Been on an award-winning dive trip lately?

I can’t quite believe it but it’s that time of year again – nominations for the Responsible Tourism Awards 2012 are open!

So have a think back about your past dive trips and ask yourself which ones stood out and why? Have you come across any dive (or marine) organisations that are determinedly going that extra mile to dive tourism more sustainable? Met any inspirational dive instructors, dive operators or teams who are making a difference? Has anyone really impressed you?

The awards are now in their 9th year and act as a real benchmark for those whose actions are leading the way and demonstrate to the rest of the industry just what can be achieved. As the awards website says:

“Organised by responsibletravel.com, in association with World Travel Market, Metro, Geographical, and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, the Awards are looking for the shining stars of responsible tourism to celebrate the real change makers creating fantastic travel experiences making a difference around the world.”

The awards are about innovation, delivering real change and making tourism work better for everyone involved. Nominations are open and the real strength of these awards is that they are nominated by you – the public.

Visit the website to find out more, including all of the wonderful stories of those who have won these prestigious awards before. It’s always a great read and you’ll find loads of tempting trips and fantastic ideas for your next diving adventure too!

So if you have been on a dive holiday recently that literally blew your boots off and you know that the dive operator, group or tour leader was really serious about to taking care of the reef, the local people and you - then its time to get nominating!