October 15, 2026, 5:47 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
The German Travel Association (DRV) has once again awarded the EcoTrophea during its annual capital city congress–one of the most important prizes for environmental and social responsibility in tourism. At first glance, it may be surprising that a cruise provider received the coveted award. However, upon closer examination, it quickly becomes clear why the jury unanimously chose a project by the provider HX Expeditions.
According to the DRV, this year’s call for entries focused on “approaches where local actors are actively involved in tourism development, regional value creation and social participation are strengthened, and cultural identity and local traditions are preserved.”
This is precisely the focus of the winning project, “Northwest Passage: Creating Economic Value Through Community-Led Experiences.” The emphasis is on placing tourism in the Canadian Arctic more in the hands of the local Inuit communities.
Specifically, this means:
- The communities are involved in planning the routes and tourist offerings.
- Local providers and actors receive direct contracts for tourism services.
- Community members themselves decide how to present their culture, traditions, and knowledge to travelers.
- Tours of heritage sites, traditional crafts, traditional practices, and oral storytelling are offered by people from the respective communities themselves.
- According to HX Expeditions, 20 to 30 people per community are now directly involved.
The communities also benefit economically
The jury placed particular importance on the measurable economic impact. During two trips through the Northwest Passage in the summer of 2025, activities organized by the communities generated revenues of around 260,000 euros. Additionally, approximately 77,000 euros were earned through optional excursions led by members of the local communities. These earnings went directly to the individuals involved.
The project combines three aspects: local economic value creation, participation of the local population, and self-determined handling of their own culture. “We are aware of the special responsibility that comes with each visit to these areas. Therefore, we want to shape tourism in such a way that the local people are not only involved but also directly benefit from the economic value creation,” explains Gebhard Rainer, Chief Executive Officer of HX Expeditions, regarding the award.
How the jury evaluated
The EcoTrophea jury evaluated the submitted projects based on four criteria: social participation and impact (30 percent), project implementation (25 percent), economic benefit (25 percent), and cultural strengthening (20 percent). In addition to HX Expeditions, Ecomapu Travel with “Community-Based Tourism for Valparaiso” and G Adventures with “Trees for Days” were nominated.