The 2027 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards are now open for entries, giving African tourism businesses, destinations and individuals an opportunity to gain recognition for work that delivers measurable social, environmental and economic benefits.
The awards, which are free to enter, recognise organisations and individuals demonstrating responsible tourism practices across the continent. Applications are open in six categories, with the deadline set for 31 December 2026.
The initiative comes as African tourism continues to expand. According to WTM Africa’s 2026 Africa Travel & Tourism: State of the Industry Report, the continent welcomed 81 million international visitors in 2025, representing an 8% increase and the fastest growth of any region globally. However, the report also highlights a gap between tourism growth and independently verified sustainability practices, with fewer than 5% of African hospitality properties holding third-party sustainability certification.
Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at RX Africa, said the awards aim to recognise organisations that can demonstrate the practical results of their responsible tourism commitments rather than relying on sustainability claims alone.
“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,” De Jager said.
The 2027 awards form part of the ICRT Global Responsible Tourism Awards programme. An independent judging panel will assess entries, bringing together expertise in responsible tourism, conservation, inclusion and destination management. The panel is chaired by Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, founder of ICRT Global and Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership.
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Goodwin said the awards provide an opportunity to recognise businesses and destinations taking practical steps to make tourism more sustainable. He also encouraged previous and future winners to use the recognition in their communications and marketing.
“Those who are taking responsibility for making tourism more sustainable deserve recognition,” Goodwin said. He added that responsible tourism should help create better places for residents to live as well as destinations that visitors want to experience.
The six award categories cover different areas of responsible tourism. They include Nature Benefiting Communities, which recognises community-led initiatives supporting nature and biodiversity; Addressing Climate Change, for efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen climate resilience; and Access for People with Disabilities, which focuses on accessible tourism experiences and meaningful employment opportunities.
Other categories are Communicating Responsible Tourism, recognising transparent communication of responsible practices; Rebalancing Tourism and Addressing Overtourism, which considers efforts to improve the relationship between visitors, residents and destinations; and All Inclusive Can Be Responsible, which recognises all-inclusive operators and destinations demonstrating positive environmental, economic and community outcomes.
Applicants may enter more than one category, provided their submissions meet the relevant requirements. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the official WTM Africa website, while completed applications must be submitted through the awards’ online entry portal by 31 December 2026.
Cape Town, which will host the awards ceremony, has also welcomed the initiative. Alderman James Vos, the city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, said the event supports a broader approach to tourism development that considers the benefits reaching local communities and the environment.
He described World Travel Market Africa as an important event on Cape Town’s tourism calendar and said the city wants tourism growth to create opportunities beyond increasing visitor numbers.
Vos said the Responsible Tourism Awards recognise organisations making a positive difference and reinforce the importance of measuring tourism success through its impact on people and the environment. He also said Cape Town looks forward to welcoming tourism professionals and responsible tourism leaders in April 2027.
The finalists and winners will be announced at the Responsible Tourism Awards Ceremony on 8 April 2027, during World Travel Market Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. WTM Africa will take place from 7 to 9 April 2027.
De Jager said recognition through the awards could also offer commercial benefits to past winners, including greater visibility among international buyers, investors and media, as well as travellers who consider responsible practices when choosing destinations and tourism providers.
Businesses, destinations and individuals interested in entering can download the relevant nomination forms from the official WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards website. Completed applications must be uploaded through rtawards.icrt.global before the 31 December 2026 deadline.
