This year, the number of participating tourism projects reached a new record high: 37 applications from 21 countries had been received by the Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung e.V. by the deadline on 15. august. The majority was from developing and newly industrialised countries that have launched exemplary initiatives for socially responsible tourism worth copying. All of the winning projects fulfil the main TO DO criterion in an outstanding manner: the participation of the local population in the planning and implementation of tourism projects. The projects create alternative sources of income and strengthen local people’s self-confidence.

A 17-member jury nominates the projects for the TO DO Award. The Institute for Tourism and Development then sent experts to check the projects on location. The award ceremony takes place annually at the ITB in Berlin, making the award-winning projects accessible to the general public.