The beautiful landscapes of Oman attract more than 1.2 million travellers each year, drawn in by the expansive deserts, ancient cities, majestic mountains and beautiful coastal beaches that combine to offer an incredible range of leisure activities and exciting outdoor pursuits. From the historic capital city of Muscat, with its gorgeous gardens and ancient forts, to the nearby shores of Masirah Island (a popular nesting ground for sea turtles) and the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands, Omanis have plenty of national heritage of which to be justly proud.

By Lenka Uhrova

In July 2010, I published an article on the Local Travel Movement website about how I saw tourism in Iceland at the time. I’ve always been particularly interested in regions off the beaten tourist track, which in the past would often be overlooked and overshadowed by the more commonly promoted highlights and ‘must-sees’ of Iceland.

By Kelly Austria

Inspired by our treks and visits to mountain communities, in 2007 we formed a group based on a shared common love for nature and compassion for the kids living in these mountains. We decided to hike on a new trail, and called our group TREK, or Trails to Empower Kids. Our first outreach program was held in the mountainous province of Benguet, in the municipality of Itogon, Philippines.

By Irene Lane

One of the more memorable moments during our family tour of Northern Europe last year was during our stay in Gothenburg. While Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden, it certainly has not taken on a diminutive status to Stockholm. Instead, the city has a standing of its own including having largest seaport of all the Nordic countries, a diverse music community and beautiful open spaces of forests, meadows, lakes, parks and gardens peppered throughout the area.

By Pål K. Medhus

Høve Støtt’s main target is to create new standards in the production of experiences, at the peak of Norwegian tourism. To achieve this, we work constantly on developing authentic Norwegian ecotourism experiences. We always strive to achieve more, and we’re always hungry for knowledge. By engaging the local forces, we wish to show the culture and history that has made Geilo what it is today.

By Neil Rogers

As a past advisor to Sweden’s Ecotourism Quality Label Nature’s Best, and as current advisor to VisitSápmi and the Quality Label for Sámi indigenous tourism, I’ve seen many positive changes over the years yet much remains to be done. Sweden and Norway have world-class assets for outdoor and experiential travel, and have enviable reputations for image, safety, security, health, hard and soft infrastructure. The question is how to make more of this competitive advantage so that small-scale entrepreneurs can thrive.

By Marcus Cotton

Tiger Mountain Nepal has been working closely with a research graduate of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), Jenefer Bobbin, who has designed a unique and excellent scheme called Responsible Tourism Reporting. Responsible Tourism Reporting, or RT Reporting, is a method of audit which can be used to validate the claims made by eco-tourism operations.

By Aasta Schneider

Portugal’s slow-paced lifestyle, friendly people, impressive sustainable energy policy (currently 45% of energy used comes from renewable resources), long growing season, excellent climate, and an opportunity to join the Cooperative Ecologica in Colares, beckoned my husband James and I to leave our New Hampshire farm and move to Portugal. Given our life-long experience in sustainable living and organic farming, the move was a natural one.

1. Be Flexible: Are you prepared to accept cultures and practices that are different from your own? 2. Give Feedback: Let responsible companies know that you like what they are doing. 3. Go Green By Biking: Biking is a healthy, enjoyable and eco-friendly way to get around and to experience the places you’re visiting. 4. Travel Slowly: Instead of hurriedly moving from one place to another, try slowing down during your next trip by kayaking, walking, biking and getting around by public transportation like the locals do.

Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism Awards is an annual award that aims to recognize tourism businesses – from small community based projects to large resorts – that are making significant contributions to sustainable tourism. By sharing best practices of sustainable tourism seen among operators in Asia, the annual awards demonstrate how responsible tourism can be an effective tourism strategy that’s good for communities, the environment and businesses.