Responsible Tourism

Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Initiative

Call for Inspiring Stories 2013

Do you want your responsible tourism story heard at Asia’s biggest business-to-business travel trade show?

Well, we want to hear from you! LOGO_Inspiring Stories from Destinations_2012-page-001

Every year, we invite inspirational tourism businesses and projects from across Asia to submit their inspiring story. Have you empowered local people? Saved a rare wildlife species? Protected an area’s cultural heritage? All through the power of using tourism as a force for good? Get in touch.

Inspiring Stories from Destinations is an annual competition providing an international platform for tourism players to get their story heard at ITB Asia. We seek exciting stories from organisations and individuals who have found in themselves a passion to make a difference in the travel industry and leave a legacy for the next generation.

Check out our 2011 and 2012 Inspiring Stories.

What we’re looking for?

The selection of successful stories is based on the authenticity of the story, creative and innovative elements and the power to inspire others towards making responsible tourism a reality. (Terms below)

What’s in it for you?

  • Top 3 Winners will receive complimentary tickets to ITB Asia and 5 minutes each to share their story on the Responsible Tourism stage to an audience of likeminded tourism professionals and potential customers
  • Top 10 Winners will have their story published on the Wild Asia website
  • Top 10 Winners will benefit from international PR via our array of travel media partners

How to enter

Submit your stories in any of the following form:

  • In words; no more than 1,500 words
  • Video; no more than 5 minutes
  • Slideshow; no more than 20 slides
  • Podcast; no more than 5 minutes

Email your entries to rt@wildasia.org by 30th August, 2013 (Friday). Please title your email “RT Stories for RT Event at ITB Asia 2013″ and include your Name, Email, Organization and Destination in your email. Successful applicants will be notified via email by 13th September, 2013.

Mulberry Learning CentreKecapiPlayersBeyond Unique Escapes (3)factory man

 

 

 

 

Inspiring Stories is part of the annual Responsible Tourism networking events that started in 2009. Organised and supported by ITB Asia, Wild Asia, The Blue Yonder Associates and The Green Circuit, this annual event hopes to bring together sustainable tourism practitioners to share, engage, learn and be inspired to make a difference.

Terms & Conditions

  • Previous winners of Inspiring Stories (Top 3 or Top 10) cannot apply
  • 2013 Finalists of the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards cannot apply
  • Past Winners of the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards cannot apply
  • Businesses or projects that are part of The Blue Yonder Associates or The Green Circuit cannot apply
  • Business or project must be based in Asia
  • Free entry to ITB Asia for Top 3 Winners on the day of the Inspiring Stories event (TBC) only (travel to and from Singapore or accommodation to attend the event is not included)
  • Stories are judged by a panel of responsible tourism experts and their decision is final
  • Applicants acknowledge that the Top 10 Winners of Inspiring Stories 2013 will have their story, images, (presentation of Top 3) published on the Wild Asia website

2013 Responsible Tourism Award Finalists

finalistFinalists 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 webBali CoBTA, Indonesia more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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

Lisu Lodge webLisu Lodge, Thailand more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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 webApani Dhani, India more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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

Sampran webSampran Riverside, Thailand more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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 webRanweli Holiday Village, Sri Lanka more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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

Scuba Junkie webScuba Junkie, Malaysia more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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 webFrangipani Langkawi Resport and Spa, Malaysia more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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

Heritance webHeritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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

T+L 2012(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 Kiri webSoneva 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 webSukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysia more

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. Why Wild Asia loves them!

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 webPapua 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.

Via Via webViaVia 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

2013 Awards – Why should I apply?


IMG 1391 2_1Why should I apply? 

The difference our Awards have made...

 

Marc Van Loo, founder of 2012 Winner of Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Operator, LooLa Adventure in Indonesia shares with us just how they have benefited from receiving international recognition through our Awards.

Pictured: Marc Van Loo

1.       What partnerships have you made through our Awards?

We’ve been exploring the idea of creating a Wiki portal for tourism operators to share best practice. Through the awards, we got in touch with Geoffrey Lipman (Secretary General of UNWTO and past President of the WTTC) and together have been in touch with Wikipedia. Their CEO got personally involved and we received assurances of dedicated support.

Most recently we are busy designing three new Eco villas that support local employment and are resource efficient. As well as a team of fantastic experts we’ve engaged with this work, past Award winners Sarinbuana (Bali) are also helping to support this project (Norm is designing villas as we speak!).

