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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 finalists for 2009.
Our 2009 Finalists
Large to Mid-sized Accommodation Operators
- Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- ITC Mughal, Agra, India
Mid-size to Small Accommodation Operators
- El Nido Resorts, Philippines
- Soneva Fushi, Kunfunadhoo, Maldives
- Nikoi, Indonesia
Community-Based Homestay Operators
- Lamai Homestay, Amphur Bua Yai, Thailand
- Sunderbans Jungle Camp, Bali Island, India
- Andaman Discoveries, Thailand
Our WINNERS for 2009
ITC Mughal, India
Large to Mid-sized Accommodation Operators
ITC Mughal establishes WelcomEnviron as their commitment towards maintaining a greener and healthier environment. The resort greens their supply chains by influencing their suppliers to adopt cleaner and greener production practices, at the same time promoting eco-conscious event designs where events and conferences are executed through policies such as reducing wastage, promoting the use of locally-grown ingredients in menus and opting for more eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper and jute cords. More details
El Nido Resorts, Philippines
Mid-size to Small Accommodation Operators
El Nido Resorts practice responsible tourism through their Quadruple Bottomline (Environmental, Social, Financial and Employee Satisfaction). All employees are trained in 'Be G.R.E.E.N.', a 5-module course encompassing solid waste management, water conservation, energy conservation, biodiversity conservation and environmental legislation. The company collaborates with various partners - from local communities, academia, NGOs, and local government authorities, in the development of integrated management plans for projects related to environmental protection and local economic development. More details
Sunderbans Jungle Camp, Bali Island, India
Community-Based Homestay Operators
Sunderbans Jungle Camp (SJC) was developed to support poacher-turn-conservationists with a more responsible alternative livelihood through tourism. Other projects have spawned from this, such as health, education, organic farming, waste recycling, mangrove nursery and plantation, among others. By involving the local communities and encouraging them to conserve wildlife, SJC demonstrates that sustainable livelihood, not at the expense of the environment, is possible. This shows that Sunderbans can be protected against destructive development commonly associated with large-scale tourism projects. SJC has a policy on being environmentally and culturally responsible. More details
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.
More information
Responsible Tourism and Best Practice
Insights and examples of responsible tourism from the Asian region. Perspectives and commentaries from some of the world's visionaries could provide some unique inspiration.
Responsible Tourism Awards: Gaining Ground from Checklists to Change
After a review of the finalists for our Responsible Tourism Awards 2008, WILD ASIA finds that its RT principles are spreading throughout Asia and assisting tourism changes that matter for habitats and humanity. RICK GREGORY writes.
Learn more about how to enter this year's awards.
Responsible Tourism Award Finalists
This article is part of our Responsible Tourism Award Finalists series.
Every year Wild Asia presents its annual Responsible Tourism Award to recognise excellence in RT practices. This series highlights the winners and finalists of past awards.
Find out how to enter this year's award. Or contact us if you'd like to nominate an operator you think deserves recognition for their work.
Other features in this series:











