wild asia – Page 4

Sukau Rainforest Lodge – Most Inspiring Accommodation

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Sukau Rainforest Lodge for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Finalist. This award recognizes the accommodation provider that excels in all of the above categories by taking into consideration all the key principles of responsible tourism (maximum positive impacts to the local community and minimum negative impacts to the environment) and awards innovation for this most inspiring accommodation of the year.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge nestles on the banks of one of Borneo’s most important waterways, the Kinabatangan River, home to many of Borneo’s magnificent wildlife. Sukau Rainforest Lodge offers the rare comfort and luxury in the midst of the Borneo Rainforest whilst retaining an Eco-Lodge ethos, the delicate balance of true sustainability.

Our favourite things about them!

Uses external experts to assist/advise on compliance issues.
Makes a significant contribution – mostly at own expense – to promoting benefits of sustainable tourism practice and ecotourism in Borneo and wider afield.
Consistent efforts to educate tourists and the industry about ecotourism for over a decade through different media and techniques.
Commitment to partnership and multi-stakeholder approach (e.g. set up association). Several international awards.
Active conservation and environmental practices – supporting KiTA, projects through BEST Society, etc. The BEST Society, of which the Founder is also the chair man has implemented lots of projects, which are reported annually and available to learn about online on the best website. It’s a great achievement to have raised over 1 million RM on community projects.
Good wages and welfare to staff. Weekly team meetings addressing staff’s personal development, supporting staff training opportunities – internal and external.
Wheelchair accessible.
Great interpretation practices to inform and educate guests.
Feedback from community leaders.
Responsible wildlife viewing practices.

Inspiring Management

Internal environmental and social impact assessments delivered.
Guests receive information on sustainable tourism through own personal booklet.
Work with compliance team to maintain legal compliance, work with NGOs (e.g. WWF) and specialist to monitor environmental aspects.
Weekly staff meetings to share personal development, some staff sent for training, H&S for all staff twice a year.
Some rooms and all public areas have wheelchair accessibility.
MD is advisor to International Ecotourism Society board and speaks at events on responsible tourism.
1997 British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award.
World Travel Awards 2010 Winner for Best Asia Green Hotel award.
Voted the top 50 best eco-lodges by National Geographic, 2009.

Community Engagement and Development

Provide opportunity for guests to vists local’s house, money goes direct to family, to learn about local culture.
Helped form KiTA, local tourism association, and its conservation levy scheme. Raised over RM1million to date through own and sister company, spent on community/conservation projects.
Provided 50 water tanks to local community.
Organised 3 medical camps, bringing doctor and dentist to local area.
School visits site twice a year to learn about conservation.
53% local workforce, 40% of management are local people.
Hire local contractors, e.g. boat men or maintenance staff.
Provide internship opportunities for local people.
Policy to protect female staff, anyone who does not follow is immediately terminated and reported to police.
Newly constructed staff quarters, provide very good and better than other local standards of living.
Above minimum wage with other opportunities, e.g. share tips or night cruise fees.
Meet on ad hoc basis with community leaders and at times when delivering local projects.

Cultural Preservation

Do and Don’t provided by leaflet.
Design based on local style, reducing impact to trees, constructed by locals with as many local materials as possible.
All guests have to wear traditional sarung to dinner to immerse in local culture.
Sell regional crafts in the shop.

Resource Efficiency

Use of solar for water heating.
Avoid dependency on electricity by using e.g. kerosene lamps on walkways.
Inform guests about reducing energy and water through info in rooms.
Water from rain water harvesting and from river (treated) in dry season.
Water saving: toilets and showers.
Recently improved waste water management with new septic tanks installed.
All waste including recyclable taken offsite.
Performed risk assessment (2007) to identify risks from chemicals and have taken actions to prevent.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

Evening presentations and talks from naturalists to educate guests on conservation.
First business in area to get solar, set buildings back from river, electric motor on river cruises, wildlife guidelines and have waste management scheme.
Has tree planting programme aimed at carbon offsetting.
Guests told to reduce noise after 9pm.
80.8% area left undeveloped. All flora on site are native.
Funded river clean up through KiTA, reforestation and rehabilitated hornbills, pangolin, and an owl at the lodge.
Boardwalk design allows for elephants to move across.

