Waste management was a key focus at the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) Africa Responsible Tourism Awards, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The event recognised businesses using tourism as a force for good through innovation, inclusivity, and measurable impact. One of the main categories was Managing Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle, which showcased innovative solutions to plastic pollution and waste management across the continent.

The Gold Winners

• HBD Principe from São Tomé and Príncipe
• Destination Zero Waste Zanzibar (TUI Care Foundation)
• Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) in South Africa

These businesses demonstrated remarkable dedication to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. HBD Principe from São Tomé and Príncipe was awarded gold for its innovative waste recovery programme, which includes converting waste glass into construction materials and exchanging recyclables for schoolbooks or eco-friendly fuel alternatives. Destination Zero Waste Zanzibar was also a gold winner, recognised for creating jobs through recycling initiatives and raising environmental awareness. The company has implemented innovative waste management practices, including recycling and composting, and has made a significant impact on the local community. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company in South Africa was another gold winner, which has diverted 62% of its waste from landfills over the last decade. The company has implemented a comprehensive waste management system, including recycling and composting, and has made a significant impact on the environment.

The Silver Winners

• Silvers went to Foxes Safari Camps in Tanzania
• Hideaways Africa
• Green Safaris Conservation Foundation in Zambia
• Township and Village in Stellenbosch, SA
• Uthando’s Heart of Cape Town Initiative

These businesses demonstrated exceptional commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Foxes Safari Camps in Tanzania was a silver winner, which has implemented a circular economy model, including recycling and composting. The company has also made a significant impact on the local community, providing jobs and training opportunities. Hideaways Africa was another silver winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and promoting local sourcing. The company has also made a significant impact on the environment, providing a model for responsible tourism. Green Safaris Conservation Foundation in Zambia was a silver winner, which has implemented a pioneering approach to reducing waste, including using solar-powered electric vehicles and 80% solar-powered lodges. The organisation has also made a significant impact on the environment, conserving biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Township and Village in Stellenbosch, SA was a silver winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including promoting cultural exchange and reducing waste. Uthando’s Heart of Cape Town Initiative was another silver winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including promoting peace and understanding through creative expressions. The initiative has made a significant impact on the community, promoting unity and compassion.

The Nature Positive Winner

• Emboo Safari Camp in Kenya
• Hwange Community Rhino Conservation Initiative in Zimbabwe
• Volcanoes Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda
• Loisaba Conservancy and Saruni Base Camp, both in Kenya

Emboo Safari Camp in Kenya was a gold winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and conserving biodiversity. The organisation has also made a significant impact on the local community, providing jobs and training opportunities. Hwange Community Rhino Conservation Initiative in Zimbabwe was another gold winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and conserving biodiversity. The organisation has also made a significant impact on the environment, protecting the rhino population and promoting conservation. Volcanoes Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda was a silver winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and conserving biodiversity. The organisation has also made a significant impact on the environment, promoting conservation and protecting the wildlife. Loisaba Conservancy and Saruni Base Camp, both in Kenya, were silver winners, which have implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and conserving biodiversity.

The Increasing Local Sourcing Winner

• Dlala Nje, a Johannesburg-based social enterprise
• !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
• Hamagriza in SA
• Kijani Supplies in Kenya
• Futureshapers Namibia and City Visas

Dlala Nje, a Johannesburg-based social enterprise, was a gold winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and promoting local sourcing. !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre was another gold winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and promoting local sourcing. The organisation has also made a significant impact on the environment, promoting cultural heritage preservation and rural economic development. Hamagriza in SA was a silver winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and promoting local sourcing. The organisation has also made a significant impact on the environment, providing a model for responsible tourism. Kijani Supplies in Kenya was a silver winner, which has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including reducing waste and promoting local sourcing. Futureshapers Namibia and City Visas were silver winners, which have implemented a range of sustainable practices, including promoting local entrepreneurship and responsible tourism.

A Call to Action

“Responsible tourism, like entering these awards, is not an easy journey,” said Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel. “We all have successes and failures, but by showcasing our achievements, we can inspire others and signpost what is possible for others.”
The awards ceremony highlighted the innovative solutions to the tourism sector’s environmental challenges across Africa. The winning businesses demonstrated remarkable dedication to reducing waste and promoting sustainability, and their efforts have the potential to make a significant impact on the environment and local communities. By supporting and recognizing these businesses, we can promote responsible tourism and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.