The Eco Warrior Award for ‘Most Responsible Tour Operator of 2013’ was awarded to Gamewatchers Safaris in a ceremony held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on the 24th of September 2013. This was announced at the Kenya Night dinner during the International Ecotourism Society’s Conference held in Nairobi during the week of 23rd to 27th September 2013. The award was accepted by Director Jake Grieves-Cook from KATO Chairman Adam Jillo, with the Gamewatchers Safaris Management Team also being present at the awards.
The awards ceremony was attended by tourist industry stakeholders and conservation organizations as well as keen travelers.
The Eco-Warrior Awards recognize efforts, innovations and exceptional achievements for promoting responsible tourism and enhancing tourism sustainability which directly conserves the natural environment linked to local communities (either credible individuals or groups) through mutually beneficial and equitable partnerships. Nature conservation through community development by tourism is the essence of ecotourism.
Therefore, the awards aim to celebrate ecotourism best practices in different tourism sectors and tourism set ups in Kenya.
Ecotourism Kenya manages a certification scheme for tourism accommodation facilities based on environmental and social criteria. Porini Amboseli Camp and Porini Mara Camp have been certified as Gold Rated, and Porini Rhino Camp and Porini Lion Camp have a Silver rated eco certification. There are only 8 properties in Kenya that have a Gold rating.