‘Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Accommodation Provider’ Award is sponsored by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia.

Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka – Resource Efficiency

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Heritance Kandalama for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Winner. This award recognizes excellence in waste, water and energy management and sustainable architectural design in order to minimize your business’s environmental impact.

Heritance Kandalama is an architectural masterpiece by Geoffrey Bawa, built overlooking the eighth wonder of the world – the rock fortress of Sigiriya. The hotel sits at the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, close to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Our favourite things about them!

A well known contributor to sustainable tourism practices across Asia Pacific.
First-mover advantage in sustainable tourism certification in the region.
Excellent Resource efficiency policy, clear targets and action plans.

Inspiring Management

Winner of National Productivity Awards Sri Lanka for Service sector.
Gold Medal for Cleaner Production, National Cleaner Production Awards.
2012 Finalist Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards ‘Most Inspiring Operator’.
ISO140001, ISO50001 management systems.

Resource Efficiency

ISO140001, ISO50001 management systems for energy and water conservation.
Practice 7R’s: Reject, Reduce, Reuse, Reclaim, Repair, Replace and Recycle for sourcing and disposing (waste is monitored)
13% renewable energy
Engage guests with environmentally friendly activities
GRI Reporting, National Green Reporting System of Sri Lanka (NGRs) for water withdrawl and consumption
Purchasing policy in place to promote local products
Deliver presentations to special interest groups on the environment
Three sewage treatment plants which process 100% of water, sludge is used as compost on their 50 acre land or sold to guests.
Organic waste is sent to local piggery farm for food.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

Use environmentally friendly products and all chemicals used are certified as biodegradable by the Central Environment Authority of Sri Lanka.

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Frangipani Langkawi Resport, Malaysia – Resource Efficiency

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Finalist. This award recognizes excellence in waste, water and energy management and sustainable architectural design in order to minimize your business’s environmental impact.

This secluded and eco-friendly resort is situated on a 400-metre stretch of soft golden sand along Pantai Tengah, southwest of Langkawi. All 117 rooms, villas and suites are spacious, tastefully decorated to provide a calm feeling and relaxed atmosphere. Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa is the first resort in Langkawi to implement Green practices to preserve the environment.

Our favourite things about them!

Good practices to reduce and recycle waste. Onsite recycling centre.
60% renewable energy and good practices to monitor energy usage, actively working to reduce consumption of electricity.
Good water saving measures.
In-house environmental education department.
Eco-walks to engage guests in environmental issues; exceptional and very commendable effort.
The awards they have received are recent and specifically for green hotels / environment.
Long track record in sustainable tourism practices in Malaysia.
‘Walks the talk’ when it comes to responsible and sustainable tourism approaches.

Inspiring Management

PATA Grand Awards 2012 Environmental Education
ASEAN Green Hotel Awards 2011
2010 Winner ASEANTA Best Conservation Effort
Virgin RT Awards Large Accommodation Highly Recommended
Claims to be the only hotel in Malaysia that has Environment & Education Department that monitors the progress of resource efficiency and trains staff and the public.

Resource Efficiency

Recyclable items sold to the recycle contractor (paper, aluminium cans, tins plastic bottles).
Organic waste is processed into compost and is measured. Fish and chicken intestines are buried as fertilizers near fruit trees. Fruit peels are processed as enzyme which is cleaning agent.
Items that can be recycled in house are used for e.g wine bottles are used as feature wall, lamp and vases. Engage guests with recycling agenda by showing staff do glass painting.
60% renewable energy.
Monitor and report all energy use.
Inform guests about reducing energy through info in rooms and lobby, and eco-walks.
99 politanks (4,000 litres) for rainwater harvesting; 77 water container for air-conditioner water harvesting to water plants and clean public area.
Every month comparisons are made on water consumption, made known to staff to get their support on water conservation.
Target: 10 % decrease in water consumption for year 2103 is relayed to all staff for their contribution to achieve.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

Each department has own Green practices including the Purchasing in Accounts and Maintenance with the Environment Department monitoring all departments adhere to the rules and regulations pertaining to Green Practices.
Pesticide, insecticide and fungicide are processed in house using neem leaves.
Salt water pool use rock salt which uses less chlorine.
Grow morning glory to prevent beach erosion.

