsibility for making tourism more sustainable deserve recognition,” he said. “Every year in the Awards, we find businesses and destinations that are making tourism better. Use your Award in your PR and marketing.”
Categories
Nominations are open in six categories. Entrants may submit applications in more than one category.
| Category | Focus |
|---|---|
| Nature Benefiting Communities | Community-centred initiatives protecting nature and biodiversity |
| Addressing Climate Change | Reducing emissions, building resilience and addressing climate impacts |
| Access for People with Disabilities | Accessible experiences and employment opportunities for people with disabilities |
| Communicating Responsible Tourism | Authentic and transparent communication of responsible practices |
| Rebalancing Tourism and Addressing Overtourism | Restoring balance between visitors, residents and host destinations |
| All Inclusive Can Be Responsible | All-inclusive operators demonstrating positive economic, environmental and community impact |
Host city comment
Cape Town will again host the awards. Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism for the City of Cape Town, said the event aligned with the city’s economic priorities.
“Cape Town is incredibly proud to be the host city of World Travel Market Africa, one of the signature events on our tourism calendar and an important part of our economic growth mission,” Vos said. “But for us, growing tourism is also about making sure its benefits reach more people and communities.”
He added that the awards “recognise those who are making a real difference and remind us that tourism success should be measured not only by visitor numbers, but also by the positive impact we create for our people and our environment.”
Ceremony and entry details
Finalists and winners will be announced at the Responsible Tourism Awards Ceremony on 8 April 2027, held during WTM Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The trade show runs from 7 to 9 April 2027.
De Jager said previous winners had used the recognition commercially.
“Past winners have turned a single accolade into lasting commercial credibility, unlocking access to international buyers, investors, media and the growing number of travellers who make responsible practice a deciding factor in where and how they travel,” she said.
How to enter:
- Download nomination forms from the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards page.
- Complete the application in full.
- Upload to rtawards.icrt.global.
- Submit by 31 December 2026.
Full category details, nomination forms and judging criteria are available at https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/whats-on/responsible-tourism-awards.html
