The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has beaten venues across world to be voted the second best destination globally for responsible tourism. Kent's entry was beaten only by Cape Town, South Africa, in its category which recognises the resort, village or an entire country that manages tourism for the long-term benefit of tourists, conservation and local people.

The Responsible Tourism Awards, organised by responsibletravel.com, were created in recognition that tourism should be operated in a way that respects and benefits the location and local people. The Awards recognise individuals, companies and organisations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and make a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation. Locations are initially nominated by tourists before going through a demanding election process to pick the final winner.

The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty runs from the White Cliffs at Dover and Folkestone, North around Ashford, to the Surrey Border covering almost 880 square kilometers.

In October, the White Cliffs of Dover were was picked as one of the UK's top 10 most iconic landmarks in a survey of children by Travelodge.

> www.responsibletourismawards.com.