Rhino Africa Safaris is proud to see one of our suppliers – andBeyond – recognised as a world leader in responsible tourism and conservation at the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2013!
These prestigious awards aim to recognise the best practices in sustainable tourism on a global scale and stress the growing concern for the preservation of natural and cultural heritage worldwide. The awards acknowledge those in the hospitality industry that demonstrate tourism on the path for positive change to benefit local communities, support cultural diversity and advance biodiversity conservation.
From Africa, The Bushcamp Company in Zambia and andBeyond were recognised as finalists by the WTTC and we are delighted that this year, when the WTTC received 133 award applications from 46 countries over 6 continents, andBeyond stood out from the crowd and took first place.
“The world is a complex place and travel and tourism is a complex industry. Travel and tourism is a huge potential for good on this planet; it delivers economic benefits in the most remote places. It’s not the answer to the world’s problems, but it can play a huge role in making the world a better place,”
– Costas Christ, Founder and CEO, Beyond Green Travel LLC and Chairman of the Awards said at the ceremony.
andBeyond Says:
“This award belongs to the 1,800 ‘andBeyonders’ who lie behind every one of our success stories. Conservation lies at heart of the andBeyond DNA. For us this is just the beginning, we aim to remain at the forefront and act as an industry torchbearer,” a representative of andBeyond said at the ceremony.
He added that the first ever donation of rhino from a private company to a Government entity would be taking place the following day; andBeyond will present a number of rehabilitated rhino from its reserves to the President of Botswana. “What better reason can there be to travel?” The representative asked the packed Emirates Palace auditorium.
‘Care of the land. Care of the wildlife. Care of the people.”
– andBeyond’s motto
Sure we love seeing some of the best game viewing available on the planet, gourmet meals, luxury lodges with private plunge pools and the personal service we receive every time we head back to our old friends at andBeyond, but the best part is knowing every time we go, we are contributing to a better way of life.
The andBeyond portfolio of properties throughout Africa promote the conservation of wildlife and nature, while working towards a better future for local communities through education and various projects.
By creating a world of luxury travel, they are developing their ability to drive meaningful benefits into communities and preserve and extend wild areas. Whether through the introduction of endangered species, preserving threatened sand forests or teaching enthusiastic individuals the way around a kitchen, andBeyonders work every day for a better future for Africa and to leave behind a positive legacy.
Through programmes such as ‘Goal for Life’ – working with World Wide Sports and soccer legends to promote physical, mental and spiritual health – and ‘Sing for Life’ – a programme to celebrate the passion communities have for chorus music and cultural dances – andBeyond is positively impacting the lives of individuals in local communities.
How can you support them? All you have to do is visit – go on a 5-star luxury safari, be pampered and enjoy the sights of Africa’s magnificent wildlife. Contact us for for information and to start planning a trip to one of their properties.
To read about some of our travels to andBeyond’s properties visit our blog:
I booked an &beyond trip to Botswana in 2010 through LuxuryLink.com. Didn’t realize Rhino Africa will book &Beyond properties. They are amazing.