ATTA® for Action Awards Return to Spotlight Sustainability Champions Across African Tourism
The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA®) announced the return of its ATTA® for Action Awards – now in their second year – honouring organisations across the continent leading with purpose, innovation, and impact.
Winners will be celebrated at an exclusive ceremony on 23 June 2025, at Experience Africa in London, ATTA®’s flagship annual trade event that draws global buyers focused on African product development. The awards celebrate initiatives aligned with the eight ATTA® for Action pillars – inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals – with categories spanning community upliftment, environmental conservation, traveller education, and ethical enterprise.
Open to international buyers as well as African accommodation providers, activity suppliers and non-profits, the awards aim to recognise excellence while amplifying approaches that can be scaled or replicated throughout the industry. Chris Mears, ATTA® Events CEO, says: “These stories are practical blueprints showing how purposeful travel can transform lives while protecting biodiversity. We want these examples front and centre, so others are encouraged and equipped to follow suit. This year, we’re also making space for grassroots changemakers whose journeys are just beginning but whose ideas hold incredible promise.”
Core Award Categories:
• ATTA® Purpose & People Award Recognises exceptional leadership in delivering tangible benefits to local communities while preserving cultural heritage.
• ATTA® Earthkeepers Award Honours ethical wildlife experiences and innovative conservation models protecting ecosystems at risk.
• ATTA® Eco-Innovation Award Highlights adoption of technologies or practices that reduce environmental footprints or mitigate climate change effects.
• ATTA® Zero Waste Trailblazer Award Celebrates sustainable food systems within hospitality, including local sourcing, water-saving methods and waste reduction strategies.
• ATTA® Community Upliftment Award Focuses on projects creating long-term social value through education access, health services or inclusive employment pathways.
• ATTA® Marine Impact Award Spotlights efforts safeguarding marine biodiversity along Africa's coastlines through restoration or policy advocacy work.
• ATTA® Collaborative Impact Award Recognises partnerships between public/private/non-profit sectors working collectively toward shared sustainability goals.
• ATTA® Traveller Education & Awareness Award Applauds programmes throughout the travel journey that through storytelling or experiential learning supports visitors in adopting responsible behaviours. New This Year:
• ATTA® Media Voice for Action Award Rewards journalists or creators using compelling storytelling rooted in ethics and accuracy to inspire conscious travel decisions about Africa.
• ATTA® Emerging Changemaker Award Celebrates small businesses or non-profits launching early-stage projects already demonstrating potential for transformative impact.
Entries close on 5 May 2025 – full guidelines including judging criteria are available at: awards.atta.travel Source: Big Ambitions
