Entries have officially opened for the 2026 Europe Responsible Tourism Awards, organised by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism and sponsored by easyJet holidays. The awards recognise tourism initiatives that deliver measurable benefits for local communities, cultures, and the environment.
The awards have, for more than two decades, highlighted businesses, destinations, and organisations that take responsibility for improving tourism practices. Professor Harold Goodwin, founder of ICRT Global and chair of the judging panel, said participation plays a crucial role in identifying impactful projects.
“For over 20 years, these awards have identified and celebrated those who take responsibility to make tourism better and to help others on the same journey,” he said. “The judges can only choose from those who enter, so we encourage businesses, destinations, and organisations to tell us their stories. Every year, we discover remarkable initiatives that deserve recognition.”
Six categories reflect current challenges facing the tourism sector
For the 2026 edition, judges are seeking innovative ideas across six Responsible Tourism Award categories. Local Economic Benefit will recognise initiatives that keep tourism spending within local economies through local procurement and support for small traders and artisans. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focuses on inclusive employment and culturally sensitive visitor experiences that foster respect between hosts and guests.
The Nature Positive category highlights businesses and conservation organisations acting as guardians of biodiversity, while Championing Cultural Diversity celebrates destinations and enterprises that strengthen connections between visitors and local communities. Adapting to Climate Change rewards initiatives addressing climate-related risks such as water scarcity, fire prevention, and coastal protection. Regenerative Tourism recognises projects that restore and strengthen places and communities, contributing to long-term resilience.
Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet holidays, said the awards highlight practical examples of tourism delivering positive outcomes. “Tourism has the power to deliver real benefits for communities and the environment, and these awards showcase the best examples of how the industry can make a positive difference,” he said.
Participation in the awards is free. Applicants are required to pre-register via the ICRT Global website to access the application forms. Submissions can be uploaded at any point before Friday, 3 April. Winners of the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards will then compete with regional winners from across the world for a Global Responsible Tourism Award, to be announced in November 2026.
2025 winners set a high benchmark for responsible tourism in Europe
The call for entries follows a strong 2025 edition, with winners announced at the Press Club Brussels Europe in partnership with Travel Tomorrow. Gold winners included Club Marvy in Türkiye, Delphina Hotels and Resorts in Sardinia, dual-narrative tour specialist MEJDI Tours, and UK-based wildlife travel company Naturetrek.
As previously reported by Travel Tomorrow, the 2025 awards recognised leadership across six categories, including local sourcing, waste management, nature positive tourism, peace and inclusion, climate adaptation, and responsible all-inclusive models. Judges praised the winning organisations for demonstrating measurable impact, from biodiversity protection and circular economy practices to climate resilience and inclusive employment.
Gold winners from the European awards advance to the global stage, where they compete with leading initiatives from Latin America, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, showcasing responsible tourism models with the potential to inspire change worldwide.
