The Imvelo Responsible Tourism awards were initiated to coincide with the World Summit on Sustainable Development that was held in South Africa in 2002. They recognise tourism and hospitality businesses that make a real, measurable and sustained contribution to Responsible Tourism. To be made for the eleventh time this year, the Imvelo awards have had a huge impact on tourism in South Africa, creating significant awareness of environmental management issues in the industry.

The awards are in line with the National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism, the Responsible Tourism guidelines for the South African hospitality industry and the UN World Tourism Organisation's code of ethics. Imvelo is supported by the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme.

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The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) is the custodian of Imvelo. The main Imvelo partners for 2012 are Absa, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Water Affairs, Eskom, the Industrial Development Corporation and Don't Waste Services. Entries close on the 31st August 2012.