The 2011 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards have been launched in the Metro and in Geographical Magazine.  The Awards will be announced and presented at World Travel Market on World Responsible Tourism Day in November.

There is a new look Awards site where you can nominate, read about the Awards and previous winners www.responsibletourismawards.com .

So, have you come across a ski resort or accommodation or activity in the mountains that you think worthy of nominating?   Think about the places you have been that are taking responsibility for making tourism more sustainable, the people who are making a difference and nominate them.  Who is contributing the most to Responsible Skiing? 

This year there have been some changes in the categories
1.    Best tour operator for local experiences
2.    Best accommodation for local communities
3.    Best accommodation for the environment
4.    Best in a mountain environment
5.    Best in a marine environment
6.    Best responsible cruise or ferry operator
7.    Best low carbon initiative
8.    Best for conservation of wildlife and habitats
9.    Best contribution to conserving cultural heritage
10.    Best for poverty reduction
11.    Best volunteering organisation
12.    Best destination
13.    NEW FOR 2011 – Best in responsible tourism writing

The Awards, now in their eighth year have grown to become ‘the Oscars’ of the responsible tourism world, having attracted over 10,000 nominations from members of the public since they were launched in 2004.