A South African one-man tour company has received a Global Vision Award from the New York based Travel + Leisure magazine. The Spear of the Nation tour company in Johannesburg was given the award for Grassroots Philanthropy.

The 17 Global Vision Awards will be announced as part of the magazine’s November issue that focuses on responsible tourism. The awards recognise the efforts of individuals and organisations that work to preserve the world’s natural and manmade treasures.

Judges included Bonnie Burnham, President of the World Monuments Fund and Dr. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Nobel Prize–winning economist, Columbia University professor, and chair of the Committee on Global Thought.

Spear of the Nation - a tour company run by Robin Binckes - gives historical tours to overseas visitors and South African companies. Binckes was notified three months ago that he was nominated for the award, the first South African company to be honoured in this way. 

Travel + Leisure commended Binckes for bringing attention and tourists to the often overlooked township of Alexandra. “It’s a tribute to his passion that his global clients are frequently inspired to give back, and with their donations, Binckes has been able to build and run a day-care centre, sponsor the care of local AIDS orphans, and even establish an area soccer team,” reads the statement in Travel + Leisure.

Binckes hopes that this will lead to more international exposure and recognition for Spear of the Nation. “I would also hope that more companies in South Africa will recognise how valuable this history tapestry can be in creating understanding and better relationships between the different colours and languages,” said Binckes.

During his tours Binckes tries to represent history in a balanced manner, showing how all the events in the past are interlinked. He takes visitors to diverse sites relating to history. “The day includes Alexandra township, Liliesleaf Farm and the story of the Rivonia Raid and Trial, Voortrekker Monument and Vlakplaas (home of the death squads) as well as a talk entitled ‘20000 years in 60 minutes’.”

Binckes says that ethical responsible tourism is already alive and well in South Africa, but hopes that the recognition will inspire more South African companies to consider the possibilities of this kind of tourism. “I would hope that others will recognise that as it benefits the community it can also benefit your business, therefore I would see it growing at a far quicker pace.”

Other 2009 Global Vision Awards include:

• Corporate Sustainability: the Walt Disney Corporation

• Habitat Restoration: Vane Farm Sanctuary, Scotland

• Cultural Heritage: Awamaki, Peru

• Community Empowerment: Koiyaki Guiding School, Masai Mara, Kenya

• Arts Education: Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar

• Eco Certification: Rainforest Alliance, New York City

For more information, visit Travel + Leisure magazine or the Spear of the Nation website .