Wild Asia announces the finalists for the 5th Responsible Tourism Awards 2010! Wild Asia has shortlisted several operators from across Asia in each category for their outstanding responsible tourism practices. Find out this year’s finalists!
The shortlisted hotels and tour operators were reviewed and extensively researched by our judging panel which comprised of responsible tourism (RT) experts, academics, conservationists, and eco-consultants. Wild Asia’s judging panel first examined all of the completed checklists submitted by the operators, which outlined their best management practices and specific RT efforts undertaken by them. Then, through a scoring system, the panel analyzed and ranked each answer from the advanced entry forms in order to determine the finalists. The winners and finalists for this year’s award goes to:
Large-size Accommodation
WINNER: Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Heritance Kandalama has a unique architectural design which blends the hotel into the natural surroundings and maximises natural light in order to reduce energy use. The entire hotel is built on a raised platform allowing water to flow under the hotel. It also allows the free flow of animals under the hotel, leaving minimum impact on the ecosystem.
FINALIST: Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa, Langkawi, Malaysia
Frangipani Langkawi is dedicated to get guests and staff involved in their RT practices. The operation is involved in a range of creative environmental activities that promote conservation. They are determined to raise awareness of RT and inspire others to incorporate green practices as well.
Mid-size to Small Accommodation
WINNER: Sarinbuana Eco-Lodge, Bali, Indonesia
Sarinbuana Ecolodge is dedicated to conserve their surrounding environment and empower local communities. They aim for the highest standards of sustainability in every aspect of their business. Their bungalows use sustainable local materials and have a low impact on the environment. The ecolodge supports a wide variety of local businesses and uses natural and biodegradable products on site.
FINALIST: Soneva Gili, Lankanfushi Island, Maldives
Soneva Gili, located on the beautiful island of Lankanfushi, offers guests the sophisticated Maldivian charm in complete luxury. The concept of ‘Intelligent Luxury’ is adopted throughout the resort’s innovative architecture and infrastructure through energy efficiency, use of materials from certified sustainable sources and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Tour Operators
WINNER: Andaman Discoveries, Phang Nga, Thailand
Andaman Discoveries (AD) is an ongoing community-driven project that stemmed from tsunami relief. AD practices responsible tourism through leadership building, resource development and empowerment of skills. Activities such as handicraft workshops, jungle hikes, cooking lessons, island discovery tours, and other community-led projects put tourists in direct contact with the locals, thereby promoting a sense of authenticity in the tour experience.
FINALIST: PEPY Tours, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Pepy Tours believes tours should be adventurous, educational and responsible at the same time. They focus on providing economic benefits to the local communities through a variety of educational, volunteer and tour programs. Through their unique bicycle tours, they expose travellers to inspiring people and programs throughout Cambodia.
Acknowledgments
Wild Asia would like to congratulate winners and finalists for their commendable efforts and commitment in achieving high standards of environmental protection and social responsibility that form the critical pillars of their business philosophy.
Thank you to our partners; The Blue Yonder, Dot & Line Graphics, Asian Geographic Passport, WHL Group, The International Ecotourism Society, ITB Asia and Malaysian Airlines for making the 2010 Responsible Tourism Awards a success!
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