The 2020 Inspirational Africa Responsible Tourism awards were to be given out on World Responsible Tourism day (6 April 2020), at World Travel Market Africa held in Cape Town. But of course, along with all other big events, the annual tourism trade show had to be cancelled.
Ilha Blue Island Safaris have been awarded Silver in the category Responsible Destination.
We are very pleased to be considered amongst such excellent organisations doing fantastic work. Hearty congratulations to all participants and extra congratulations to !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre South Africa, the Gold winners in our category.
The judges said, “There are two outstanding winners in this category: !Khwa ttu has created a destination for people long since displaced from the Cape, and Ilha Blue has from small beginnings transformed a destination. Both are internationally outstanding examples of Responsible Tourism.”
We are excited to share this news with everyone at WCA because a part of winning the award is due to the Welcome the Whales Festival. In the judges reasons they state that..
“Ilha Blue played a leading role in initiating the annual Welcome the Whales Festival, a community festival which celebrates the humpback whales birthing site.The inaugural festival brought together a broad cross-section of the community in active participation.”
“…From ‘escolinhas’ (preschools), primary and secondary schools to university students; local fishermen and the Port Authority; local government and non-government agencies; arts practitioners including visual arts, film, music, dance and theatre performances; local cooks; private and public sector, BCI bank, World Cetacean Alliance; hotels; international volunteers. Responsible whale watching education workshops included local government staff and entrepreneurs. Show safety and licensing has been implemented and maintained by the Port Authority.”
You can read more about the judges’ decision here: https://responsibletourismpartnership.org/the-judges-reasons-2020-inspirational-africa-responsible-tourism-awards/
The awards ceremony will be next year, 2021, at the WTM Africato be held in Cape Town, South Africa. We really look forward to the event – it will be like winning TWICE!
