Responsible Tourism

Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Initiative

2011 Inspiring Responsible Tourism Stories

Each year, Wild Asia reaches out to the tourism industry seeking Inspiring Responsible Tourism Stories. In 2011 we featured the Top Three Inspiring Responsible Tourism Stories at ITB Asia. These stories told the tale of what operators have done for the destination and local community. They motivated others to innovate new ideas in their destination.

A degraded rural landscape transformed into lush wildlife sanctuary, a resort fully committed to the development and success of the local community, and a courageous project to train and empower community members to work towards responsible tourism. These three Inspiring Responsible Tourism (RT) Stories were presented at the Responsible Tourism Event at ITB Asia on October 21, 2011.

Wild Asia and The Blue Yonder set out to find the most inspiring stories from around Asia. These stories were chosen in order to highlight exceptional examples of responsible tourism and have them inspire tour operators and hotels that embracing responsible practices is possible.

A judging panel comprised of members from Wild Asia, The Blue Yonder, The Green Circuit, and ITB Asia, carefully reviewed over 15 stories that were submitted from Asia. The panel of judges scored the stories on how inspirational their RT practices are and their potential for others to replicate these practices or take the experience and learning to be applied elsewhere.

The judges deliberated and three stories blew the judges away that they decided on a tie!

Top 3 Inspiring Stories

Congratulations to the top 3 winners for their efforts in responsible tourism, and inspiring others to embrace a different kind of travel; one that incorporates responsibility towards the earth and local people.

LooLa: Local Local Local

Top 3 Winner of the 2011 ‘Inspiring Stories from Destinations’ Competition

LooLa staffA Dutch/French educator couple wanted to start an educational/adventure resort in Bintan which —will benefit all stakeholders. Their vision to create a dynamic  100% locally staffed business, —leveraged on the natural Indonesian hospitality —catered to Singapore’s (expat) expectations. Radiah shares the journey of LooLa Adventure Resort with us.

—”We finished building the resort in the year 2000 and have worked exclusively with local staff only (in our Singapore office, the staff is all local Singaporean). —It’s been a challenging but always fun and interesting venture, but the happy and overall conclusion is this: our fully local staff were able to keep up with the increasing expectations of our guests, and we succeeded in becoming market leader for overseas educational trips from Singapore.

We created a win-win partnership in which we charge our clients a modest sum (typically US$ 10-20) to participate in a stimulating and worthwhile community involvement project. Challenge: to create realistic expectations with all parties on what can be achieved!

We have worked with local government; fantastic partners in Indonesia once they are assured you really seek to empower local people & staff: they have helped us all the way, teaching our staff how to obtain cheap licenses, and engaging us with every public/private partnership we proposed!

LooLa developmentWe had to slowly replace existing village and family hierarchies with horizontal democratic decision-making, and replace traditional short-term thinking with long-term thinking. Staff had to start feeling like co-owners and embrace the somewhat novel notion of pride in work. On the next and last slide, we share some of the tips and pitfalls in this journey!”

—Some top tips and pitfalls in creating a community led tourism business:

  • Pull women into management and all departments!
  • —Generate “owner understanding”, and allow staff to open their own business (shop, massage, …) on site
  • —Private system of health and pension benefits
  • —Institute a very transparent system of department and task descriptions which encourages everyone to take more ownership and enjoy transparent rewards. This system should include a transparent work calendar.
  • —Instill democracy & a sense of partnership between owners & staff
  • —Use the power of the internet (Facebook, Tripadvisor, Dropbox) to drive home the notion of ownership
  • —Institute transparent result-driven bonus systems.

Watch video of Radiah’s story

Travel Foundation Sri Lanka

Top 3 Winner of the 2011 ‘Inspiring Stories from Destinations’ Competition

sri lanka beach boysIn 2008 The Travel Foundation (UK) started working with ‘beach boys’ in Sri Lanka along the Bentota and Beruwela coastline. The Foundation exists to protect and enhance the environment and improve the well-being of destination communities, as well as the holiday experience for visitors.

They initiated the work in Sri Lanka because hotels were receiving a high volume of complaints from tourists about the ‘hassle’ from vendors on the beach, known locally as ‘beach boys’. ‘Beach boys’ earn a living for themselves and their families by selling products and services to tourists. Due to complaints, hotels began to erect fences so that the vendors were separated from holidaymakers.

The aim of the project was to minimise hassle for tourists and create opportunities for local communities to make a living from tourism, by providing quality services to tourists.