Scuba Junkie, Malaysia – Protection of Natural Areas & Wildlife

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Scuba Junkie for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Winner. This award recognizes tourism businesses’ consideration of their local environment and biodiversity by actively supporting and protecting their natural assets.

Scuba Junkie provides daily dive trips to more than 25 islands in the Celebes Sea in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Whether you want macro diving at Mabul and Kapalai or wish to dive with sharks and turtles at Sipadan Island (frequently voted in the top 10 dives sites in the world) Scuba Junkie will take you there.

Our favourite things about them!

Good resource efficiency, educating guests, supports local projects.
Good environmental practices such as solar energy, sewage and grey water treatment, pollution control, native landscaping, etc.
Good practices and staff engagement in beach cleanups, reef cleanup dives, etc.
Full-time environmental officer.
Initiatives to reduce emissions such as boat/transfer sharing.
Efforts to reduce stress on reef areas frequented by divers.
Exemplary education / awareness raising, solar power, $70,000 spent on waste cleaning, best available sewage treatment, reef check, turtle hatchery, no seafood (wow!) and dive against debris.
Makes a worthwhile contribution to marine animal and coastal area conservation.
Has a strong commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Inspiring Management

2012 Winner Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards ‘Best in Protection of Natural Areas and/or Wildlife Conservation’

Community Engagement and Development

Access to local communities remains open around the resort.
Staff, guests and local community are engaged in e.g. beach cleans, school projects.
Each year spend around $70,000 supporting local waste removal scheme for local community who do not have government support (Bajau Laut community “sea gypsies”) = 150 bins and 10 skips.

Resource Efficiency

Use solar energy for water heating but aware of need to explore other options, in discussion with consultants about improving energy efficiency and use of fuels.
Recycle area for staff and guests in restaurant.
Approximately 80% of products used are biodegradable and are actively looking for ways to improve.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

All land rights and environmental regulations are adhered to.
Buildings from 60m off the hide tide line to allow access, preserve sea grass and protect nesting turtles.
Guests provided with information on local customs and environment through compulsory welcome briefing, sign boards and information in their rooms.
Weekly presentations on shark conservation and sea turtles, pressures and importance are discussed. Also similar at expos, for government, local and international media. To date, hundreds to presentations on the topic.
Best available sewage treatment plant, Grade A with hydroponic system to water plants with output water and sludge drying beds. Nothing raw released into sea.
Grease traps in kitchen and grey water processed via onsite Biosolv treatment plant.
Weekly ‘Dive against Debris’ cleans up, non-recyclable waste taken to mainland and managed by government body.
Have an environmental area in communal part of resort, TV runs showing their achievements and how guests can play a part.
Chair Mabul Marine week event and run the Mabul Turtle Hatchery, managed by trained staff and supported by community ‘rangers’. Last year, hatched thousands of eggs.
Do not use chemical on gardens (use native plants) to prevent run off into sea.
Use low level lighting on jetty to reduce light pollution.
Employ a full time Environment Officer (and two Marine Biologists) to engage staff and guests with issues; all staff trained in environmental practices.
Do not serve any seafood because none available locally that is sourced sustainably.
All dive guides have excellent reputation for providing ‘do and don’t’ in briefings.
Certified reef check dive centre, have a reef check trainer and provide eco dive master courses.
Advise Semporna Shark Sanctuary (aim to protect wider Sipadan area and reefs) and support the Manta Trust.

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Ranweli Holiday Village, Sri Lanka – Protection of Natural Areas & Wildlife

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Ranweli Holiday Village for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Finalist. This award recognizes tourism businesses’ consideration of their local environment and biodiversity by actively supporting and protecting their natural assets.

