Gecko’s Adventures Wins International Responsible Tourism Award
Gecko’s Adventures has been recognised internationally for its positive social and financial impact on local communities, being named Best Tour Operator at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards in London.
Gecko’s Adventures scooped the award after being nominated by travellers and passing through a rigorous judging process that assessed 1700 entrants across 14 categories.
“Gecko’s stood out because it has a core policy of employing only local tour leaders, ensuring that the local community benefits financially from its holidays, and for its commitment to channelling revenues directly into conserving wilderness and heritage,” the judges said, acknowledging competition in the category was strong.
The Responsible Tourism Awards were established in 2004 by online travel agent responsibletravel.com and launched in partnership with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine – the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society in the UK.
The aim of the awards is to recognise individuals, companies and organisations for making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and for providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation.
Nominations for the awards are submitted by the public and of those tour operators short-listed, feedback is solicited from a range of informed sources relevant to each country. A panel of 13 judges meets at The Royal Geographical Society to debate the nominations and determine the winners.
“Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for Gecko’s Australia and our team of international land operators. Our local leaders and operators are a driving force in the ideas and implementation of many of the initiatives we have undertaken,” said Pete Rawley, Gecko’s Brand Manager.
“For Gecko’s travellers, it’s about being culturally and environmentally sensitive in a way that gives a deeper understanding of a place and its people - and guarantees a fun and rewarding experience.”
With its recently released 2008-09 brochures, Gecko’s is also believed to be the first Australian adventure tour operator to offer a voluntary carbon offsetting option on the land component of all its tours, as well as the accompanying flights.
For further information contact Gecko’s Adventures on 1300 854 500 or visit www.geckosadventures.com