To do so, dynamic training was provided to the ‘beach boys’ so that they can provide a high level of customer service. Vendors benefited from learning about community tourism opportunities, service standards, cultural differences, know your customer, guiding techniques, team work, health and safety.

sri lanka bikeThe Travel Foundation encouraged the engagement between local hotels in order to develop a good working relationship with the beach operators. On completion of the training course, participants graduate as ‘Beach Operators’, clearly identifiable by their t-shirts.

The results of the project have been fantastic and complaints from tourists have decreased significantly. One of the Travel Foundation’s biggest goals was to create sustainable livelihoods for ‘beach boys’ and it is positive to report that beach operators experienced an increase in income. To date more than 250 beach operators have been trained.

Most importantly, following the training, beach operators now see themselves as professionals and they feel respected by their family and community. Beach operators say they feel proud and take pride in their work

Of the participants who have benefited from training in customer service skills, they are no longer seen as ‘hassle’ by tourists…securing a brighter future for themselves and their families, as well as offering holidaymakers a fantastic service.

Watch video of Nishad’s story

Shergarh Tented Camp

Top 3 Winner of the 2011 ‘Inspiring Stories from Destinations’ Competition

tourist in treesShergarh Tented Camp opened in 2004 and was established as a small and informal tented camp with a strong focus on high quality wildlife experiences, and with a deep concern for the environment and local community. The project all started with the vision to build a simple lodge from which tourists could enjoy the nearby Kanha Tiger Reserve.

Jehan arrived in Kanha 15 years ago to train as a naturalist at one of India’s first wildlife camps. Kanha captivated him and he purchased a degraded plot of non-native eucalyptus plantation. As the eucalyptus stunted the growth of other plants by consuming too much water, he set about clearing all non-native plants and nurtured indigenous flora. The land has been restored back to original native woodland and a haven for wildlife and set the journey of sustainable discovery.

Today at the camp, you can see indigenous fig and mango trees thriving and home to an array of wildlife. They have recorded hundreds of bird and about fifty butterfly species. Flying foxes colonise the trees and hundreds of breeding ingrids visit each year. A jungle cat hides in the grasslands and brings new born kittens each year. Wild boar and foxes are nocturnal visitors.

In 2001, Katie came to India and volunteered at the original wildlife camp Jehan had trained at, and developed a concern for local nature and communities. She questioned positive and negative impacts of tourism and wanted to be part of something responsible.

shergarh familyKatie and Jehan constructed Shergarh in one year using local skills and services, with a labour force from the local village.  They were quickly accepted by their neighbours, forging relationships which still flourish. A local staff base was established or accomplished cooks, waiters, housekeepers and gardeners. The staff know almost every aspect of the camp and many operate as team leaders.

The camp works on projects with the local school, taking children into the reserve and teaching them about the importance of preservation. As their own children also attend this school, they take the approach as concerned parents in the community.

In running Shergarh, Katie and Jehan have stayed as true to their surroundings as possible. They avoid excessive services and focus strongly on delivering rich experiences.

tiger shergarhMost visitors come to catch a glimpse of a tiger and Katie and Jehan help them achieve this by creating a range of activities that enable guests to have a more complete understanding of the local area. Their latest venture is overnight cycle trips through the forests and villages of central India, which incorporates responsible values and a fun activity.

For them, bringing up their two children in the jungle is the greatest influence of how life and work takes shape at Shergarh. Seeing them in the natural surroundings able to identify and draw lizards or save an ant from being washed down the plug hole reveals the sacred values of mother earth and teaches us how much their is to learn and to preserve.

Katie and Jehan believe what they have done is very simple and their success comes from following their hearts. They say they have followed basic principles in being a responsible human and that no qualifications or price tag is behind what they have achieved. To them, eco or organic can be elitist terms but the concept of responsibility is accessible to anyone.

Watch video of Katie’s story

 

ITB Asia 2012

Don’t miss out on the change to ‘Learn, Be Inspired and Make a Difference!’ View the slides from the Responsible Clinics and Forum here.

Responsible Tourism Forum & Clinics

October 17-19, 2012, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

ITB Asia offers every year a great stage for a range of events relevant to tourism professionals who consider essential to be updated with the most recent changes and trends in the industry. In this context, Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism team is present every year promoting Responsible Tourism practices through its unique  efforts across the continent.

Engage in a series of personalised clinics and talks to learn and be inspired by leading experts.