Ranweli Holiday Village is an eco-friendly resort located on a 22-acre peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea. Located only 18 kms from Colombo’s International Airport, Ranweli is the perfect base to explore the fascinating history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka.

Our favourite things about them!

Solid business record – 38 years in operation, 75% occupancy.
Good practices to reduce pollution, treat waste water, re-use grey water and minimize non-recyclable waste.
Good practices to protect native species.
Good idea to incorporate environmental education into welcome cocktail party.
Lots of tangible examples: e.g. contributions to conservation, education, carbon offsetting, sewage treatment, green purchasing, and mangrove rehab.
Massive impact (almost 50,000 guests / year).
A recognised ecolodge in Sri Lanka with a proven track-record for responsible approached to tourism.
Makes a concerted effort to protect natural areas and conserve wildlife.

Inspiring Management

One of the Top 50 Eco-Lodges of 2009, National Geographic Adventure magazine.
EU SWITCH – Asia Greening Hotels Awards 2012 Certificate of Merit for Energy and Water Conservation and Waste Management.

Community Engagement and Development

Contributed donations to a local conservation project and worked with school children on their mangrove rehabilitation project.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

Deliver talks, guided walks and welcome briefings to educate guests on local natural area and how to reduce waste.
Conduct carbon offsetting project.
Mangrove rehabilitation project close to hotel premises looked after by the hotel.
Biological sewage treatment plant onsite.
Waste water is treated and recycled for watering plants.
Has a green purchasing policy to reduce non-recyclable waste, e-waste returned to supplier.
Lobster not served during breeding season, and not purchased if under 200g.
25% of property area remains undeveloped.
Use of native plants, e.g. indigenous fruit trees, herbal garden, food plants to attract butterflies.

Sampran Riverside, Thailand – Cultural Preservation

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Sampran Riverside for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Finalist. This award recognizes engagement and efforts by tourism businesses in preserving, enhancing and promoting local cultures and heritage.

Sampran Riverside (formerly known as Rose Garden Riverside) is a family-run property close to Bangkok, where visitors can experience authentic Thai way of life and learn about local wisdom. For decades it has been considered one of Bangkok’s favourite attractions because of the obvious dedication to preserving Thailand’s natural and cultural heritage by engaging with the local community.

Our favourite things about them!

Supports cultural preservation through preservation of buildings and also preserving Thai culture, provides high employment.
Good resource management practices.
Good story about protecting trees and sites of cultural and spiritual significance.
Use of local building materials.
Good practices to educate visitors.
Various ways to incorporate local art and culture into visitor activities, and specific events/activities highlighting local heritage.
Successfully implementing “edutainment”.
It’s a very managed business for a ‘Thai village’, but beautifully and sensitively presented, and the emphasis on organic farming, local crafts, providing training for local people and students, etc protects Sampran from feeling staged.
The community market and organic agriculture development centre is a clear positive development.
Provides a unique Thai cultural experience with a focus on cultural and architectural preservation. Has a long history of serving the tourism industry and providing local employment opportunities through the preservation and presentation of Thai culture.

Community Engagement and Development

Arts and crafts workshops support 50 local jobs in traditional e.g. silk processing, bamboo dancing etc. Initiated through local staff’s traditions that may be lost.
Initiated workshops as a programme to promote awareness of Thai culture through participation.
Sell locally made organic herbal products to support local economy.

