South Africa’s EcoTraining has received international recognition at the 2025 Global Youth Travel Awards, celebrating its three-decade commitment to nurturing the next generation of field guides and conservation leaders.
Hoedspruit, Limpopo (09 October 2025) – Africa’s field guide training provider, EcoTraining, has been recognised on the world stage as the Best Education Abroad Provider at the 2025 Global Youth Travel Awards (GYTAs) held recently in Lisbon, Portugal.
The prestigious awards were hosted by the WYSE Travel Confederation, celebrating global organisations driving responsible and impactful youth travel experiences. For EcoTraining, the recognition reaffirms more than three decades of dedication to environmental education.
Anton Lategan, the Managing Director of EcoTraining, on winning the award:
“This award is a tremendous achievement and a tribute to our exceptional EcoTraining team.”
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Empowering the Next Generation of Conservationists
EcoTraining has spent over 30 years redefining outdoor education.
From aspiring field guides and career changers to gap-year students and lifelong learners, participants walk away with a deeper respect for nature and a renewed sense of purpose.
Anton added that they couldn’t have done it without their staff and students.
“This award is a massive honour and a tribute to our exceptional EcoTraining team… We couldn’t be more inspired to take environmental education and professional nature guide training to new heights.”
A New Frontier for Learning
EcoTraining’s win also shines a light on the growing global interest in education that blends travel with purpose.
With this latest recognition, EcoTraining stands as a proud South African example of how homegrown innovation in education can have an international impact. Ultimately inspiring the next generation to protect the wild spaces that sustain us all.
Sources: Supplied
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