by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:45 AM ET, Tue October 31, 2023
The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) awarded the 2023 Martha Honey Legacy in Responsible Travel Award to Bruce Poon Tip, the founder of G Adventures.
Poon Tip was recognized with the award for his focus on sustainable, responsible travel, not only through G Adventures, but also through his philanthropy.
"G Adventures was founded 33 years ago with the goal of changing people’s lives through travel,” said Bruce Poon Tip upon receiving the award. “As the pioneers of community tourism, we've worked hard over the past three decades to ensure that we have had a huge impact on local communities around the world, using tourism as a driver of wealth distribution and poverty alleviation in some of the world’s poorest countries.”
“I've always believed in the incredible transformative power of community tourism, where travel is mutually beneficial for both the traveler and the places and people we visit,” continued Poon Tip. “I'm honored to be given this award and am eager to keep working toward a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry for everyone involved."
Bruce Poon Tip has been recognized for his exemplary leadership the past several years. In the winter of 2022, he was personally sanctioned by Russia following the conflict in Ukraine, after G Adventures stopped offering tours to Russia and welcoming Russian nationals on trips.
Just this last summer, he received the Officer of the Order of Canada title for his contributions to his nation. Poon Tip was the first person in the travel industry to receive the title in the past 34 years.
“We are thrilled to announce Bruce Poon Tip as the recipient of the 2023 Martha Honey Legacy in Responsible Travel Award,” says Andrea Pinabell, CREST board chair. “Bruce's dedication to responsible travel, as exemplified by his work at G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation, has been nothing short of transformative. His vision for connecting travelers with local communities and creating a positive social impact through tourism aligns perfectly with the values and mission of CREST. Bruce is an inspiration to us all, and his selection as this year's awardee is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the travel industry."
The award was created in honor of Dr. Martha Honey, CREST’s co-founder and a leader in responsible travel.
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