2006 Responsible Tourism Awards Winners & Finalists

In search of responsible travel accommodations in the region, WILD ASIA selected eight distinguished operators in Asia as our winners for the 2006 Responsible Tourism Award.

Wild Asia’s first Responsible Tourism Awards were given out in November 2006. The awards meant we were able to reward those business operations that were making a positive difference in the tourism industry – an essential part of promoting responsible tourism. The winning resorts provide excellent examples of how to apply Responsible Tourism practices successfully. Not only does their work demonstrate efforts towards reducing their impact on the environment and benefiting the local community, but it has also proved to make financial sense, a fact that we hope will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

In 2006 there were 3 main categories. The categories were: Luxury Boutique Resorts and Hotels, Eco-venture Lodges and Homestays, and Best of Langkawi.

Luxury-Boutique Resorts & Hotels

Awarded to high-end operators in recognition of outstanding implementation of environmental management practices and social programmes that benefit both the host institution and the surrounding community.

Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, Thailand

A commendable example of providing passion and leadership from the top, Evason Phuket provides an enabling atmosphere for building effective teams to overcome the challenges of sustainable tourism. The resort’s environmental management and performance has so far been exemplary, given the age of the property, as its owners are investing in improving standards. The property is fully certified under Green Globe 21 and Green Leaf tourism certification schemes.

Alila Manggis, Bali, Indonesia

By adopting a personal style compatible to Balinese living, Alila Manggis offers insights and immersion into the local culture and its distinctive community practices and products. Over 80% of its staff comes from surrounding villages less than 10 km away, while its commitments to sustainable tourism are recognized by Green Globe 21.

Alila Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Located near one of the island’s cultural centers, Alila Ubud sets the tone for experiencing the Balinese way with programmes aimed at art, dance and spirituality. Transparent agreements with surrounding communities ensure that local economies benefit and that customs are observed. Over 65% of its staff comes from surrounding villages less than 10 km away, while its commitments to sustainable tourism are recognized by Green Globe 21.

Eco-ventures Lodges and Homestays

Committment to Responsible Tourism doesn’t take a big budget. This award recognizes low-budget or community-run operations.

Nanga Sumpa Lodge, Sarawak, Malaysia

By living the Iban lifestyle through participation in longhouse activities and engaging in their cultural heritage, Nanga Sumpa offers total absorption in their indigenous ways through a responsible tour operator (Borneo Adventure). With regular communication with village chiefs over its ten-year span, Borneo Adventure is attentive to the needs and societal changes of a longhouse community in the modern world. The lodge was recently singled out in Lonely Planet’s Code Green publication that features meaningful travel sites around the world.

The Best of Langkawi 2006

Awarded to an operator, within a specific destination, in recognition of their commitment towards the principles and best practices of Responsible Tourism.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia

Set amid the coastal habitat of Langkawi Island, Tanjung Rhu is a haven that maintains 70% of its natural beauty and displays an exemplary array of local flora within its operating area. The resort maintains a resident naturalist and provides activities to engage guests in local celebrations and events, in addition to its strong support for local employment. Behind the scenes, the property has worked hard to ensure that its environmental management systems are in line with ISO 14001.