ANNOUNCING THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARD WINNERS

After 2 years of a steady recovery of the tourism industry, Ecotourism Kenya(EK) resumed the annual Ecowarrior Award now in its 15th Edition. The event is a Kenyan-born award hosted by Ecotourism Kenya that has been celebrated since 2005. The prestigious award is anchored on the desire to inspire the Kenyan Tourism industry towards responsible practices. The Ecowarrior Award returned this year with the theme: ‘Rethinking Tourism: Celebrating Changemakers’.

This year EK launched three exciting initiatives:
1. “Upscaling Sustainable Tourism in East Africa” funded by the GO4SDGs initiative of the UN Environment Programme which will develop mandatory national sustainable tourism certification standards, support the uptake of innovative private-sector financing mechanisms
and build capacity in small youth/women-led enterprises to participate in sustainable tourism industry value chains.
2. ‘Beyond the Trophy’ initiative, which will journey through one year with the winners and sponsors to highlight and promote their sustainable tourism practices.
3. The City Hotels Certification program supported by Tourism Fund and Green Tour Kenya (EU funded) will eco-certify facilities based in urban settings. The aim remains the promotion of innovative, authentic, and inclusive sustainable tourism businesses.

The dinner was hosted by Ecotourism Kenya at Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper hill on Thursday 27th October 2022, and was graced by Dr. Paula Kahumbu, Chief Executive Officer – Wildlife Direct as the Chief Guest. Ecotourism Kenya Board members, Ecotourism Kenya Members, Chairpersons of Tourism State Corporations, and CEOs and chairpersons from the private sector among other invited guests, dignitaries, and the tourism/conservation fraternity.

The winners of the 2022 Ecowarrior Award were recognized and celebrated for being changemakers in the industry, through their consistency, resilience, and innovation as demonstrated in their applications and as assessed by the judges led by the chief judge, Judy Kepher-Gona.

The following are the winners of the 2022 Ecowarrior Award

  • Best Accommodation in Communities and Cultural Preservation- Basecamp Explorer Kenya which was sponsored and presented by East Africa Wildlife Society (EAWLS).
  • Best Accommodation in Conservation through Establishment of Conservancies- Basecamp Explorer Kenya which was sponsored and presented by Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA).
  • Best Accommodation in Collaboration with Impact Partners – Porini Amboseli Camp which was sponsored and presented by Tourism Fund (TF).
  • Best Accommodation in Responding to COVID-19 Impacts – Governors Camp Collection which was sponsored and presented by Switch Africa Green/ GreenTour Project (GTK).
  • Best Tour Operator in Promoting Community Development – Gamewatchers Safaris which was sponsored and presented by Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO).
  • Best Community Tourism Initiative – IL Ngwesi Lodge which was sponsored and presented by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).

 

Special recognition

  • Best Accommodation in Support for Marine Conservation – Serena Beach Resort & Spa which was sponsored and presented by Conversation Alliance of Kenya (CAK).

 

1st Runner up in 4 categories

  • Conservation through the establishment of Conservancies – Porini Mara Camp
  • Collaboration with Impact Partners – Sanctuary Olonana
  • Responding to COVID-19 Impacts  – Mara Bush Camp
  • Promoting Community Development  – Kampur Travel Diaries

 

2nd Runner up in 2 categories

  • Collaboration with Impact Partners – IL Ngwesi Lodge
  • Promoting Community Development – Let’s Go Travel Uniglobe

Ecotourism Kenya appreciates and acknowledges the great work the tourism industry is doing for the economy and people of Kenya. This is because when we all pull together for conservation, communities, and tourism, everyone becomes a winner.  

For more information about the Ecowarriors Awards and/or Ecotourism Kenya contact:

Edith Alusa  

Chief Executive Officer, Ecotourism Kenya

PO Box 10146-00100 GPO, Nairobi Kenya

Mobile: +254 726 366 080 

Email: ceo@ecotourismkenya.org cc admin@ecotourismkenya.org  

 

 

THE 15TH EDITION OF THE ECOWARRIOR AWARDS

 

THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARDS

THEME: RETHINKING TOURISM: CELEBRATING CHANGEMAKERS

Welcome to the 2022 Ecowarrior Awards!