Cultural Preservation

In 1967 the management saved old teakwood houses from local farmers in the area who where shifting into modern housing, and reconstructed (same materials) them around the central lake as accommodation for guests.
Preserved 7 Thai houses to provide a unique cultural experience for visitors.
Cared for trees around the property are 50 to 100 years old during the growth of business, including a spiritual bulletwood tree and a banyan tree that is used for traditional Thai wedding ceremonies.
The Thai Village House and market pavilions (host weekly farmers market with local traders, including artisans) is constructed from local natural materials incorporating traditional design.
Welcome briefings inform guests of local customs and traditions. Including briefing on how to dress for ceremonies in presence of monks.
Provide guided tours and engage in Organic Farming, Thai art and craft workshops, informing of cultural significance.
Daily cultural show with literature explaining cultural aspects, includes Elephant Demonstration to educate guests on livelihoods of elephants in Thailand.
Guests can participate in traditional alms giving ceremonies and learn more. Thai weddings take place, guests explained about customs.
Traditional Thai cuisine, ingredients sourced from own organic farm or other local farmers. Promote seasonal produce.
Thai culture throughout business, e.g. garlands at theme events, pottery making workshops.
River cruise to temples etc, restored traditional barge.

Resource Efficiency

Minimise waste from food produce, e.g. serve food in coconut shelves, use leaves for decorations, rice seedlings as table centre pieces.

Apani Dhani, India – Cultural Preservation

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Apani Dhani for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Winner. This award recognizes engagement and efforts by tourism businesses in preserving, enhancing and promoting local cultures and heritage.

Apani Dhani is based in the heart of Rajasthan. They offer eco-friendly accommodation, excursions and activities with locals such as cooking lessons, initiation to traditional arts and crafts. Staying will enable travellers to discover daily life and traditions of rural India. This charming and peaceful ecolodge, is an ideal place to start or finish a journey in Rajasthan.

Our favourite things about them!

Good practices to educate guests through a code of ethics.
Active involvement in heritage protection through Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage.
Good ways to incorporate awareness-raising efforts into visitor activities, e.g. workshops led by local craftsmen, language lessons.
5% of profit re-invested locally to support education, etc.
The owner has worked for 23 years, and maintains a high focus on sustainable and cultural tourism. Specifically related to culture are the food served, financial support for the National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, heritage awareness programs and participation of guests in celebrations, workshops, Hindi, etc.
Owner allows local people to sell crafts without charging any kind of commission.
Strong commitment to arts and cultural heritage.
Has shown two decades of local leadership in responsible approaches to tourism.

Cultural Preservation

Local natural materials used for construction, vernacular architecture.
Guests provided information on local customs via talks, email, guided walks, information in rooms, website.
Code of conduct for local customs.
Only serve regional dishes, provided by the family, all ingredients sourced locally or from own organic garden.
Cookery courses available to guests.
Provides heritage awareness programmes for e.g. teachers, school children, mural workshops.
Encourage guests to visit local artisan workshops and support their business.
Artisans able to come and sell products on site, lodge takes no margin on coordinating these activities.

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Lisu Lodge, Thailand – Community Engagement & Development

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Lisu Lodge for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Winner. This award recognizes exceptional commitment to supporting the local community and economy in which your business operates.

Named after the Lisu hill tribe village that is found near the lodge, Lisu Lodge is part of a community-based project that aims to conserve the natural heritage of the hill tribes of northern Thailand. The Lisu migrated from southern China and Tibet in the early 20th century.

Our favourite things about them!

Outstanding benefits spread throughout community. Long term, consistent commitment to the host community.
A fund set up to support local communities – Village Bank – an innovative example of how a business can contribute to local well-being in a concrete and practical way. Tangible, quantifiable contributions to local capacity and development funding.
55% occupancy rate and 9000+ guests last year – these demonstrate that the lodge is a financially viable business, which is a critical factor.
Focus on low-impact activities such as walking, trekking and biking – a great way to engage travellers in the lodge’s effort to walk the talk.
Local villagers are not just the beneficiaries, but also involved in the business of the lodge – e.g. being part of marketing efforts, identifying new sources of revenues, having a say in management practices.
Ecological and sustainability practices such as use of locally sourced building materials, solar panel, water usage agreed by villagers, sewage management, etc. demonstrate awareness and commitment beyond what meets the eye.

Inspiring Management

Provide each guest room with information on local culture and ways in which to behave when visiting a villager’s house.
Local guides provide orientation at the beginning of each tour, explain etiquette of hill tribes.
94% workforce is local.
Provide opportunities for staff and villagers in business development, education, hospitality training.
Staff are paid exceeds national minimum wage (monthly salary, share of guest service charge, social security); meals and uniform provided.

