Since 2004, responsible tourism has seen an improvement in standards. Those who now win awards are measurably demonstrating that they are making a difference. New standards of transparency are being set. Volunteering organisations such as and People and Places (travel-peopleandplaces.co.uk) and Azafady (which runs conservation and development programmes in Madagascar) show where your money goes and who is benefiting; others are following their example.

The Daily Telegraph November 15 2008 on announcing the 2008  Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards