Designed to inspire meaningful impact in tourism across Africa, the ATTA® for Action Awards were announced at this week's Expereince Afric event. Across the eight categories, an incredible 4 winners were from companies operating in Tanzania.
Category : Ethical Wildlife Experience
Ethical wildlife tour experiences that respect animal welfare (captive and wild), educates tourists and have demonstrated a significant contribution to natural habitat conservation and the reduction of human wildlife conflict.
Winner: Chumbe Island Coral Park (Tanzania)
Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) is a private island off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, and is a social non-profit enterprise. Established in 1992, CHICOP is famous for turning Chumbe Island’s coral reefs and forest into a fully managed internationally recognised nature reserve. With they have created the world’s first privately managed marine park that’s fully financed through ecotourism.
Judge’s comments: The impact of the efforts of Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) is evident in its successful conservation outcomes and community benefits. The park has achieved significant biodiversity preservation with high densities of fish and coral species. Studies have shown the effectiveness of the spillover effect, which benefits local fisheries. The park’s initiatives have also led to improved livelihoods for community members and greater environmental awareness. CHICOP’s model of sustainable park management, funded by ecotourism, serves as an exemplary case for conservation efforts globally.
Category : Heart for Heritage and Community Champion
Exceptional leadership in heritage-focused African tourism, and a corporate culture of community, empowerment and inclusivity within their internal teams.
Winner: Chem Chem Safaris (Tanzania)
Chem Chem Safari owns and operates three exclusive safari camps in the 50,000-acre Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in northern Tanzania. The land belongs to the communities around Chem Chem who have set it aside for conservation and wildlife protection.
Judge’s comment: It’s amazing to see how Chem Chem acknowledges that successful conservation requires community involvement. Their impact report highlights impressive numbers, showcasing their intertwined efforts for both conservation protection and community empowerment.
Category : Eco-Innovation in Hospitality
Honours accommodation establishments with integrated innovative eco-friendly practices and technologies and that have effectively integrated renewable energy sources into their operations.
Winner: Asilia Africa
Asilia Africa offers authentic East African safari experiences that leave a positive impact on Africa’s crucial wilderness areas. Meaning ‘genuine’ or ‘authentic’ in Swahili, Asilia Africa has built a reputation for incredible safari experiences with an unwavering commitment to empowering both people and nature alike. Asilia Africa is a fast-growing, leading safari operator and DMC, employing over 1,000 people with 19 camps and lodges in Kenya and Tanzania.
Judge’s comments: Asilia Africa (Rubondo Island Camp) has prioritised the use of renewable energy, use of electric vehicles, and working with other organisations in monitoring and combating emissions as well as supporting local initiatives.
Category : Earth-Friendly Cuisine
Organisations that prioritise seasonal, local and indigenous produce, working with ethical suppliers, minimising food waste, and educating guests and other stakeholders.
Winner: Lemala Camps and Lodges (Tanzania)
Lemala properties are an authentic collection of luxurious lodges, intimate villas and classic tented camps located in Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire regions, and Uganda’s River Nile.
Judge’s comments: An extraordinary example of a totally holistic approach to a sustainable food initiative, which educates guests and so many people in the local community. Combined with some original thinking, Lemala Camps and Lodges are a brilliant case study globally.
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ABOUT THE AWARDS
Designed to inspire meaningful impact in tourism across Africa, the ATTA® for Action Awards was crafted by the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) and announced at the Experience Africa travel trade show event on 1 July 2024 in London.
Nigel Vere Nicoll, ATTA® President stated, “We received an overwhelming number of excellent applications for our inaugural awards, and we are grateful to all those who whole-heartedly supported this initiative. We are impressed by the commitment of so many within the tourism industry to impact conservation and communities, and we sincerely hope that the work of the winners and finalists will be inspirational to many.”
Full list of winners :
Heart for Heritage and Community Champion: Chem Chem Safaris (Tanzania)
Ethical Wildlife Experience: Chumbe Island Coral Park (Tanzania)
Earth-Friendly Cuisine: Lemala Camps and Lodges (Tanzania)
Eco-Innovation in Hospitality: Asilia Africa (East Africa, including Tanzania)
Meaningful Engagement Champion: African Monarch Lodges – The Sijwa Project (Namibia)
Digital Storytelling Champion: How Many Elephants (United Kingdom)
Collaborative Champions of Climate and Social Justice: Gamewatchers Safari & Porini Camps (Kenya)
Traveller Education and Awareness Champion: Let’s Go Travel Uniglobe (Kenya)
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