What is the responsibility of a luxury travel outfit in a poor country? From Kenya to the Caribbean, these companies are improving the livelihood of the people they touch

WINNER
Small Resort: Campi Ya Kanzi

When Luca Belpietro, managing director of an Italian consulting firm, moved to Kenya to open a safari camp in 1996, he didn't dream of amassing a fortune from his wealthy guests. His wish was to ensure the protection of the wilderness, the wildlife, and Masai culture. He made a deal with the Masai on the Kuku Group Ranch: If they would set aside 280,000 acres as a nature reserve, he would finance a solar-powered safari camp that they could staff. Once the camp was running, Belpietro started the Masai Wilderness Conservation Trust, which has helped build schools, sponsor scholarships, pay for medical supplies, and employ game scouts. Last year, Campi ya Kanzi injected some $650,000 into the community. (Guests pay a $70-per-day fee that goes to the trust, though many give more.) Travel tip: Visit the homes of Masai who own the safari camp, or tour Campi ya Kanzi-supported schools (www.maasai.com)

RUNNER-UP
Hotel Chain: Accor
In Cambodia, Accor—think Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis, Motel 6—has trained more than 100 farming families to improve and diversify produce (growing mushrooms, for example). The company also combats a Third World plague: child sex tourism (accor.com).

HONORABLE MENTIONS IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Airline: Cathay Pacific
The carrier supports UNICEF's Change for Good program, asking passengers to contribute their spare change, and sponsors the Life Education Activity Programme, which teaches Hong Kong students about the dangers of substance abuse.

City Hotel: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
This Cape Town property—also recognized for its energy efficiency—sources 80 percent of the goods in its gift shop from local groups like the Iziko lo Lwazi Craftworkers, which teaches poor women skills such as papermaking and beading (12apostleshotel.com).

Cruise Line: Disney
The cruise line donated 6,000 hours of volunteer work in Caribbean ports last year. Disney characters also visit schools and children's hospitals in the ports of call, bringing small gifts.

Large Resort: Phinda Private Game Reserve
CCAfrica runs a ranger training school at Phinda, the only safari company to do so; many graduates come from the community and start as trackers at the reserve.

Tour Operator: Journeys Within
Journeys Within Our Community runs a Village Microfinance Fund with profits from its tour business and guest contributions. Once a recipient has paid back the original loan (beginning at $100) and interest, he or she can take out another, larger loan.