The rules and how to nominate

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, Caribbean

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa employs 59 full-time employees from the surrounding villages. Owners Sam and Glenda helped found the South East Tourism Development Committee (SETDC), which helps ensure the environmental protection of the area through the development of trails, tour guide training and environmental programmes for young people. In January 2006, Jungle Bay Resort and Spa launched the Southeast Entrepreneur Loan Fund (SELF), which allows 10-15 local entrepreneurs to borrow up to $12,000 EC for business activities such as organic produce, seafood, local arts/ crafts production and guiding of cultural tours and hikes that can contribute to the Jungle Bay services. In August 2005, Jungle Bay committed to financing high school tuition fees for all students in the Carib Territory, the Caribbean’s last remaining indigenous people. Christine Tinker

Eningu Clayhouse Lodge, Namibia

Kate Dunstan didn't mess around when she bought this property - her first decision was to give staff profit share in the lodge - giving staff control over the future of the business. Transforming the employer/employee relationship, staff devise and implement the decisions, and new ideas and initiatives are positively encouraged. The rooms at this property are authentic Namibian, from the hand woven rugs to handmade lampshades. The exterior even boasts animal friendly red floodlights for night viewing of animals. Eningu boasts three flower ratings for its work in sustainable tourism - Namibia's award system for eco-tourism. Debbie Walker

Rekero Camp, Kenya

Rekero Camp is a small semi permanent tented safari camp in Masai Mara. 7 guest tents accommodate up to 16 people. It is seasonal and dismantled for two months each year to allow the area to regenerate. The business is owner-operated by Gerard and Rainee Beaton and Jackson Looseyia. It is the best safari experience in the Mara employing highly qualified local masai guides. Rekero actively promotes conservation of the Mara via the Rekero Conservation and Community Fund Trust. This charity supports the preservation ecosystem in Northern Mara that has become subject to population pressure. There is a predator compensation scheme for local Maasai tribesman. An IT teacher is employed to teach local children and community in a purpose built computer classroom. The Fund has also funded construction of a dormitory so students from the Koiyaki Guide School can come and study locally. Rekero also actively promotes recycling. Solar energy powers the camp. Water use is closely monitored through meters. John Loveland

Beau Rive, Caribbean

Because, not only are they responsible, but they encourage responsibility on the part of the visitor. The hotel makes the most of the natural environment in every possible way, from the building design incorporating natural air-flow and fabulous ocean views, to handmade soaps and fresh, organic supplies from the garden or local farmers. The whole operation is simple but sensible – waste is minimal and chemicals are avoided. Visitors are offered comfort without excess, and style without attitude. The attention to detail is there but nothing feels contrived or over-done. The sharing of local knowledge allows guests to make the very most of their stay with understanding of the island’s virtues and struggles. Management genuinely cares about the wellbeing of guests but also of the staff, who are not simply ‘workers’ but willing colleagues. The only things you may find in excess at Beau Rive is the ambiance in which to relax, the freshness of the food, and the scent of Ylang Ylang. Mark Steele

Busoga Trust Guesthouse, Jinja, Uganda

The Busoga Trust provides good quality budget accommodation in the beautiful town of Jinja, together with an insight into the problems that face people in rural Uganda, and a sustainable way in which this is being addressed. The Busoga Trust works to install water pumps in villages in the region and further afield. The guesthouse provides a means of supporting a worthwhile cause and learning more about their work, and is a lovely place to stay. Sioned Timothy

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