We are honored to have you this evening.

Find the information you are looking for below.

List of shortlisted nominees.

Gala event program.

The menu.

Social media engagement.

 

We invite you to explore the website. 

 

THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARDS GALA MENU

THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARDS

RETHINKING TOURISM: CELEBRATING CHANGEMAKERS

MENU

 

Appetizer, Salads

Marmalade glazed ham with sweet mustard

Mediterranean lentil salad with chickpeas, heirloom tomatoes, and feta

pineapple, zucchini, cucumber, and sweet chili salad

Selection of salad leaves, condiments, and dressings

 

Soup

Roasted cauliflower soup with thyme and toasted cashew nuts

 

Hot Dishes

Greek spiced grilled lamb cutlets with chakalaka

Pasta baked with chicken, bacon & mushrooms topped with herb cheese gratin

Spicy fried red snapper with Swahili coconut sauce

Sweet corn rice

Roasted seasonal vegetables

 

Desserts

Lemon tartlets

Chocolate cake

Cream caramel with berries

Fresh fruit salad

Freshly brewed coffee or tea

Drinks

Selection of Soft drinks

 

Bon Appetit!

THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARDS SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT

THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARDS 

THEME: RETHINKING TOURISM: CELEBRATING CHANGEMAKERS

DATE: 27.10.22  TIME: 6:30- 10 P.M     VENUE: RADISSON BLU UPPERHILL NAIROBI

Poster of Ecotourism Kenya's Social Media Handles

Follow us on social media platforms and stay updated with the gala event. Share your experience and thoughts. Ensure to tag us in your social posts. Use the hashtag #EcowarriorAwards2022 in all your posts. 

Poster of the main hashtag for the Ecowarrior Awards 2022

Enjoy the award ceremony!

While you are here, explore the different programs on our website!

THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARDS GALA PROGRAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARDS SHORTLIST UNVEILED!

The theme for the 15th Edition of the Ecowarrior Awards is, ‘Rethinking Tourism: Celebrating Changemakers’. 

The award ceremony is set to take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upperhill, Nairobi on 27th October 2022. The dress code is blue and/or white, with a touch of beads. The distinguished guest of honor gracing the occasion is Dr. Paula Kahumbu.

We look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate sustainable tourism changemakers in Kenya.

 

The charges for the event are as follows; 

Ecotourism Kenya Members: Ksh. 5,500 per person and Ksh. 50,000 for a table of 10 pax

Non-Members: Ksh. 6,500 per person and Ksh. 60,000 for a table of 10 pax.

Register here.

DEADLINE FOR GALA REGISTRATION: Friday, 21.10.22

 

After a comprehensive judging process, we are happy to release the shortlist for this year’s awards. Congratulations to the nominees! 

  1. Basecamp Explorer Kenya 
  2. Porini Mara Camp
  3. Serena Beach Hotel 
  4. Asilia Kenya Ltd
  5. Il Ngwesi Lodge 
  6. Porini Amboseli
  7. Sanctuary Olonana
  8. Governor’s Camp Collection
  9. Mara Bush Camp
  10. Gamewatcher’s Safaris 
  11. Kampur Travel Diaries
  12. Sunworld Safaris
  13. Let’s Go Travel

 

We are grateful to our partners and sponsors who are walking this journey with us.

 

If you have any inquiries, kindly contact us:

Mobile: +254 726 366 080 

Email: admin@ecotourismkenya.org 

THE 2022 ECOWARRIOR AWARDS LONGLIST ANNOUNCEMENT

The theme for the 2022 Ecowarrior Awards is, ‘Rethinking Tourism: Celebrating Changemakers’. In tune with this World Tourism Day’s theme Rethinking Tourism, Ecotourism Kenya has sought to celebrate tourism professionals paving the way in responsible tourism in Kenya and award them. This will highlight the initiatives they are undertaking that are innovative, sustainable, and transformational. In addition, looking at ‘Beyond the Trophy’ we hope to encourage the adoption of responsible tourism practices in tourism and hospitality operations for a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive tourism industry in Kenya. 