Responsible Tourism Clinics

October 17 (Wednesday)

Holistic Property Management with Andrew Jones, Sanctuary Resorts
Time: 2:00 – 3:00pm
Location: Level 1, Exhibition Hall, R3110

October 18 (Thursday)

Responsible Tourism Reporting with Raj Gyawali, Social Tours

Time: 10:00 – 11:00am
Location: Level 1, Exhibition Hall, R3110

Practical Applications of Social Media to Increase Profit in Business with Ajay Jain, Kunzum
Time: 1:00 – 2:00pm
Location: Responsible Tourism Center, Exhibition Hall, L7455

Tourism as a Tool for Conservation with Raj Basu, HELP Tourism
Time: 2:00 – 3:00pm
Location: Responsible Tourism Center, Exhibition Hall, L7455

Responsible Tourism Forum 

October 19 (Friday), 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Level 1, Exhibition Hall, R3110

Responsible Tourism (RT) is about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.” This year’s RT Forum will unravel Most Inspiring Stories from across Asia of real life accounts of people or companies who have made a difference. It will also feature winners of Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards. Come & learn directly from the best examples and pioneers in Responsible Tourism in Asia. 

We’ve also lined up distinguish speakers in the industry to provide you with invaluable information for your Responsible Tourism journey. Here are the speakers:

Mainstreaming Responsibility in Tourism
Zainab Kakal, The Blue Yonder Associates

Greening the Supply Chain to increase Profit in Business
Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Greenearth Travel, ICTP

New Media as a Strategic Communication in Sustainable Tourism
Jens Thraenthart, Dragon Trail 

Note – All items, and speakers are subject to change. All changes will be updated on this webpage.

VIEW SLIDES

Event organised and supported by:

         

Wild Asia & Travelife Partnership

Wild Asia is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the international sustainable tourism certification and training scheme, Travelife for tour operators.

For more than ten years Wild Asia has been working across Asia championing the benefits and potential of developing a tourism industry that benefits local places and people through their Responsible Tourism Initiative (RTI). Wild Asia’s RTI works with businesses to improve their social and environmental practices to meet and exceed global standards. By creating partnerships with businesses within the industry, they aim to inspire and create change to benefit our environment, wildlife, people and communities.

Travelife, developed in 2002, was set up to support an efficient and cost effective introduction of sustainability principles for the tourism industry. They offer industry-wide standards for sustainability management systems and provide best practice guidance and support for tour operators implementing them through the provision of training, tools and references.

The new partnership with Travelife is a perfect marriage of values. Wild Asia will be the Asia based Travelife delivery partner, offering training and support to tour operators across the region. Tour operators will benefit greatly from having locally based expertise at hand.

Together, the sustainability partners will support tour operators achieve green accreditations, enhancing the tourism offer for customers and improve marketing for the region. Adopting responsible tourism principles through the Travelife training programme and management systems will not only improve participants’ corporate social responsibility profile, it will also provide significant cost saving opportunities, enhance relationships with staff and host communities, and open doors to new marketing avenues.

Reza Azmi, Founder and Director of Wild Asia, the only Asian grown organization dedicated to responsible tourism across the continent, speaks out about the exciting new partnership. “We’re delighted to be working with Travelife. Becoming accredited Travelife Auditors and Regional Representatives is great news for Asia. We look forward to working with locally based tour operators, helping to improve their business, tourism for Asia, and protecting our diverse environment and unique and treasured cultural heritage. Sustainable tourism has never been more important, and in demand. A recent Lonely Planet survey revealed a staggering 93% of people said they would purposefully partake in environmentally-friendly travel. Businesses must step up to the demand”.

If you are a tour operator based or operating in Asia and are interested in beginning your journey towards sustainability, please contact Wild Asia to enquire about joining the Travelife scheme. Please contact us at rt@wildasia.org.

Malaysia's Nature Based Tourism Potential

Between June 2012 and March 2013 the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism (RT) team are busying themselves with a thorough research and evaluation project.

We’ve been appointed an exciting consultancy project to take a closer look at Malaysia’s Nature Based, Responsible Tourism. We’ll be looking at what’s the potential of our natural assets and how to bring in more tourists; how we improve the offer and the marketing, and how we do it responsibly.

The Wild Asia RT team are really looking forward to working with nine fabulous locations across Malaysia:

  1. Taman Negara, Pahang
  2. Royal Belum, Perak
  3. Payar Island, Langkawi
  4. Kuala Gandah, Pahang
  5. Tioman, Pahang
  6. Sukau Rainforest, Sabah
  7. Sipadan Island Enclave, Sabah
  8. Kinabalu Park, Sabah
  9. Mulu National Park, Sarawak

2010 Responsible Tourism Awards Winners & Finalists

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!

2009 Responsible Tourism Awards Winners & Finalists

In search of responsible travel accommodations in the region, WILD ASIA short-listed eight candidates and sent its fact-finding teams out to select our winners for the 2009 Responsible Tourism Award.

