Rural Revive, an initiative of the Wolwedans Foundation’s AridEden Vision 2030, has been awarded gold in the Regenerative Tourism category at the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The recognition places the Namibia-based project among the continent’s leading tourism initiatives and secures its qualification for the Global Responsible Tourism Awards scheduled for London in September 2026.
The awards honoured 22 organisations from 13 countries, highlighting efforts to build a tourism industry that delivers measurable benefits for communities, environments and local economies.
Rural Revive’s “Building a Desert-Based Economy Initiative” focuses on transforming livelihoods around Maltahöhe by linking tourism more directly with local economic activity. The programme promotes climate-appropriate horticulture, supports small enterprises and introduces circular systems aimed at strengthening food security and income generation in a fragile arid environment.
Judges said the project addresses structural challenges in rural economies while restoring dignity through employment, improving local food systems and building a more resilient, place-based economy.
Presenting the awards, South African National Parks representative Rachel Nxele said the winners reflected growing innovation across the continent and demonstrated how African destinations are influencing global approaches to responsible tourism.
Chair of the judging panel Harold Goodwin said the projects recognised this year were delivering measurable change at a systems level and offered practical models that could be replicated elsewhere.
Rural Revive founding member Reinhold Mangundu said the award reflects a broader community effort.
“In a time of growing uncertainty, Rural Revive exists to restore hope. We are rebuilding a community that has long stood alongside a thriving tourism industry without fully sharing in its benefits. This recognition belongs to the people of Maltahöhe, from the youth to those working daily to restore the land and local economy,” he said.
The initiative forms part of a broader shift towards regenerative tourism, which focuses on restoring ecosystems and strengthening communities rather than limiting harm. Through its integrated approach, Rural Revive links tourism, agriculture, waste management and enterprise development into a single local economic model.
The project is supported by the Wolwedans Foundation, the Social Security Commission Development Fund, the Julius Baer Foundation and the Capricorn Foundation.
The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards recognise projects that demonstrate clear, positive impact, with this year’s winners spanning community tourism, conservation and circular economy initiatives across the continent.
