<p>The judges said: "We were impressed by the unquestionable scale of change achieved by this comparatively small resort. Importantly, Nihiwatu has been able to leverage the income from what is a very luxurious tourism experience to alleviate poverty among the Sumbanese, and they have done so without compromising the comfort of that experience."</p> <p><br />At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM), Docklands, London, on Wednesday 10th November, the Awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, organisers and founders of the Awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards.</p> <p> </p> <p>Justin Francis said: "This year I have been heartened by the depth of commitment and connection our winners have shown to the local communities in their destinations. Their successes and pioneering spirits are remarkable and the very real and authentic experiences they have created, set responsible tourism apart. They also remind us that holidays can be both luxurious for visitor and enhancing for local people - helping build schools, water pumps, clinics and conserving cultural and natural heritage.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Amanda Wills, managing director, Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards said: “I‟m once again humbled by the commitment, drive and ingenuity of today‟s winners. They have shown us all what can be achieved by the people and places seeking to benefit from tourism, even when the economic climate continues to challenge us all. Their‟s is truly an example for the rest of the industry to follow, and I‟m delighted that Virgin Holidays is again able to be a part of this celebration.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Launched in 2004, the Awards are run in association with partners World Travel Market, Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine.</p> <p> </p> <p>For full information, see www.responsibletourismawards.com<br />Or contact ingrid@nihiwatu.com</p> <p> </p>Nihiwatu Long Run Destination has been declared Overall Winner at this year‟s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards organised by responsibletravel.com. They were also announced winner of the "Best for poverty reduction‟ category.
News
