They may not have won but as finalists, Shanga are certainly winners in our eyes.
We are so proud of the work that Shanga do, and of the commitment they continue to show towards the upliftment of our communities. Shanga by Elewana Collection was one of 3 finalists for the ‘Investing in People’ Tourism for Tomorrow Awards from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Hannah Wood and Ruth Willatt attended the 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Award Ceremony in Seville, Spain at the beginning of April to receive the Finalist Certificate for Shanga. They also had the honour of meeting First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at the Summit.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the 2019 leaders in sustainable tourism at the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony. The Awards, now in their 15th year, took place on April 3-4 at a special ceremony during the WTTC Global Summit in Seville, Spain, to celebrate inspirational, world-changing tourism initiatives from around the globe.
Full list of Winners and Finalists:
Climate Action Award, for organisations undertaking significant and measurable work to reduce the scale and impact of climate change:
- WINNER: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
- FINALIST: The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island, French Polynesia
- FINALIST: Tourism Holdings Limited, New Zealand
Investing in People Award, for organisations demonstrating leadership in becoming an exciting, attractive, and equitable employer in the sector:
- WINNER: Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, India
- FINALIST: Reserva do Ibitipoca, Brazil
- FINALIST: Shanga by Elewana Collection, Tanzania
Destination Stewardship Award, for organisations helping a place to thrive and bring forward its unique identity for the benefit of its residents and tourists:
- WINNER: St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council, St. Kitts and Nevis
- FINALIST: Grupo Rio da Prata, Jardim and Bonito, Brazil
- FINALIST: Masungi Georeserve, Philippines
Social Impact Award, for organisations working to improve the people and places where they operate:
- WINNER: Awamaki, Peru
- FINALIST: Intrepid Group, Australia
- FINALIST: Nikoi Island, Indonesia
Changemakers Award, this year focused on organisations fighting the illegal wildlife trade through sustainable tourism:
- WINNER: SEE Turtles, USA
- FINALIST: Kelompok Peduli Lingkungan Belitung (KPLB), Indonesia
- FINALIST: The Cardamom Tented Camp, Cambodia
Shanga is a social enterprise based in Arusha that trains and employs people with disabilities to produce high quality handmade craft items - glass blowing, beading and other activities. The interactive workshop is located in the grounds of Elewana Arusha Coffee lodge.