Community Engagement and Development

All staff are local community members, including tour staff.
Tour guides have been trained with experienced facilitator to develop ‘introduction brief’, information on safety, history of Lisu communities, culture, environmental issues etc.
Local community engaged from beginning of development.
Lodge contributes to village bank each year, owned and operated by locals exclusively. 2012 contributed approx. US$4,000. Money funds community projects, e.g. waste collection, decided upon by community (lodge has no input).
Contribution to building of a school, dam, water investigation studies, disease prevention measures.
Purchase fresh produce from local farmers at a fair price.
Local work force try to purchase other goods from local family members.
Designated area in lodge for local people to sell handicrafts at no charge, as a result the village is now one of the largest local suppliers of handicrafts to the region.
Regular meetings with village chief.

Cultural Preservation

Lodge has library with largest collection of hill tribe literature, available for guests and locals.
Guests visit local festivals or ceremonies upon invite of community members only.

Resource Efficiency

Solar energy used to heat water.
Water sourced from source agreed by local villagers.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

Run project ‘Earth Care’ and deliver annual workshops on e.g. recycling for local people.

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Bali CoBTA, Indonesia – Community Engagement & Development

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Bali CoBTA for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Finalist. This award recognizes exceptional commitment to supporting the local community and economy in which your business operates.

Bali Community Based Tourism Association (Bali CoBTA) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that promotes sustainable tourism. By facilitating the development of community based tourism villages, tourists are given a unique opportunity to experience local culture and community life, while communities are empowered to earn an additional income by preserving and showcasing their culture and heritage.

Our favourite things about them!

Strong capacity building.
Supports larger community.
The advisory committee and organisational structure of the association (including the governor of Bali!) is really a great achievement.
The organisation is coordinating support for the communities, so in this sense it is highly involved in community development.

Inspiring Management

Working with tour operators to sell packages showcasing local agriculture, nature, home industries, historical sites etc.

Community Engagement and Development

Working with seven villages with approx minimum 10 homestays per village.
Association operates as non-profit NGO with multi-stakeholder engagement.
Willingness to participate in association must come from community itself with support from community leader.
Work with NGOs/private sector to tackle issues e.g. water shortages and drinkable water.
Community encouraged to source local food produce and local crafts from village craftsmen.
Their mission is Tourism, Trade and Investment – using tourism as a way to open up investment to support local SMEs to grow.
Work with potential communities for CBT and provide training (housekeeping, guiding) in collaboration with other institutes or tourism businesses, to empower them to join.
Office staff receive minimum wage; communities receive alternative income through tourism packages.
Regular meetings with community leaders to progress, improvements required and local needs.

Cultural Preservation

During traditional gatherings or ceremonies, the host invites guests and lends traditional dress to participate in. The host provides insightful information about what the event is about.

2013 Responsible Tourism Award Finalists

Finalists Revealed!

2013 has been a record year for the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards. In its seventh year, we are pleased to announce our best year yet! We received 45 quality applications from the widest geographical spread to date, including entries from all corners of South and Southeast Asia region: India, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Vietnam, Nepal and Cambodia.

Our panel of judges had their work cut out picking our 2013 Finalists, especially in our Tour Operator category which received the highest number of entries.

We are over the moon to reveal our 2013 Finalists. The following will now undergo the next round of judging and our 2013 Winners will be announced at our signature ceremony hosted at Asia’s biggest business-to-business travel trade show, ITB Asia, in Singapore this October. In an effort to ensure transparency and promote best practice to inspire others, this year we will be publishing case studies on all our Finalists…we look forward to sharing with you soon.

Congratulations to all our Finalists and good luck.

Best in Community Engagement and Development

This award recognizes exceptional commitment to supporting the local community and economy in which your business operates.

Bali CoBTA, Indonesia more

The advisory committee and organisational structure of the association (including the governor of Bali!) is really a great achievement.

