18 January 2008 - The Gambia Experience - Press Office

The Gambia Experience was delighted to scoop a Highly Commended accolade in AITO’s Responsible Tourism Awards 2007, as announced at the AITO Meets the Media event in London on 15 January [08].

The leading specialist tour operator was described as ‘a leader in the development of RT’, that ‘continues to have innovative ideas, including the creation of a self-sustaining conservation area in Gambian villages’.

This is a direct reference to the Ballabu Conservation Project – a collaborative ethical and eco tourism effort between The Gambia Experience, the Mandina Lodges at Makasutu and the Eden Project.

With the coveted AITO 3* Responsible Tourism accreditation, and now more than twenty years’ experience, The Gambia Experience has pioneered and participated in many RT initiatives, including its own School Development Fund, and more recently its Carbon Offset scheme, Opt In & Offset.

For more information visit The Gambia Experience website -http://www.gambia.co.uk/responsibletourism

AITO operates its own dedicated committee of RT members and advisors, and an expert panel within the industry was responsible for judging and attributing these awards.

Himalayan Kingdoms was announced as the winner, with Bushbaby Travel receiving the second Highly Commended award alongside The Gambia Experience.