responsible tourism

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!

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.

KecapiPlayers Beyond 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

ViaVia Tours, Indonesia – Most Inspiring Tour Operator

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates ViaVia Tours for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Winner. 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.

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.

Our favourite things about them!

Excellent community development, resource efficiency for such a small project.
Internal and external impact assessment.
Strong in the “influence and inspire” area.
Supporting local artists.
Inspirational commitment to supporting marginalised groups (e.g. HIV).
Plan to improve energy efficiency.
An active company achieving good results and customer numbers.

Inspiring Management

Guest information on sustainable tourism: website, peronsal communication, guided walks, welcome briefing, brochures, books.
Internal and external environmental and social impact assessments.
Staff dedicated to following Indonesian law.
New guides go through a weeklong training, specialising in cross cultural communication.
All staff have job descriptions where their roles are outlined, with performance appraisals identify capacity building needs.
Some staff have participated in Sustainable Tourism training with international specialist. All core guides received a Training of Trainers by specialist.
The Manager has her Graduate and Post Graduate Degrees in funded by ViaVia.
Gives preference to smaller accommodation suppliers, each is visited and partnership built on shared RT principles.
Participated in local and national panel discussions on sustainable tourism.
Work with partners, provide partners opportunity to visit, join trainings and tours to learn.
Provide informal consultancy to local travel agencies who are interested in “copying” concepts.
Host free annual training (approx. 20 people) on cross cultural communication and guiding skills; workshops on social enterprises for students.
Facilitated training on sustainable tourism for tourism students of several universities in Jogjakarta (UNY, UPN, and others).
2008 external sustainability assessment (Exchange Belgium) and regular interns assess.

Community Engagement and Development

Guides develop personal relationships with villages and seek feedback. Annual meeting to discuss plans and feedback.
Organise street festival to engage neighbourhood and other businesses.
Work with ILO and other organizations to provide trainings to local communities on tourism, e.g. establishing homestays.
Provide humanitarian assistance e.g. emergency relief after 2006 Jogjakarta Earthquake and 2010 Mt. Merapi Erruption; fundraising after the 2006 Nias Earthquake; Awareness raising and fund raising during World Refugee Day in 2004.
Constructed 26 houses after 2006 Earthquake.
Waste management and environmental training to schools in villages they work with.
Supported a community library in Sukamade Village which they visit on Overland tour.
Financially and non financially supported the Jogjakarta Mural Project Sama-Sama You Are Welcome in 2003.
Provide venue spaces for charitable events.
Fund the university education of 5 women (4 staff, 1 non-staff).
Funded a life saving surgical operation in Belgium for one of staff.
Fair Trade Shop, which provides opportunities for economically disadvantaged people, (e.g. street children, HIV sufferers).
Provides regular safe venue for meetings of Narcotics Anonymous, and other marginal groups.
100% local staff and 100% local management.
Many staff have progressed from low skilled jobs to management within the business.
Staff paid living wage, health insurance, maternity leave, holidays.
Has a restaurant, which also uses as much local and organic ingredients by small local producers as possible. No-MSG, No-Palm Oil.
In tours visit home industries, guests to buy locally.
Child sexual exploitation policy signed by all staff and made available to guests.
Promote women in the work place and equality, but some challenges due to culture.

Cultural Preservation

Customers told about acceptable dress in brochure and pre-tour briefing.
Supports one of the last surviving Javanese ‘Ketoprak’ Theatre Groups.
After the 2010 Mt. Merapi Eruption held public meeting with fundraising about the damage caused by the ash, and the future risks to local temple complexes, with key note speaker (British archaeologist Tony Tack).
Contribute tourist fees to heritage sites.
Promote maintaining local access to heritage sites (e.g. Borobudur).
Provide opportunity for young local artists every few weeks to decorate Via Via or exhibit and they take a lower than average commission (30%).
Offer Bahasa language courses and Batik courses.

Resource Efficiency

Promote sustainably sourced products.
No plastic bag policy, refillable water bottles,
Furniture made from recycled materials e.g. old boat.
In the office use LED lighting, taps checked for leaks.
Trees 4 Tours carbon offset scheme.
Local school take old paper for recycling.
Composting.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

Maximise public transport on tours.
Trees 4 Tours™ concept supports local farmers with tree planting per tour in a vehicle.
Staff trained on species and library provided.
Contribute tourist fees to protected areas for e.g. turtle conservation.
Discuss environmental and conservation issues on tours.

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Papua Expeditions, Indonesia – Most Inspiring Tour Operator

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Papua Expeditions for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Finalist. 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 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.

Our favourite things about them!