The award gave our international credibility an enormous boost and was instrumental in opening all these doors for us.

Significantly, the Wild Asia award led to an invitation from WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow awards (2013) to apply, and we’re now one of three finalists in the Community Benefits category, further enhancing our credibility.

2.       How has the Award made a difference to your destination?

The local government has always liked what we do and is very proud of our achievements. They are very happy to see that what they liked about us, is also recognised independently and internationally.

Most of all, the Award has done miracles for empowering our staff.

It has hit them: we are no longer a bunch of villagers in a remote place in Indonesia, we compete at the world stage, and we’re going to show that we can retain and enhance that position. Motivation has never been this high. The Wild Asia checklists have done wonders for pushing certain not-so-popular items like waste (water) management to the front.

3.      Has the Award provided a platform to improve your responsible tourism communications?

The award enabled us to get an appointment with some of the highest officers in Singapore within STB (Singapore Tourism Board), which is very nice.

For internal purposes, it has been great. Now we can always refer back to the application forms, and all our staff now accepts that this stuff is very important.

4.       Has the Award application improved your systems/identified areas to improve?

Absolutely. The process allowed us to identify the management of waste water and water supply were some of our areas that could be improved.

We’re currently working with an architect who has just completed an initial design for (waste and rain) water, and is working together with experts for waste water integration.

We also wanted to improve our energy efficiency. Electricity is now being completely overhauled. At first I thought that this was not possible – but now it turns out that we are able to have air-con in our new villas in a eco-sensitive way, not using ANY batteries and only using solar power! It’s all very exciting!

5.       In what way has Wild Asia as an organisation supported your business?

Wild Asia has always been ready to answer any question if they were in a position to do so, by generously and sharing relevant contacts in their network without any clear benefits for themselves except creating goodwill.

Really, absolutely tops.

Inspiring Stories from Destinations 2012

This is our second year running the “Inspiring Stories from Destinations” competition and annually we’ve been WOWed by amazing individuals and organizations who have found in themselves a passion to make a difference in the travel industry and leave a legacy for the next generation. It is our privilege to share with you the Top 3 Inspiring Stories and 7 other incredible efforts in Asia.

[message type=”custom” width=”100%” start_color=”#9DAAC7″ end_color=”#9DAAC7″ border=”#BBBBBB” color=”#333333″]We’re convinced that there are many other inspiring efforts out there. Contact us if you wish to submit your story or nominate someone or an organization. Entries open approximately 1st August 2013. Stay tuned! [/message]

Meanwhile, enjoy the read below:

Top 3 Inspiring Stories

More Inspiring Stories

Presentations from Responsible Tourism Clinics & Forum at ITB Asia 2012

On behalf of ITB Asia and the other co-organizers, Wild Asia would like to thank you for participating in the Responsible Tourism Clinics and Forum at ITB Asia 2012. We would also like to thank all our speakers who graciously spared their time to share their wealth of experience and knowledge with us. The outcome was overwhelming and we hope that 2013 will be bigger and better. Please contact rt@wildasia.org if you wish to be part of 2013’s Responsible Tourism events.

Below you will find the full set of presentations throughout the 3-day event. Let’s continue to “Learn, Be Inspired and Make a Difference!”

Responsible Tourism Clinics

Holistic Property Management by Andrew Johns, Sanctuary Resorts

Responsible Tourism Reporting by Raj Gyawali, Social Tours

Tourism as a Tool for Conservation by Raj Basu, HELP Tourism

Responsible Tourism Forum

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

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

2012 Responsible Tourism Award Winners & Finalists

Wild Asia’s judging team had their work cut out to pick from an exceptionally high level of Applicants in the 2012 Awards. We saw entries flooding in from India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. We also introduced new award categories this year, moving away from size of operators to themes of responsible tourism. We shortlisted 12 inspirational operators across Asia.

Best in Community Engagement and Development

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

WINNER: Soria Moria Boutique Hotel, Cambodia

As the first employee-owned hotel in Cambodia, Soria Moria works closely with various local charities and organizations on a grassroots level, and facilitates vocational training and a higher education program to empower locals.

  More information – why did Wild Asia love this winner?


FINALIST: Agri Tourism, India

Agri Tourism’s goals are to develop and promote agricultural tourism as a potential vehicle for diversifying and stabilizing rural economies by creating jobs, increasing community income, and attracting tourists to the area. Through their projects, training, and support, farmers benefit from the development of tourism and the income to improve their livelihoods.