In 2009 our Responsible Tourism Awards saw entries from across Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, India, Maldives and Indonesia. After 8 weeks of back-to-back site visits and comprehensive reporting, we are proud to highlight our 8 of the region’s leaders in responsible tourism.

Large to Mid-sized Accommodation Operators

WINNER: ITC Mughal, Agra, India

The ITC Mughal focuses on “made in India” as a brand infusing the Mughal-theme into the whole traveling experience: from food to design. Highly acclaimed in architecture, the hotel was awarded the prestigious Aga Kahn award in 1980. Guests’ experience of India is brought to life through genuine hospitality, culture and customs the staff at ITC share. The hotel’s commitment towards a greener environment is conveyed through programmes that engage their staff. The hotel’s goal is to be ‘water positive’ and ‘zero waste’.

FINALIST: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Malaysia

Set amidst 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens on a peninsula surrounded by the waters of the South China Sea, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa exudes the culture and heritage of Borneo through its architecture and design. The resort is committed to improve local environmental well-being and contribute to local communities through a range of philanthropic efforts. It adopts effective Environmental Management Systems which includes water and fuel conservation, efficient energy consumption, and proper waste management.

 

Mid-size to Small Accommodation Operators

WINNER: El Nido Resorts, Philippines

El Nido Resorts is a tropical hideaway set in a cove fringed by a lush forest overlooking majestic lime stones. The resort practices responsible tourism through their Quadruple Bottom Line (Environmental, Social, Financial and Employee Satisfaction) and partners with local communities, NGOs and the government to develop plans to protect natural assets and give back to the local community.

FINALIST: Soneva Fushi, Kunfunadhoo, Maldives

Soneva Fushi located on the privately owned, uninhibited, tropical paradise island of Kunfunadhoo offers guests the sophisticated Maldivian charm in complete luxury. The concept of ‘Intelligent Luxury’ is adopted throughout the resorts innovative architecture and infrastructure through energy efficiency, use of materials from certified sustainable sources, and production of renewable energy. The resort’s goal is to achieve ‘Zero Carbon’ by 2010.

FINALIST: Nikoi, Indonesia

Nikoi Island is a private-owned island amid azure blue waters, natural forest, shapely granite boulders, mangroves and coral reefs. The resort blends into its natural surroundings with villas designed for energy efficiency and built using locally-sourced materials to reduce carbon footprint involved in transportation. Nikoi is committed to preserving and supporting conservation and developing sustainable communities within its surroundings.

 

Community-Based Homestay Operators

WINNER: Sunderbans Jungle Camp, Bali Island, India

Sunderbans Jungle Camp (SJC) was developed to support poacher-turn-conservationists with a more responsible alternative livelihood through tourism. Guests emerge into the livelihood of the local community and stay in cottages constructed by local materials with mud-finishing complete with local straw thatch roof. SJC demonstrates that sustainable livelihood with minimal impact on the environment is possible through the engagement and involvement of the local communities.

FINALIST: Lamai Homestay, Amphur Bua Yai, Thailand

Lamai Homestay allows guests to truly experience the Isan way of life, the warmth of Thai villagers and indulge in the cuisine of north-eastern Thailand. The homestay contributes to sustainable economic growth without negatively impacting the community, the culture and biodiversity of the area. The local community provides tour services on a rotating basis, therefore allowing the financial benefits to be shared equally.

FINALIST: Andaman Discoveries, Thailand

Andaman Discoveries is one of North Andaman Tsunami Relief (NATR)’s on-going community-driven development projects. NATR is an independent, non profit organization that continues to provide assistance to tsunami-impacted coastal communities of the North Andaman. NATR has implemented over 120 projects in twelve villages, focusing on human needs and services. Explore diverse, pristine eco-systems such as taking a traditional long-tail boat through dense mangrove forests; hike through lush rainforests that are alive with the sounds of exotic wildlife or snorkel in clear, emerald-colored waters teeming with vibrant marine life.

 

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.

And our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Mariglo Laririt for accepting the award on behalf of El Nido Resorts, Gopinath Parayil for Sunderbans Jungle Camp, and to our sponsors, Malaysian Airlines, Keresa Plantations, CSR Asia, The Star, Sime Darby and Dot and Line Graphics for making this event a true success! We could not have done it without you.

2008 Responsible Tourism Awards Winners & Finalists

Seeking the best in responsible travel, eight accommodation providers across Asia were short-listed, with four selected as the winners for the 2008 Responsible Tourism Awards.

In 2008, 45 operators submitted entries from 8 countries. We had 4 categories, including: Community-based Homestays, Budget Accommodation, Mid-range Resorts and Hotels, and Luxury and Boutique Resorts.

