WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026: The Proof in the Pudding (and the Proteas)

 A week has passed since WTM Africa 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town, and I’m still coming down off the high. This is like Comic Con for travel industry nerds like myself. 

This year’s edition welcomed 8,000 travel trade professionals from 63 countries, making it the biggest and most internationally diverse event in its history. In short: Africa’s tourism scene is thriving, and everyone wants in.

But amid the networking, business cards and polished shoes, one of the standout moments was the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026: a celebration of the people and businesses proving that travel can do obscene amounts of good.

Celebrating Tourism That Delivers Real Impact

Held on 15 April, the awards recognised 22 organisations across 13 countries that are creating measurable impact for communities, culture and conservation. Or, as the theme of the day neatly put it: “Can you prove it?”

Hosted by SANParks board member Rachel Nxele, with Cape Town’s Alderman James Vos as guest speaker, the ceremony focused less on glossy promises and more on receipts. Real work, real commitment, and real outcomes.

The awards honoured organisations across five categories: Championing Cultural Diversity, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Local Economic Benefit, Nature Positive, and Regenerative Tourism.

Among the gold winners was Zimbabwe’s Ele Collection, which turns plastic waste into construction-grade aggregate. Namibia’s RuralRevive was recognised for rebuilding local food systems and creating jobs in desert communities, while Kenya’s Saruni Basecamp showed how long‑term lease agreements and bed‑night fees can secure large and connected landscapes for wildlife, while strengthening local livelihoods.

South Africa had its own strong showing. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company won for boosting local procurement from 29% to 89%, supporting more than 150 small businesses along the way. The V&A Waterfront Academy also took gold after helping 315 young people into employment and supporting 15 small businesses through the Watershed craft market since 2023.

One of the most charming winners was Traditional African Homestays Southern Africa, a fast-growing network giving travellers the chance to experience village life while ensuring most of the income stays within host communities.

Silver winners included Cape Town’s Unexplored Cape Town for its community-rooted food tours (there will be more from this company on the Sharonicles soon), and Graskop Gorge Lift Company for protecting endangered species with a low-impact access system.

Then there were the “ones to watch”, emerging initiatives doing smart things quietly. Highlights included Spekboom, which automatically channels part of every booking to conservation projects, and Cape Tourist Guides Association for championing diversity among guides.

Even the trophies had ethics: Handmade proteas crafted from recycled book pages and Shweshwe fabric replaced generic shiny objects.

So yes, WTM Africa is big business. But it’s also a reminder that tourism, when done properly, can leave places better than it found them.