The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, founded and organised by responsibletravel.com, are once again calling on travellers to nominate the best of the best in responsible tourism.

Since 2004, the Responsible Tourism Awards have led the way in seeking out and celebrating the organisations, individuals and destinations that are providing innovative and exciting ways to pass on the benefits of tourism to local people, reduce negative environmental impacts, and conserve biodiversity. Whether your holiday is niche or mainstream, your accommodation small or large, the Responsible Tourism Awards reflect the fact that the strongest commitments to responsible tourism also provide the most fantastic tourism experiences.

‘The awards are a great way of showcasing the exciting growth that’s taking place in the responsible-tourism movement as it develops into different destinations, new territories and even better experiences,’ says Justin Francis, CEO and executive director of the awards organiser, responsibletravel.com. ‘As the movement continues to gather speed in 2010, I’m excited to see it sparking the creation of even more authentic travel experiences and genuine community relationships.’

Whether it’s walking in the hills of Europe or riding the rapids in Fiji, scuba diving in Egypt, cruising a hybrid ferry in San Francisco, or simply enjoying an organic B&B on a farm in the Peak District, the awards have recognised a dynamic range of winners and welcome nominations in a total of 13 categories.

The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards are a collaboration between online travel agent responsibletravel.com, UK media partners Metro newspaper, Geographical and the World Travel Market, which will host the awards ceremony on World Responsible Tourism Day in November.



The prize:

The lucky winner and a friend will be whisked off for three nights at the Governors' Camp, the home of Big Cat Diaries, once reserved exclusively for Kenya's colonial governors and their royal visitors, followed by three nights at Loldia House, set in the Rift Valley, with stunning views of dormant volcano Mount Longonot.

Governors' Camp offers the luxury of tented accommodation and spectacular game-viewing with uninterrupted views of the Masai Mara; while Loldia House is situated on the edge of Lake Naivasha. You'll be travelling on award-winning Virgin Atlantic in economy class, with internal connecting flights and transfers included for a seven-night stay on a full board basis.

Find out more about the 13 nomination categories and how to nominate an organisation at www.responsibletourismawards.com. Nominations must be received by 14 June 2010.