Since its creation, the WTM Latin America Responsible Tourism Award has been a showcase for projects that transform the sector and inspire good practices in tourism. In its fifth edition, the award reaffirms its commitment to giving visibility to initiatives that make a difference, extending the deadline for registration until February 22, 2025. The decision seeks to ensure that more projects, especially those led by small businesses, have enough time to register, considering that January is a period of high demand for many businesses in the sector.
"The award has the role of strengthening connections and generating exchanges between responsible tourism initiatives in Latin America. Giving more time to register these projects is an effective way to ensure an even greater representation of the award," explains Pablo Menéndez, head of the award. So far, almost 70 projects from eight countries have been registered, with Brazil leading the ranking, followed by Colombia, Mexico and Argentina. Honduras is making its debut in the award, with one initiative registered so far.
The 2025 edition highlights the inclusion of a new category, dedicated to the rescue of memory and appreciation of historical heritage, which is already making a great debut with great support. "The number of entries in this new category is already one of the most expressive of the award, which reinforces the importance of recognizing and encouraging initiatives that preserve the history and cultural identity of destinations," Menendez highlights. Another category that has a large volume of entries, according to the curator, is the one that will reward the best initiatives in the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion in tourism.
This year, the award also has two new allies that strengthen the relevance of the selection process. “Just like last year, we will have the support of specialists from six partner organizations that are recognized in their areas of activity throughout Latin America and will help in the selection and awarding of the registered projects,” says Menendez. The new organizations are “Muda! Coletivo Brasileiro pelo Turismo Responsável” (Change! Brazilian Collective for Responsible Tourism) - a group of entrepreneurs that works in promoting initiatives, stimulating research and qualifying responsible tourism - and “Planeterra” - a world reference in community tourism and social impact.
The curator of the Prize highlights that the jury will be renewed by approximately 80% of its composition. “This is because even the organizations that were already allies in 2024 appointed other specialists for the selection of this year's winners," he explains. In addition to Latin American NGOs and institutions, the selection body includes travel agents, tour operators, association leaders, representatives of public authorities, journalists and opinion makers from different Latin American countries, which consolidates the relevance of the Prize.
The award not only recognises good practices, but also opens doors for projects to gain greater international visibility and credibility among industry participants. "Many of the award-winning initiatives managed to expand their impact and strengthen their operations after the recognition. The award has this role of giving voice to businesses that promote environmental, cultural and social preservation, inspiring the entire tourism chain," concludes Menendez.
The finalists will be announced in the first week of March, and the winners will be revealed on April 15, 2025, during WTM Latin America, which takes place at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo. The six categories are:
Best initiatives to tackle climate change and conserve biodiversity. Supporter: Adventure Travel Association
Best initiatives to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in tourism. Supporter: ¡Cambia! Brazilian Collective for Responsible Tourism
Best initiatives to promote socio-economic impact and peace building through tourism. Supporter: La Mano Del Mono
Best networking initiatives to promote responsible tourism in destinations. Supporter: Planeterra
Best initiatives for Indigenous tourism and/or Traditional Communities. Supporter: Winta
New! Better initiatives to rescue memory and enhance historical heritage. Supporter: Acotur
Registration must be completed before February 15th, by clicking here for access in Portuguese, here for access in Spanish and here for access in English.
Source: WTM Latin America