 

The award ceremony is set to take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upperhill, Nairobi on 27th October 2022. The dress code is blue, white, and beads. The charges are as follows; 

Ecotourism Kenya Members: Ksh. 5,500 per person and Ksh. 50,000 for a table of 10 pax

Non-Members: Ksh. 6,500 per person and Ksh. 60,000 for a table of 10 pax.

Register here.

 

We appreciate all who took the time to apply for this year’s award. The application process for the Ecowarrior Awards closed on 2nd September 2022.  With the close of applications and judges’ training, the judging process commenced. The long list is as follows;

  1. Asilia Kenya Ltd*
  2. Emboo River Camp
  3. Il Ngwesi Lodge*
  4. Porini Amboseli
  5. Sanctuary Olonana
  6. Mara Bush camp
  7. Governors Camp Collection
  8. Basecamp Explorer Kenya
  9. Serena Beach Hotel
  10. Entumoto camp
  11. Porini Mara Camp 
  12. Tawi lodge*
  13. Cheli and Peacock
  14. Let’s Go Travel
  15. Kampur Travel Diaries
  16. Sunworld Safaris
  17. Gamewatchers Safaris
  18. Dr. Francis Kabii
  19. Bet Kipkurui
  20. Grace Ipato

*Indicates nomination in two categories

 

If interested in sponsoring the Ecowarrior Awards or have any related inquiries, kindly contact us:

Ecotourism Kenya

Mobile: +254 726 366 080 

Email: admin@ecotourismkenya.org 

Website: www.ecotourismkenya.org

THE ECOWARRIOR AWARD MAKES A COMEBACK

This year Ecotourism Kenya will host the 15th Edition of the Ecowarrior Award. The prestigious award, born of the desire to inspire the Kenyan Tourism industry towards responsible practices, would have reached its 17th year this year. However, it went on a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The honor of the award appreciates those who benefit the environment, and local communities while conducting tourism business ethically. 

The award resumes this year with the theme: ‘Rethinking Tourism: Celebrating Changemakers’. This looks ahead to highlighting innovative tourism practitioners in the Kenyan tourism sector who embrace and conquer challenges while striving to make long-lasting changes that benefit them and others. Tourism professionals who excel in striking a balance between the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental needs of their tourism business, are the target of this prize. 

Read more, download application forms and apply here.

The 14th Edition of Eco Warrior Award

Ecotourism Kenya together with her partners’ hosted the14th Edition of the Eco Warrior Award Ceremony & Gala Night on the theme – ‘Tourism Jobs and the Green Economy: A Better Future for All’ on Thursday 26th September 2019 at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. The theme had been drawn from UNWTO’S 2019 theme, it is in this regard that the event was scheduled on the eve of World Tourism Day.

Speaking at the colorful themed event – black with a touch of gold, the Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Wildlife Hon. Najib Balala was optimistic that the private sector in the tourism industry will take up the responsibility of the ban on single use plastics and implement it. The ban which was sensitized by His Excellency the president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta on 5th June 2019, to eradicate single use plastics from our protected areas; beaches, national parks, forests and conservation areas effectively June 5th 2020.

 

“Sustainable Development Goal 8 aims at empowering the livelihoods and prosperity in rural communities through providing access to decent employment and through reviving traditional local industries.” CS, Hon. Najib Balala.

 

 

He added that stakeholders involved should come up with innovative solutions and Eco-friendly alternatives to the single-use plastics.

 Over 250 guests from different walks of the tourism industry graced the occasion. Sectors like hotels, accommodation facilities, tour operators, travel agencies, government bodies and sustainability enthusiasts were all represented. After a successful nomination process 46 facilities had been longlisted to contest, this was later reduced to 27 shortlisted candidates that went through the judging process to have 10 winners, 9 runners –up and 1 overall winner.

