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Responsible Travel founder awarded OBE
Responsible tourism pioneer Justin Francis, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours in recognition of services to nature and the environment.
Francis founded Brighton-based Responsible Travel in 2000, alongside Professor Harold Goodwin with support from Body Shop founder Dame Anita Roddick.
Its goal was to drive change in the tourism industry through an alternative type of travel that aimed to reduce the negative impacts of tourism.
This week the company marks its 25th anniversary on 4 January.
Since its launch, Francis has campaigned on a range of human and animal rights issues, from orphanage tourism to cetaceans in captivity, accessibility and overtourism.
From 2009 he campaigned against voluntary carbon offset schemes – advocating instead for aviation system change, flight and carbon reduction.
In 2004, he founded The World Responsible Tourism Awards, which is now run by The International Centre for Responsible Tourism.
In 2018 he was appointed to the UK Council for Sustainable Business (CSB), where he serves as nature lead – advising the Government on the Environmental Improvement Plan and the role of business.
He also chairs Projects for Nature, a digital marketplace connecting nature restoration projects in the UK with corporate donors.
He also sits on the Board of Directors for Saruni Basecamp in Kenya, a community-based safari and conservation initiative.
Justin Francis OBE said: “It’s a huge honour to be recognised for the work that I love. The responsible travel movement has come a very long way in 25 years. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and grateful to everyone who’s been part of creating change.”
“Responsible tourism is uniquely positioned to support a fairer transition to a nature positive, low carbon future – generating vital conservation funding and income in the least advantaged communities.”
Francis also initiated the Trip for a Trip scheme for disadvantaged children who don’t have the opportunity to travel far from home, and a manifesto for a more accessible travel industry.
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