Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The TO DO Award is a global competition that recognizes tourism projects, initiatives, and services committed to socially responsible and sustainable tourism practices. It is focused on ensuring that tourism development benefits local communities while respecting environmental and cultural integrity.
The award is designed to promote tourism models that are inclusive, participatory, and environmentally sustainable.
Core Principles of the Award
The TO DO Award evaluates tourism projects based on three interconnected principles:
- Social responsibility: ensuring fair and inclusive participation of local communities
- Community participation: involving residents in planning and decision-making
- Environmental sustainability: ensuring compatibility with ecological systems and sustainable resource use
These principles ensure tourism development is ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.
Community Participation and Inclusion
A key requirement of the award is meaningful involvement of local populations throughout the tourism development process.
Projects must demonstrate:
- Active participation of local communities in planning and implementation
- Co-determination in decision-making processes
- Use of inclusive consultation methods such as:
- Public information sessions
- Community surveys
- Stakeholder discussions
- Consideration of diverse local needs and interests
The focus is on ensuring that communities are not passive recipients but active decision-makers in tourism development.
Social and Economic Impact Requirements
The award prioritizes tourism initiatives that:
- Generate fair income opportunities for local populations
- Improve working conditions in the tourism sector
- Support equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms
- Promote intercultural exchange between visitors and host communities
- Strengthen local identity and cultural resilience
Projects must also minimize negative social or cultural impacts associated with tourism.
Environmental Sustainability Focus
Environmental responsibility is a core requirement of the TO DO Award. Projects must:
- Align with ecological sustainability principles
- Promote responsible use of natural resources
- Minimize environmental degradation from tourism activities
- Balance economic development with environmental protection
- Support long-term sustainability of natural ecosystems
Sustainable tourism practices must be embedded throughout the project lifecycle.
Who Can Apply or Be Recognized
The award is open to:
- Tourism projects
- Community-based tourism initiatives
- Tourism services and enterprises
- Development programs in the tourism sector
Eligible initiatives must demonstrate strong community engagement and sustainability outcomes at any stage of development or implementation.
Award Benefits and Recognition
Winners of the TO DO Award receive:
- A trophy recognizing excellence in responsible tourism
- An official certificate of achievement
- Prize funding of approximately 5,000 Swiss francs
- Provided by the Swiss Foundation for Solidarity in Tourism
The award also provides international visibility and recognition for best practices in sustainable tourism.
Key Evaluation Criteria
Projects are assessed based on:
- Depth of community involvement in decision-making
- Fair distribution of economic benefits
- Quality of stakeholder engagement processes
- Environmental sustainability and resource management
- Social and cultural impact on local communities
- Strength of participatory governance structures
- Long-term sustainability of the tourism model
Why the TO DO Award Matters
The award is important because it:
- Promotes ethical and responsible tourism globally
- Strengthens local community empowerment in tourism development
- Encourages fair and inclusive economic participation
- Supports protection of cultural identity and traditions
- Advances environmentally sustainable tourism practices
- Showcases scalable models of community-led tourism
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Token or superficial community consultation without real decision-making power
- Weak or missing benefit-sharing mechanisms
- Ignoring environmental sustainability considerations
- Overemphasis on tourism growth without social safeguards
- Lack of evidence of local participation in planning processes
- Insufficient documentation of impact or outcomes
Tips for a Strong Entry
- Demonstrate genuine community-led planning and governance
- Clearly show how local people benefit economically and socially
- Include structured participation mechanisms (not ad hoc consultation)
- Provide evidence of environmental protection measures
- Highlight cultural preservation and intercultural exchange
- Show long-term sustainability and scalability of the project
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the TO DO Award?
It is an international award recognizing socially responsible and sustainable tourism projects.
Who can participate?
Tourism projects, initiatives, and services worldwide that meet sustainability and community engagement criteria.
What is the main focus of the award?
Community participation, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in tourism.
How are local communities involved?
Through active participation in planning, decision-making, and benefit-sharing.
What do winners receive?
A trophy, certificate, and approximately 5,000 Swiss francs in prize money.
Is environmental sustainability required?
Yes, projects must demonstrate ecological compatibility and sustainable resource use.
Who funds the prize money?
The Swiss Foundation for Solidarity in Tourism.
Conclusion
The TO DO Award is a global benchmark for responsible tourism, recognizing projects that prioritize community empowerment, fair economic benefits, and environmental sustainability. By promoting participatory governance and ethical tourism practices, it highlights models that balance tourism development with long-term social and ecological well-being.
For more information, visit TO DO Award.