On 3rd November, the winners of the 2025 Global Responsible Tourism Awards were announced, celebrating changemakers from around the world, redefining the future of travel. From a regenerative trail in Bali to a San education centre in Southern Africa, inclusive resorts in Turkey and Tanzania, a youth-led waste initiative in Malaysia, and a pioneering peace-focused tour operator, this year’s gold winners embody the power of tourism to create positive impact.
The awards, organised by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), recognise initiatives that demonstrate measurable contributions to local communities, cultures, and the environment. Each of the global winners had already achieved gold in their respective regional awards across Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia before being elevated to global recognition.
“Responsible tourism is about making better places for people to live in and visit,” said Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel and founder of ICRT Global, highlighting the importance of measurable impact in responsible tourism, adding that while there are many ways for businesses and destination managers to take responsibility, it is crucial that claims are supported by facts. “Our sector is still plagued with extravagant claims; we hope that national and EU mis-selling regulations will reduce this over time. All of the Global Responsible Tourism Award winners have explained how they decided what to take responsibility for, what they did and with what impact. Congratulations to them all, and we hope they will inspire other organisations to follow in their footsteps,” he remarked.
Astungkara Way in Indonesia won the Nature Positive Global Responsible Tourism Award. This 135 km regenerative pilgrimage in Bali connects environmental restoration with cultural renewal, weaving through rice paddies and forests while linking 14 local partner families who host visitors.
MEJDI Tours was honoured with the Global Responsible Tourism Award for Peace, Understanding and Inclusion. The socially conscious travel company uses tourism to promote peace, cultural understanding, and economic fairness, offering immersive experiences led by local voices that reveal multiple perspectives and show travellers both the beauty and complexity of the destinations.
The Increasing Local Sourcing and Creating Shared Value Award went to !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre in Southern Africa, a cultural and educational centre that honours the San people’s heritage while promoting economic empowerment and sustainability through ethical, tradition-based food and beverage sourcing.
Two resorts shared gold in the Responsible All-Inclusive Resorts category. Club Marvy in Özdere, Turkey, embraces sustainable gastronomy and local supply policies that strengthen the local economy, promote healthy living, and preserve agricultural traditions. Foxes Safari Camps in Tanzania was recognised for its sustainable all-inclusive model that prioritises community development and environmental responsibility.
WormingUp™ Malaysia earned gold for Managing Waste. The youth-led, ISO 14001 certified social enterprise in Sarawak transforms organic waste using black soldier fly larvae to produce natural fertiliser and insect protein, diverting waste from landfills.
Debbie Hindle, chair of ICRT Global, said: “Our awards are free to enter but hard to win. We applaud all our 2025 winners for inspiring and giving us great new ideas for the future. And we’re now starting the hunt for our 2026 changemakers, if you know of anyone who should be recognised, please do suggest they enter.”
Earlier in October, Brussels hosted the inaugural Europe Responsible Tourism Awards, recognising hotels, tour operators, and destinations leading in sustainable and inclusive travel. Announced at the Press Club Brussels Europe on 16 October, the awards highlighted initiatives from community engagement and circular economy projects to biodiversity protection and peacebuilding. The 2025 edition honoured achievements across six categories, including local sourcing, waste management, nature-positive tourism, peace and inclusion, climate resilience, and responsible all-inclusive resorts.
The 2025 Global Responsible Tourism Awards showcase how innovation and collaboration can create travel experiences that benefit both people and the planet. By highlighting winners who are making real impacts — from environmental restoration and cultural preservation to community empowerment and inclusive tourism — the awards set a benchmark for the industry and offer inspiration for other organisations to take responsibility for their impact and contribute to a more sustainable travel sector.
