The Regenerative Travel Impact Awards 2024
The Regenerative Travel Impact Awards are back and we’re on the hunt for inspiring individuals and initiatives that are tackling some of our planet’s biggest challenges.
The Impact Awards celebrate people and projects that embody the spirit of regeneration—improving people’s lives, our communities, and the world around us. We are searching the globe for inspiring changemakers working to solve our biggest challenges and inspiring positive action, both inside and outside of travel.
Our judging panel was handpicked based on their exceptional expertise, achievements, and diverse backgrounds. With their collective knowledge in marine ecology, social entrepreneurship, travel journalism, sustainability, visual storytelling, tourism policy, hospitality, and impact investing, the judging panel is well equipped to identify innovative ideas that have the potential to advance regenerative travel.
Impact Award Categories
Regenerative
Hotel of the Year
A hotel that is a catalyst for change and innovating hospitality to promote positive social and environmental impact
Regenerative
Agency of the Year
A travel agency, DMC or tour operator catalyzing positive change in travel through regenerative practices and initiatives
Regenerative
Travel Initiative of the Year
An impactful initiative driving regenerative practices and inspiring positive change in travel
Regenerative
Storyteller of the Year
A passionate storyteller recognized for their contributions that bring about social and environmental change
Regenerative
Change Maker of the Year
A visionary individual driving systemic change for regenerative travel
People's Choice
Recognizing the public’s favorite regenerative travel project through collective voting on our short list
Regenerative Design
Celebrating the most innovative and impactful regenerative hotel design
Regenerative Travel Experience
A travel experience launched this past year that is creating regenerative impact
Health and Wellness
Initiatives featuring holistic and restorative approaches that promote well-being
Community
Initiatives that promote equity and honour culture for vibrant, resilient communities.
Conservation
Initiatives to restore and regenerate ecosystems, biodiversity, or critical species
Food and Agriculture
Initiatives that revolutionize our eating habits, and transform the way we source and cultivate our food
Education
Projects that deepen or broaden education’s impact, promoting equity and understanding
Climate Innovation
Innovative ideas that bring greenhouse gas emissions to zero or uplift nature’s carbon cycle
Our Judges
Robin Moore
Vice President of Communications
and Marketing at Re:wild
Dr. Robin Moore blends his scientific training with his passion for photography and storytelling to connect a broad audience with the urgency and opportunity for saving endangered species and critical ecosystems. Robin has spearheaded innovative campaigns to raise the profile of too-often overlooked species
Shivya Nath
Founder of Climate Conscious Travel
Shivya is an award-winning travel writer and the author of The Shooting Star, a bestselling travel memoir published by Penguin. She is also the founder of Climate Conscious Travel, a startup that works with destinations and businesses to integrate community-centric climate action in tourism offerings.
Jaqueline Gil
sustainability consultant
Jaqueline is the former International Marketing, Business, and Sustainability Director at the Brazilian Tourism Board. Jaqueline serves as a Thought Leader Advisory Board Member at the Journal of Tourism Futures, an Instructor at UN WTO Online Academy, and a BeachHead Advisor for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
Craig Zapatka
Elsewhere - a Lonely Planet company
Craig Zapatka is the Co-Founder of Elsewhere. With a strategic vision, they have played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. Craig’s approach is marked by meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that Elsewhere delivers exceptional travel experiences. Craig’s commitment to the travel industry is evident through their dedication to continuously learn and adapt.
Kade Krichko
Founding Editor of Ori Magazine
Kade Krichko is the Founding Editor of Ori Magazine and an internationally published writer, editor, and project manager with over a decade of experience in feature writing and producing both print and online publications. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, ESPN and VICE.
Madeleine MacGillivray
Climate Communications and Policy Coordinator at Seeding Sovereignty
Madeleine MacGillivray is a lifelong climate justice advocate and science communicator. At nine she founded her first project, Superheroes Needed, to empower individuals to realize our powers to fight for our right to a livable climate, to hold the powers that be accountable, and to build resilient and vibrant communities.+
Ivan Eskildsen
CEO & Founder of OGAYA Travel
Ivan served as the Minister of Tourism of Panama from 2019 to 2023 and is currently the CEO & Founder of OGAYA Travel, a premier regenerative travel company specializing in high-end, transformational experiences, connecting to Panama’s nature, culture and communities.
the award
Our esteemed winners will have the privilege to connect with industry experts and receive expert guidance and strategic advice from our judging panel virtually to further their mission of driving positive impact in the travel industry and beyond.
This exclusive gathering provides a platform for winners to share their remarkable stories, insightful perspectives, and exemplary best practices, while also gaining knowledge from regenerative tourism's leading voices and strategic feedback.
Impact Award recipients will also receive a complimentary seat to join our Regenerative Travel Learning Series.
people's choice award
Submit your vote today to select our final winner and be eligible to win a stay at Regenerative Travel Hotels Tranquilo Bay in Panama, El Albergue Ollantaytambo in Peru, and Tiger Mountain Pokhara, Nepal.
Vote for People's Choice
Voting period now open until December 16, 2024
FAQs
Our panel of judges includes Shivya Nath from Climate Conscious Travel, Sustainability Consultant Jaqueline Gil, Craig Zapatka from Elsewhere, Kade Krichko from Ori Magazine, Robin Moore from Re:Wild, Madeleine MacGillivray from Seeding Sovereignty and Ivan Eskildsen from Ogaya Travel. They will now carefully evaluate entries based on specific criteria, including alignment with the designated category, adherence to regenerative travel principles, and verifiable contributions to social and environmental impact.
The voting period for People’s Choice will close on December 13, 2024. Winners will be announced December 17, 2024.
