Male’ Maldives, 9th October 2023 – Local Tour Company Secret Paradise Maldives is proud to announce their recent achievement of a silver award at the prestigious International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Responsible Tourism Awards 2023. The company was recognized in the category of “Best for Nature-Positive Tourism,” highlighting their remarkable contributions to responsible tourism in the Maldives.
This year’s awards saw 22 exceptional travel and tourism businesses from the subcontinent recognized in various categories. Secret Paradise Maldives was honored in the “Best for Nature-Positive Tourism” category, acknowledging their dedication to reducing negative impacts and promoting the preservation of the natural environment and biodiversity in the Maldives.
The ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards aim to identify tourism businesses that are committed to sustainable practices and utilize tourism as a force for good. The judging process involved a rigorous evaluation of evidence, data, and supporting references to determine the winners’ contribution to the betterment and preservation of both natural and cultural heritage.
Secret Paradise Maldives has distinguished itself by excelling in the following categories:
Best for Tackling Plastic Waste.
Best for Meaningful Connections.
Best for Local Sourcing, Craft, and Food.
Addressing Climate Change.
Best for Diversity and Inclusion.
Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Being acknowledged within the global family of Responsible Tourism is a further milestone that affirms our ongoing commitment to delivering responsible travel experiences. We take immense pride in championing sustainable practices in the Maldives and value the support of our NGO and marine organization partners, as well as the local communities who welcome us and our guests to their islands. Our hope is that we inspire our partners, guests, and the tourism industry at large, showcasing that any business, regardless of its size, can make a positive impact.”
In addition to the regional awards, businesses that received Gold in the regional awards in Africa, India, and Latin America will automatically be entered into the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, which will be announced in London at WTM in November this year.
Secret Paradise Maldives’ silver win at the ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards 2023 is a testament to their commitment to responsible tourism and their significant contributions to nature-positive tourism in the Maldives. As they continue to lead by example, their achievements serve as an inspiration to the entire travel and tourism industry.