The winners have now been announced of the Ecotourism Travel Blog Contest sponsored by whl.travel. The goal of the contest was to promote ecotourism and responsible travel through shared stories about real-world adventures. Now, from a shortlist of 10 finalists established by popular opinion, three winners have emerged, each entitled to an ecotourism adventure for two people courtesy of whl.travel.

Yesterday saw the official launch of the Geotourism Development Foundation, a global not-for-profit organisation committed to elevating travel as a force for good through community development projects. Responding to a growing interest in independent, experiential and local travel, the GDF aims to cultivate community, cultural or environmental projects that link to tourism and derive revenue from visitors.

We know you’ve got your favourite travel destinations. Everyone does. Now, through the Local Voices Rally and Tally for Local Travel Experts, you can vote for your favourites AND help some ethical local travel experts win support for their businesses. It’s very, very easy! During the month of June, it’s as simple as pasting some text and adding your name.

There is no shortage of niche travel labels out there. I suspect, though, that more than just a few of them are either meaningless or confusing to travel consumers. But I want take a stand with regard to one – Local Travel. It is the strongest foot forward if we are to work together to improve ethical standards in tourism from the bottom up and for everyone involved.

Last week, Wild Asia at last announced the winners of the 2010 Responsible Tourism Awards, a competition that showcases exemplary resorts, hotels and tour operators that are committed to responsible tourism practices. After months of site visits and very careful review of the final six candidates, the judging panel selected winners from Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka