Only 15 of the hundreds of nominations received from around the world were chosen, all of which "embody the extraordinary ways that travellers can give back to the places we visit," according to Travel + Leisure. In its ninth year, the Awards were overseen by a jury of seven accomplished international experts. With two other South African tourism destinations among the 15 awardees, it is fair to say that South Africa dominated this prestigious event.
Chosen in the Community category, Solms-Delta is an unconventional wine estate that is empowering the farm workers behind its labels, through profit-sharing, equity, land-ownership, educational scholarships, music-based heritage projects, and other socially and culturally uplifting programmes.
"We are very proud to be in the company of these 15 others, all of whom are creating environmentally and culturally authentic experiences for travellers, and by doing so, contributing to the sustainability of the industry," said Mark Solms, who attended the Awards ceremony. "The whole idea behind the Global Vision Awards is to recognize travel businesses that enhance their surrounding communities rather than exploit them. It happens all too often that tourism destroys the precious and fragile environmental or cultural resources that had brought the visitors in the first place."
"For us, it is an Award that has meaning to all 300 of our employees and residents, who are key to the work ethic of Solms-Delta. They love to show off what we've been able to achieve here over the past few years! I believe it is their enthusiasm and genuine belief in a better life for all that leaves visitors with such a soaring impression of this part of South Africa," said Solms.
The other two South African awardees were Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat - a rock-art and game reserve in the Cederberg, and Camp Jabulani animal sanctuary in Hoedspruit near Kruger National Park.
"People are the heart and soul of any journey - and the inspiration for the efforts of our winners," said juror John Wood. "These companies build schools and houses, support literacy, and develop infrastructure. But most important, they integrate locals into their business plans, offering 'a hand up, not a handout'."
Travel + Leisure features news, finds and opinions that empower its readers and users to travel better. Its print portfolio includes the U.S. flagship magazine Travel + Leisure and five international editions in Mexico, Turkey, China, India/South Asia and Southeast Asia. It also has an authoritative website,
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The Travel + Leisure 2013 Global Vision award winners are featured in the November issue of Travel + Leisure® as well as on
www.travelandleisure.com.