Best in Cultural Preservation

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

WINNER: Agri Tourism, India

Agri Tourism is successfully reconnecting urban Indians to their rural roots. Their mission to diversify farms by introducing tourism is benefitting local livelihoods and keeping farming heritage alive. By providing exciting opportunities for sustainable secondary income, this project is preventing urban migration and protecting traditional village life.

 More information – why did Wild Asia love this winner?

FINALIST: Heritance Tea Factory, Sri Lanka

A story written inextricably around the wondrous “tea plant”, this business is harmonizing Tourism with the Tea Culture.  They are committed to offer prominence and a sense of recognition to the heritage of the communities who have contributed for decades to the development of Sri Lanka’s tea industry and environment.

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.

WINNER: Scuba Junkie, Malaysia

Scuba Junkie, based on Mabul Island off the east coast of Sabah, the company strives to be sensitive and have a positive effect on this unique area. Introducing the first rubbish collection scheme on the island, they’re improving waste management and protecting their natural assets. They also run a Turtle Hatchery and are championing the Semporna Shark Sanctuary, in order to help save our seas.

 More information – why did Wild Asia love this winner?

FINALIST: Banjaar Tola, India

Taj Safaris (a joint venture between &Beyond and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces) offers India’s first wildlife circuit of four exceptional lodges in India’s Madhya Pradesh region. Banjaar Tola is nestled in Kanha National Park. Their groundbreaking Gaur relocation project has saved a species from extinction in the area and the first newborn from the group has just arrived.

Best in Resource Efficiency

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

WINNER: ITC Sonar, India 

Backed by a huge range of environmental management accreditations, 5 star ITC Sonar is a leading light in renewable energy and resource efficiency. It is nestled amidst acres of land, resplendent with greenery, sunshine, and water. It was the first hotel in the world to earn carbon credits under the carbon trading scheme.

 More information – why did Wild Asia love this winner?

FINALIST: Our Native Village, India

This eco retreat presents earth-friendly dwellings and proven traditional healing services in a verdant landscape. It incorporates all aspects of sustainability: architecture, energy generation, water conservation, waste management and food chain. With more that 70% of energy generated from renewable resources this resort is working harmoniously with its natural surroundings.

2012 Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Operator

This award recognizes the tourism business 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.

WINNER: LooLa Adventure Resort, Indonesia

LooLa is an outdoor-enthusiast resort in Bintan, Indonesia. Since 2000, with a 100% local team, they offer exciting (eco) action, adventure and community-based activities, all in a natural beautiful setting that favours sea breeze over air-con. Guests are asked to go easy on water and electricity, return to the basic joys of life and enjoy the authentic local scene.

 More information – why did Wild Asia love this winner?

FINALIST: El Nido Resorts, Philippines

An idyllic island retreat, El Nido Resorts measure against a quadruple bottomline: financial growth, environmental stewardship, community engagement and employee development. Guests are treated with unique experiencessteeped in conservation and environmental education. Meaningful livelihoods for staff and host communities complete their story.


FINALIST: Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka

Heritance Kandalama is a Geoffrey Bawa architectural masterpiece, built overlooking the eighth wonder of the world, the rock fortress of Sigiriya. The hotel situated within the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, within close proximity of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been recognized the world over for its sustainability initiatives.


FINALIST: Nikoi Island, Indonesia

Nikoi Island is a private island resort off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia.  Just 50 miles from Singapore it is a popular escape from city life.  Built from driftwood and alangalang grass, with environmental conservation and energy conservation at the heart of the design and the development.

Acknowledgements

Wild Asia would like to congratulate Winners and Finalists for their commendable efforts and commitment in successfully integrating high standards of responsible tourism into their business philosophy.

Thank you to our expert Judging Advisory Panel: Asit Biswas, Ian Hall, Jens Thraenhart, Les Clark, Masaru Takayama, Peter Richards and Vikneswaran Nair for making the 2012 Responsible Tourism Awards a success!

Sustainability Training for Tour Operators – October 2012 (Bangkok)

Following our recent partnership with Travelife, Wild Asia is proud to announce the 2-day ‘Sustainability for Tour Operators’ training course organized by Travelife this October in Bangkok. The free course is targeted at tour operators (company executives, contracting and marketing managers) and travel associations and tourism boards.

