AWARD APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Read This Before Completing the Application Form

Your application consists of two key parts:

1. Application Form – This is the primary document used by the judging panel to assess your submission.
2. Additional Information – This section supports the judging process by providing further insights into your business, along with essential contact details.

Important Notes

• All applications must be completed in English.
• Judging decisions are made based solely on the information provided in your application. Ensure your responses are clear, accurate, and well-supported.
• The information submitted may be publicly released if necessary. Please ensure you can substantiate any claims made in your application.
• The judging criteria are outlined below to guide you in crafting a strong submission.

General Tips for Completing Your Application

• Provide clear, concise, and relevant answers. Avoid unnecessary marketing language and focus on the substance of your project.
• Write from experience. Applications written by those directly involved in delivering the project tend to be the strongest.
• Directly answer the questions. The judges are looking for:
  • The motivation behind your initiative – Why did you take responsibility for this effort?
  • The approach – What did you do, how did you do it, and how was it funded?
  • The impact – What measurable outcomes were achieved? Provide data or estimates where possible.
• Support your application with relevant documentation. Attachments should be pertinent and add value to your submission.
• Avoid repetition. Keep your responses focused and structured.
• Tailor your answers to the category. Use the ‘Additional Information’ section to highlight the broader impact of your responsible tourism efforts.
• Adhere to the word count limits. The limits are maximums, not targets. Prefilled content such as question prompts does not count toward your word total.

Terms of Application

• A maximum of two applications per organisation per region is allowed.
• The judging panel reserves the right to reassign your application to a more suitable category if deemed necessary.
• Your responses are confidential to the judging panel. However, if your award is questioned, we reserve the right to reference information from your application to uphold the integrity of the awards.
• If your application is shortlisted, your references will be contacted to verify your achievements in responsible tourism.
• By submitting your application, you consent to data processing as outlined in our GDPR policy.
• Gold winners from the Rest of the World in each category will be automatically entered into the Global Responsible Tourism Awards.

Judging Criteria

We seek inspirational and impactful examples of responsible tourism that set benchmarks for the industry. The judging panel uses the following criteria:

1. Evidence-Based Results – Judges require tangible proof of impact. Provide quantifiable evidence of positive change or reduced negative effects.
2. Replicability – The initiative should serve as a model that can be adopted by others in the sector globally.
3. Innovation – We recognise forward-thinking approaches that make a real difference and have the potential to become industry best practices.
4. Influence – We value organizations that not only implement change within their own operations but also encourage their peers and suppliers to adopt responsible practices.
5. Sustainability & Longevity – Successful applicants should demonstrate a long-term commitment to responsible tourism, with clear plans and future targets that encompass economic, social, and environmental considerations.
6. Overall Commitment to Responsible Tourism – Beyond category-specific achievements, applicants should show a comprehensive dedication to benefiting local communities, economies, cultures, and environments.

Thank you for your submission. We look forward to reviewing your application