The much-awaited 2018 Eco Warrior Awards long list of individuals and companies who will be contesting for the 2018 Eco Warrior Awards later in September is finally out.

The Eco-warrior Award is a Kenyan Tourism Award that recognises and celebrates outstanding contributions to ecotourism practice in Kenya. In its 12th edition, the annual award event seeks to motivate the winners to embrace practices that are ecologically and ethically sustainable in order to compete with the best in the world.

This year’s theme, “Tourism: Protecting Culture and Heritage”, will provide an opportunity to showcase the role of tourism in raising awareness, offering necessary tools, enhancing public opinion and support in the conservation and preservation of natural and cultural heritage in Kenya.

The event intends to shine a spotlight on Kenya’s diversity as a destination, celebrate our unbeatable cuisine and embrace a fusion of modern and vibrant traditional heritage through music and dance.

At a themed Gala Dinner in Nairobi planned for Wednesday 26th September 2018, the winners will be announced. This year’s event will come on the eve of World Tourism Day. Here is the full long list.

Best Accommodation Facility in Promoting Culture and Heritage

  1. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
  2. Cottars’ 1920s Camp
  3. Kicheche Mara Camp
  4. The Sands At Nomad
  5. Serena Beach Resort and Spa

Best Learning/Training Institution in Promoting Culture and Heritage

  1. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
  2. Amboseli Institute of Hospitality and Technology
  3. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University
  4. Kenya Utalii College
  5. Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute

Best Tour Operator in Engaging People and Culture

  1. Uni Globe Lets Go Travel
  2. Gamewatchers Safaris Ltd

Best Community-Based Tourism Organization in Promoting Cultural and Natural Heritage

  1. Kakapel Cultural Centre
  2. Mlilo Community Based Tourism Association
  3. Makueni Tourism & Cultural Centre
  4. Otenyo Cultural Group
  5. Awjama Cultural Center
  6. Jambo Africa Tourism Network

Best Conservancy in Promotion of Culture and Heritage

  1. Selenkay Conservancy Kajiado County
  2. Batian Conservation Kirinyaga County
  3. Orage K E Kisumu County

Best Blogger/Journalist in Promoting People, Culture and Heritage

  1. Abraham Chege
  2. Claire Nasike
  3. Kennedy Kimathi
  4. Mary Wangeci
  5. Thomas Mwiraria
  6. Wangeci Gitahi

Best Student in Engaging People, Culture and Heritage

  1. Jeremiah Njogu
  2. Anthony Ngao
  3. Kelvin Okumu
  4. Leila Yusuf
  5. Lenny Macharia
  6. Peter Muthanji

Best in Protecting Marine Heritage

  1. The Sands at Nomad Diani Beach
  2. Serena Beach Resort and Spa Shanzu Beach
  3. Local Ocean Conservation Watamu

Best Destination in Promoting Cultural Heritage

  1. Elgeyo Marakwet County
  2. Siaya County
  3. Uasin Gishu County

Best Heritage Attractions

  1. Lamu Museum Lamu County
  2. Kitale Museum Trans-Nzoia County
  3. Karen Blixen Museum Nairobi County

A shortlist of the finalists will be announced a week before the Award ceremony.