Excellent policy in regards to attracting local people, not sending guests to ceremonies, all round excellent responsible business model.
A good example of responsible tourism business in a destination that face various external challenges in terms of business conditions.
An inspiring model demonstrating that responsible business ethics and sustainability practices are important no matter what.
“Learning while doing” training approach to support local capacity building.
100% local staff.
Strong stance against exploitation of children.
Focus on growing regional client base as a concrete example of positive and business-focused climate action.
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.

Inspiring Management

Provide information on web, pre-tour guide, and through interaction on tours on sustainable tourism approaches.
Internal environmental and social impact assessments.
Operates in a corrupt and poor region and maintains policy on clean governance, following ‘legal mass’ to adopt most appropriate solution under conflicting circumstances.
Trains staff ‘learning while doing’.
Consults tribal leaders about fluid land ownership laws to ensure their accommodation suppliers are compliant.
Published article on practice in eco tourism publications to inspire others.
2010 Highly Commended Wild Asia RT Awards.

Community Engagement and Development

Provide ‘respectful usage’ fee to local communities for conservation.
Prevent ‘pay and go’ attitude and have long term MOU agreement with host communities to make benefits more long lasting.
Established Cenderawasih Fund for Community Development, 10% net profit donated. Funds small scale initiatives e.g. health care, social conflict resolution, relief, education.
100% local workforce, 100% local management.
Yearly staff review and identify training needs.
Purchase local organic fresh produce and adhere to local market fares, to prevent tourist inflation which results in local people out-competed.
Support like-minded businesses wherever possible.
Encourage guests to buy local services not included in activities e.g. handicrafts.
Employ up to 80 different day-workers per month, all of whom are entitled to ancestral land-rights and/or reside at the destinations within portfolio, all receive the same basic training through ‘learning while doing’.
Facilitate ‘inter-cultural exchanges’ of motivated day-workers between destinations, it provides networking and possibilities for learning from culturally different Papuans. Proved beneficial toward character- and leadership-building.
Carefully selected city hotels with policies against sexual exploitation of children.
Do what they can to promote women’s rights and equality but can prove challenging given cultural context.
Staff exceed provincial minimum wage.
Tours are delivered by indigenous people so able to communicate after each tour feedback; bi-annual meets with land-owners and village elders.

Cultural Preservation

Do not engage guests with ceremonies as have strong reservations whether it adds value to local people. Rather they promote experiencing day-to-day life instead.
Always respects any prohibitions on visitation imposed by indigenous communities and closely follow their instructions where visitation is permitted.
Local language is provided in briefing.

Resource Efficiency

Oppose printed materials, online business.
Garbage prevention policy, non-recyclable waste is no more than 15g per guest per day.
Use of battery power or fire wood (local traditional methods) only in the field.
Office – energy efficient lighting and laptops, switch off policy.
Water usage is very low so little opportunity to reduce further.
Does not use carbon offsetting as remains controversial.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

Encouraging more Australia guests (now about 70% of guests) rather than European or USA to reduce international travel.
Encourages locals against deforestation by bringing tourists to those areas because of those natural resources.
Maximise use of public transport or use energy efficient vehicles if hired.
5 year pilot project in Raja Ampat – agreement with customary landowners in a bid to preserve the entire Orobiai River catchment (92 sq km of virtually untouched primary forest, set in visually stunning topography, and globally threatened wildlife).
Community Conservation and Ecotourism Agreement (CCEA) seals direct structured payments by Papua Expeditions to customary land-holding groups on Waigeo in return for carefully defined and monitored conservation and education outcomes.
Indigenous guides have clear understanding of conservation issues and communicate with guests.
Provide birding guidelines to prevent disturbance.
Improved access through close consultation and assistance from indigenous communities, improved more than sixty kilometres of trails across the destinations.

Soneva Resorts, Thailand & Maldives – Most Inspiring Accommodation

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Soneva Resorts for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Winner. 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 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.

Our favourite things about them!

Excellent sustainable business model incorporating social, economic and environmental aspects.
Internal and external impact assessment.
Mandatory sustainability training.
Wheelchair accessible.
A great personal touch to guest communications with “Mr./Ms Fridays.”
Concrete emission calculation and reduction goals.
Soneva just go so far beyond business as usual… innovation after innovation, active and creative on serious issues.
UNESCO Biosphere, shark protection, coral restoration project (30 tonnes of rock), waste to wealth centre, 85% waste recycled, serious engagement with the carbon calculator which avoids dis-ingenuity, Carbon sense fund 450,000 trees planted, whole world water initiative…
An established operator with good track record on responsible approaches to sustainable tourism practices.

