Local NPO scoops global tourism award
LOCAL NPO, Wildlife ACT which operates in all Zululand game reserves, has reaped top awards regionally and on the global stage for its business model.
Under the banner of responsible tourism, Wildlife ACT won gold at WTM Africa World Responsible Tourism earlier this year, and was then entered into the pool of regional winners to compete for the top spot globally.
Finishing strong, the NPO took the ‘Best for Nature-Positive Tourism’ category at the prestigious WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards 2023 held last week.
Of the eight award categories, five were championed by African organisations.
These awards play a vital role in promoting and encouraging responsible and sustainable tourism practices within the travel industry, as well as provide recognition for those leading the way in responsible tourism.
“The WTM
World
Responsible
Tourism
Awards not only showcases the best of the best in responsible tourism, but sets the compass for our global industry in creating sustainable travel and holiday experiences,” said Megan de Jager, portfolio director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing.
About Wildlife ACT
Based in KZN and with a strong presence on Zululand game reserves both private and State, Wildlife ACT focuses on on-the-ground conservation efforts of endangered species.
Trained guides employed by the NPO monitor priority species on a daily basis.
These include the critically endangered African wild dog and black rhino, as well as the six vulture species found in South Africa.
Through the help of their 'voluntourism' model, Wildlife ACT has been able to provide sustained, free, professional monitoring services to more than 10 Zululand protected areas for 15 years.
The organisation also contributes to endangered species management across Africa, and the restoration of North Island, Seychelles.