Dates: The training will be provided twice

  • 17th & 18th October (Wednesday & Thursday)
  • 24th & 25th October (Wednesday & Thursday)

Venue: Bangkok, Thailand (exact venue TBC)

After completion of the training, participants will be offered support in the use and implementation of the knowledge, methods and tools that have been acquired in the training. This support will be in the form of follow-up meetings and individual coaching sessions. The ultimate goal is to prepare travel operators for sustainability certification in order to increase your competitiveness in the global markets.

The training will be conducted by Chris Thompson and Naut Kausters, both leaders and practitioners in sustainable tourism with more than 20 and 15 years’ experience individually. The training is designed to be hands-on and interactive using a variety of learning techniques.

What will you learn?

At the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Understand the concept of sustainability in tourism
  • Recognize the key environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of tour operators (inbound/outbound)
  • Identify the types of actions tour operators can take in the field of transport, accommodation, excursions and customer communication
  • Identify quick wins for your own business and for your suppliers
  • Set realistic sustainability targets and identify methods of measuring success
  • Identify personal sustainability USP’s (Unique Selling Points)
  • Communicate sustainability achievements in an effective way to your clients
  • Use your sustainability achievements to create more business (marketing)

How to register?

Book early as training slots fill up quickly. To register, complete the registration form below and email to n.kusters@cbi.eu. You will receive a confirmation upon successful registration.

Choose from the two dates: 17th & 18th October (Wednesday & Thursday) OR 24th & 25th October (Wednesday & Thursday)

Cost: Free of charge. Sign up now!

Registration deadline: 30th September 2012.

Participants should have relevant experience in the tourism business and master the English language on professional level.

Stay in touch for the latest training updates and sign up for Wild Asia’s e-alerts.

Download the Agenda and Registration Form

[Download not found]

Supporting organisations

  • TEATA, Thai Eco and Adventure Tour operator Association
  • ATTA, Association of Thai Travel Agencies
  • ABTA, The British Travel Association
  • ANVR, The Dutch Association of Tour operators and Travel Agents
  • CBI, Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries
  • IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative
  • Travelife, Sustainability in Tourism
  • Wild Asia, Responsible Tourism Initiative

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Wild Asia & Travelife

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 2005, 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 and certification and provide best practice guidance and support for tour operators implementing them through the provision of training, tools and references. Travelife, originally initiated in Europe, is already supported by more than 15 national travel associations who promote Travelife across their members.

The 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.

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

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Call for Inspiring Stories

Is the local community, environment and wildlife better off because of what you’ve done?

We want to hear from you.  Inspire others with what you have done for your destination. 

* Please note the deadline for submitting your Inspiring Story 2012 has now passed and closed *

This is your chance to impress customers, industry players, potential buyers and the media by showing them that responsible tourism is possible and powerful in making a difference if done right.

International platform for your stories

Send us your story and you may have the chance to present at the ‘Responsible Tourism Event’ at ITB Asia this coming October in Singapore. Three successful entries will have the privilege to present their stories in a two minute presentation as the curtain opener to our Responsible Tourism Event supported by ITB Asia on 19th October, 2012 (Friday) from 11am-1pm. (If you can’t make it, videos or slideshows can be delivered).

The selection of successful stories is based on the authenticity of the story, creative and innovative elements and the power to inspire other toward making responsible tourism a reality.

On top of that, selected 10 entries will also be featured on Wild Asia’s website where travelers explore the wonder of destinations and how they can enjoy a different kind of travel; one that’s earth & people friendly.

Example of 2011 Inspiring Stories

Submit your story

Submit your stories in any of the following form:

  •         In words; no more than 1,500 words
  •         Video; no more than 5 minutes
  •         Slideshow; no more than 20 slides
  •         Podcast; no more than 5 minutes

Email your entries to rt@wildasia.org by 24th September, 2012 (Monday). Please title your email “RT Stories for RT Event at ITB Asia 2012″ and include your Name, Email, Organization and Destination in your email. Successful applicants will be notified via email by 28th September, 2012.

We can’t wait to hear your story!

The Responsible Tourism Event is a continuation of the successful Responsible Tourism networking events that started in 2009. Organized and supported by ITB Asia, Wild Asia, The Blue Yonder Associates and The Green Circuit, this annual event hopes to bring together sustainable tourism practitioners to share, engage, learn and be inspired to make a difference.

Find out who the winners of the “Inspiring Stories from Destinations” 2012 Competition are…

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:

         

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!