 

 

Uniglobe Let’s Go Travel Leisure travel manager Ms. Angela Njehia receiving the overall winner trophy from CS Hon. Najib Balala(left), EK board chairman Dr. Christopher Gakahu(middle) and CEO AFEW Ms. Christine Odhiambo(right).

 

UNIGLOBE Let’s Go Travel emerged the overall winners of the night having scoped an award earlier as the 2019 Green Tourism Champion in Tour Operations. Other winners were:  Mugie Conservancy, Basecamp Explorer Kenya, Gamewatchers Porini, Lake Elementeita Serena Camp, Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, David Marenya, Kicheche Mara Camp, Sunworld Safaris, Kichwa Tembo and Mara Bush Camp. To see the break down categories and other runners –up click HERE.

On behalf of the Ecotourism Kenya Executive Committee, receive our sincerest gratitude for attending the 2019 Eco Warrior Award. We thank you for sparing time from your busy schedule to come and celebrate with us the Eco Warriors who continually champion for the actualization of Sustainable Development in Kenya.

We are grateful for your continued support and we are looking forward to hosting you again during the 15th edition of the Eco Warrior Award.

 

 

For further information about the Eco Warrior Award and/or Ecotourism Kenya contact:
Public Relations and Communication Officer
Email: pr@ecotourismkenya.org ,Website: www.ecotourismkenya.org
Phone: 0726366080

ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF 2019 ECO WARRIOR AWARD

Theme: Tourism, Jobs and the Green Economy – A Better Future for All

Ecotourism Kenya has released the winners list for the 14th edition of the Eco Warrior Award that recognizes innovation and leadership in responsible tourism.  The winners consist of Kenyan tourism operators, accommodation facilities, community tourism enterprises, conservancies and individuals with initiatives that demonstrate a linkage and commitment to responsible tourism and that promotes the transition to a green economy.

Ecotourism Kenya members have been at the forefront of promoting a green economy through initiatives as energy efficiency, water efficiency and waste management including PET plastic bottles.  This year, the Eco Warrior Award theme and dates coincided with the UNWTO World Tourism Day 2019 celebrations being held today, the 27th of September in New Delhi, India.

Winners in the 6 categories were announced on Thursday 26th September 2019 in a red carpet Gala Dinner hosted by Ecotourism Kenya and partners at the new-look Nairobi Serena. The Gala Dinner which was held yesterday on the eve of the World Tourism Day was graced by Hon. Najib Balala EGH Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife and other key industry players.

Winners list:

    1. 2019 Tourism and Green Jobs Eco Warrior – Sponsored by Kenya Utalii College – KUC

  • Mugie Conservancy – Winner
  • Peak East Africa – Runner- up 

   2. 2019 Social Impact Eco Warrior – Sponsored by Kenya Wildlife Trust – KWT

  • Basecamp Explorer Kenya – Winner
  • Gamewatchers Porini – Winner
  • Lake Elementeita Serena Camp – Winner
  • Ngare Ndare Forest Trust – Winner
  • Amboseli Serena Lodge – 1st Runner- up
  • Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge – 2nd Runner- up

   3. 2019 Sustainable Tourism Change Makers – Sponsored by African Fund for Endangered Wildlife – AFEW Kenya

  • David Marenya – Winner
  • Rahmina Oyugi – Runner- up
 4. 2019 Green Tourism Champion in  Resource Use Efficiency- Sponsored by Kenya Tourism Board – KTB
  • Kicheche Mara Camp – Winner
  • Escapades – Kilima Camp – Runner- up

  5. 2019 Green Tourism Champion in Tour Operations – Sponsored by Kenya Association of Tour Operators – KATO

  • Sunworld Safaris – Winner
  • Let’s Go Travel – Uniglobe – Winner
  • Gamewatchers Safaris Ltd – Runner- up
  • Twiga Tours and Travel – Runner- up

   6. 2019 Green Tourism Champion in Minimization of Single Use Plastic – Sponsored by Tourism Fund – TF

  • Kichwa Tembo –  Winner
  • Mara Bush Camp – Winner
  • Safari Collection – Runner- up
  • Angama Mara – Runner- up