Community Based Homestay

WINNER: Ecosphere Spiti, India

Ecosphere is a social enterprise that works on the sustainable development of Spiti valley (a cold desert in the Trans-Himalayas of India), by focusing on economic empowerment, conservation & development.  Ecosphere’s program on tourism develops unique, authentic & reliable tourism activities & experiences for visitors that are linked to community livelihoods. This not only provides the community with a additional sources of income but also serves as an incentive for them to conserve their unique natural and cultural heritage.

FINALIST: Andaman Discoveries, Thailand

Andaman Discoveries is one of North Andaman Tsunami Relief (NATR)’s on-going community-driven development projects. NATR is an independent, non profit organization that continues to provide assistance to tsunami-impacted coastal communities of the North Andaman.  NATR has implemented over 120 projects in twelve villages, focusing on human needs and services. Explore diverse, pristine eco-systems such as taking a traditional long-tail boat through dense mangrove forests; hike through lush rainforests that are alive with the sounds of exotic wildlife or snorkel in clear, emerald-colored waters teeming with vibrant marine life.

 

Budget Accommodation

WINNER: Tree Tops Jungle Lodge, Sri Lanka

A real ecolodge and jungle experience in the forgotten valley of Weliara. Experience living and walking with a team of native, local trackers and naturalists. Accommodation at the lodge will be in simple tree and mud huts discretely blending with bush, virgin forest and wildlife. This is a remote and non-touristic wilderness in Southeast Sri Lanka, only a few kilometres north of Yala National Park, a wildlife buff’s paradise.

FINALIST: Fasaai Resort and Spa, Thailand

Faasai Resort & Spa is located on the Kung Wiman Beach, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. This garden eco-resort is approximately 220 kilometres to the southeast of Bangkok or about 3 hours drive by car. The quiet garden resort is only ten minutes walk from Kung Wiman beach and a good base for exploring the beaches and mountains of Chanthaburi. Set behind a hilly forested ridge abutting the coastline, Faasai maintain close links with the community and attempts to keep a green landscape among cultivated fields, village homes and orchards.

 

Mid Range Resorts and Hotel

WINNER: Alila Manggis Bali, Indonesia

Alila Manggis is a secluded, stylish seaside resort in Manggis, East Bali. Set amidst a coconut grove, the resort is nestled between the sea and the majestic Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred mountain. Alila Manggis excels in designing immersive experiences personalised to each guest’s lifestyle preferences. The resort is committed to preserving the environment and supporting local communities through their Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy.

FINALIST: Alila Ubud Bali, Indonesia

Alila Ubud is a tranquil and secluded hillside retreat that sits high up on the edge of the rich green Ayung River valley in Bali’s central foothills. The resort is located just minutes from Ubud, the island’s cultural heart. Blending contemporary design and traditional Balinese architecture, the secluded courtyards, spacious terraces and private gardens create an intimate feeling like none other. Designed in contemporary Balinese style, the resort has good relations with the surrounding villages and follows clear policies to protect the environment and nurture the local culture.

 

Luxury and Boutique Resort

WINNER: Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi, Thailand

Six Senses Hideaway at Yao Noi is located on the island of Yao Noi, Phang-Nga. The natural vegetation and tropical landscaping provide privacy and allow glorious views over Phang Nga Bay. It is situated midway between Phuket and Krabi. This luxury resort focuses its attention on privacy and detail. Guests stay in private pool villas hidden among tropical vegetation. Gardens have been replanted with local species which consume less water and attract local wildlife. The Hideaway’s strengths are its energy, water and nature conservation efforts.

FINALIST: El Nido Resorts, Philippines

El Nido Resorts is located in northern Palawan on the islands of Miniloc and Lagen. Lagen Island Resort is set in a cove, fringed by a thick primary forest. The surrounding provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences for wildlife observation and sightings. The Lagen trail is one of the best sites for birdwatching. The island hosts a high diversity of birds including almost all of the species endemic to Palawan. A management system following three core values – sustainable environmental resource management, socio-economic development and local capacity building ensures they are among the best responsible tourism operators in the region.

 

Acknowledgments

Congratulations to our 2008 winners, and thank you for being an inspiration to us all. Taylor’s College hosted our award presentation event, which also included a public seminar on climate change and was attended by over 421 guests, including his Excellency the French Ambassador. We shared our award ceremony with over 400 invited guests and held a series of workshops on Responsible Tourism for operators and media, a workshop on animal welfare and zoos (with Acres, a Singapore-based NGO) and a workshop for Taylor’s College.