Lisu Lodge, Thailand more

A ‘Village Bank’ fund set up to support local communities – an innovative example of how a business can contribute to local well-being in a concrete and practical way. Tangible, quantifiable contributions to local capacity and development funding.

Best in Cultural Preservation

This award recognizes engagement and efforts by tourism businesses in preserving, enhancing and promoting local cultures and heritage.

Apani Dhani, India more

Strong commitment to arts and cultural heritage. Has shown two decades of local leadership in responsible approaches to tourism.

Sampran Riverside, Thailand more

Provides a unique Thai cultural experience with a focus on cultural and architectural preservation. Has a long history of serving the tourism industry & providing local employment opportunities through the preservation and presentation of Thai culture.

Best in Protection of Natural Areas and/or Wildlife Conservation

This award recognizes tourism businesses’ consideration of their local environment and biodiversity by actively supporting and protecting their natural assets.

Ranweli Holiday Village, Sri Lanka more

Lots of tangible examples: e.g. contributions to conservation, education, carbon offsetting, sewage treatment, green purchasing, and mangrove rehabilitation.

Scuba Junkie, Malaysia more

Exemplary awareness raising, solar power, $70,000 spent on waste cleaning, best available sewage treatment, reef check, turtle hatchery, no seafood (wow!), dive against debris…

Best in Resource Efficiency

This award recognizes excellence in waste, water and energy management and sustainable architectural design in order to minimize your business’s environmental impact.

Frangipani Langkawi Resport and Spa, Malaysia more

‘Walks the talk’ when it comes to responsible and sustainable tourism approaches.

Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka more

A well known contributor to sustainable tourism practices across Asia Pacific.

Also recognised by our Judges:

ITC Gardenia, India more
Soneva Fushi, Maldives more

Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Accommodation Provider

(Sponsored by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia) This award recognizes the accommodation provider that excels in all of the above categories by taking into consideration all the key principles of responsible tourism (maximum positive impacts to the local community and minimum negative impacts to the environment) and awards innovation for this most inspiring accommodation of the year.

Soneva Resorts, Thailand & Maldives more

Soneva Resorts is the original barefoot luxury brand, and still one of the travel industry’s greatest innovators. The acronym SLOW LIFE (Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences) explains the Soneva philosophy. Intelligent Luxury, is all about creating unforgettable, enlightening experiences that rejuvenate each guest’s love of SLOW LIFE. It’s about illuminating lives whilst treading lightly on the earth. Why Wild Asia loves them!

Soneva just go so far beyond business as usual… innovation after innovation, active and creative on serious issues.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysia more

Active conservation and environmental practices. It’s a great achievement to have raised over 1 million RM on community projects.

Also recognised by our Judges:

Nikoi Island, Indonesia more

Most Inspiring Responsible Tour Operator

This award recognizes the tour operator that excels in all of the above categories by taking into consideration all the key principles of responsible tourism (maximum positive impacts to the local community and minimum negative impacts to the environment) and awards innovation for this most inspiring responsible tourism business of the year.

Papua Expeditions, Indonesia more

Papua Expeditions offers keened-out, professionally guided birding, general wildlife, hiking and trekking expeditions in New Guinea’s Wild West. Permanently based in West Papua, their ecotourism programme focuses exclusively on the little-known western half of New Guinea under Indonesian administration. Why Wild Asia loves them!

Within a remarkable and largely undiscovered destination, provides inspiring management, contributes to community engagement and development, cultural preservation and the protection of natural areas and wildlife conservation.

ViaVia Tours, Indonesia more

ViaVia tours are as varied as Jogjakarta is populated and they all offer something unique. Adventure, gastronomy and culture. ViaVia in Jogja offers art space to young local artists and is also often the venue of concerts, Friday night Jazz, performance art, film festivals and debates. Parts of the ViaVia profits go to support educational, social and cultural projects in and around Jogjakarta. Why Wild Asia loves them!

Excellent community development, resource efficiency for such a small project. Strong in the “influence and inspire” area.

Also recognised by our Judges:

Andaman Discoveries, Thailand more
Reality Tours & Travel, India more