Inspiring Management

Internal and external social and environmental impact assessments made.
Engage guests through information in rooms, personal interaction, personal tours, website.
Size, layout and location of all buildings planned to integrate the native vegetation into man-made structures and to maintain the natural charm. Large, vegetated parts of the island are unspoilt to provide cooling, shading, fresh air and natural experiences. Villa numbers are kept low.
All timber used from sustainable managed, certified sources.
Wheelchair accessibility to some villas.
Fushi property delivered international event on their SLOW LIFE concept, with international leaders to inspire wider audience on sustainability.
Founded WHOLE WORLD Water campaign through their SLOW LIFE Trust.
2/3 properties Long Run Alliance Members; use own Soneva Carbon Calculator annually.
Won numerous awards for sustainability.

Community Engagement and Development

Hold annual Soneva Nature Trip (through NGO Eco Care, sponsored by Soneva) most influenial environmental awareness event in Maldives. Locals (including 100 students) do various activities, conduct audits and learn about environmental issues.
Financially supported Thalassemia Prevetion and Relief programme of screening blood donations (Maldives has highest genetic blood disease prevelance in world).
92% local staff, 50% of management are local people.
Staff training target of 9 hours per month, each staff member has own My Development Plan. Mandatory sustainability training for all staff.
50% food from local area (80% organic), lots grown at properties.
Each villa assigned with own butler, from local area, who engages guests with local customs etc.
90% staff live onsite, provide good living conditions with access to recreational activities and three meals a day.
All staff paid above national minimum wage.
Monthly meetings with island leaders to maintain relationships and receive feedback.

Cultural Preservation

Do and Don’t guide provided (dress etc).
Invite local women to showcase cooking and invite guests to their home to learn.
Use locally produced materials for design e.g. coconut ropes.
Sale of local crafts through Soneva Gallery.

Resource Efficiency

3% renewable energy – installed 70kW solar PV in 2009 (then biggest on Maldives), expanding to 350kW which will result in 50% reduction in diesel consumption.
Each villa has its own Little Green book with information on responsible tourism.
100% self sufficient in water (45% rain water harvested, 45% desalination, 10% deep wells).
Water saving: aerators, low flow shower heads, water saving toilets.
Monthly monitoring of resource efficiency with targets and bonuses if achieved.
Soneva Carbon Calculator includes travel, freight etc – 2011-12 footprint was 42, 500 tons (15% from energy, 76% guest travel).
Established Carbon Sense Fund, 2% levy on room bill for carbon mitigation projects (reforestation in Thailand, SLOW LIFE in Myanmar, stoves project in Sudan).
Output treated sewage and grey water is mixed with brine to reduce salinity then released into sea.
Less than 15% is non-recyclable waste and sent away.
Established Eco Centro Waste to Wealth centre with Manager, handles and monitors all Fushi waste.
85% food waste recycled, used on own herb garden.
Garden waste composted or bio-charcoal.
Working to improve chemicals by working with Eco Lab, hope to install rechargeable batteries.

Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Conservation

Baa Atoll, where Soneva Fushi is situated, recently achieved UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. In-house marine biologist involved in establishment of management team for Biosphere Reserve, resort will contribute financially.
Soneva Fushi worked with local NGOs to lobby for shark protection and in 2010 a national Shark-fish ban was implemented.
Soneva Fushi has own Marine Biologist who trains staff on conservation.
Follow IUCN ‘no no’ red list for F&B, work with local fishermen for sustainable fish, prioritize organic food.
66% area left undeveloped (e.g Soneva Fushi island has largest forest cover in Maldives).
Use of native salt and drought tolerant plants reduced need for irrigation.
Soneva Kiri established coral restoration project – 1,850 corals or 27 species were transplanted, 30 tons live rock incorporated.
Offer 3 nights free stay to guests in low season who contribute to community/conservation work.
3 hours per week set aside for marine biologist to monitor reefs, working with IUCN, to development management plan.

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

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.

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

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, 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 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 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, 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 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 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

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

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

Advertising Discount for Wild Asia Supporters!

Exclusive Discount for Responsible Tourism Business

2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Media Partner ‘SOST’ is offering an exclusive advertising discount to Wild Asia fans.

Spotlight on Sustainable Tourism (SOST) is a trade journal for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry. The journal’s mission is to motivate tourism businesses, big and small, to adopt sustainable business practices with the message that sustainable tourism is ‘Good for the Planet and Good for Business’.

SOST is read by a diverse audience consisting of professionals in the tourism industry, tourism business owners, destination marketers and academia. It has particularly found favour with those interested in sustainable and responsible tourism. SOST is published bimonthly (six issues per year). It appears the last Thursday of the month of the cover date.

35% discount (off regular price) for Wild Asia fans – quote ‘WILD ASIA’
Exposure to over 10,000 readers across Asia with an interest in responsible tourism, and another 90,000 worldwide
Advertise in the June, August and October 2013 issues to avail the discount
Feature in our 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards SPECIAL ITB Asia addition, October 2013
Contact advertise@sostinternational.com for more information
To know more about SOST, visit: www.sostinternational.com