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
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, 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
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 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:
Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Accommodation Provider
(Sponsored by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia) This award recognizes the accommodation provider that excels in all of the above categories by taking into consideration all the key principles of responsible tourism (maximum positive impacts to the local community and minimum negative impacts to the environment) and awards innovation for this most inspiring accommodation of the year.
Soneva Resorts, Thailand & Maldives more
Soneva Resorts is the original barefoot luxury brand, and still one of the travel industry’s greatest innovators. The acronym SLOW LIFE (Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences) explains the Soneva philosophy. Intelligent Luxury, is all about creating unforgettable, enlightening experiences that rejuvenate each guest’s love of SLOW LIFE. It’s about illuminating lives whilst treading lightly on the earth. Why Wild Asia loves them!
Soneva just go so far beyond business as usual… innovation after innovation, active and creative on serious issues.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysia more
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 Expeditions, Indonesia more
Papua Expeditions offers keened-out, professionally guided birding, general wildlife, hiking and trekking expeditions in New Guinea’s Wild West. Permanently based in West Papua, their ecotourism programme focuses exclusively on the little-known western half of New Guinea under Indonesian administration. Why Wild Asia loves them!
Within a remarkable and largely undiscovered destination, provides inspiring management, contributes to community engagement and development, cultural preservation and the protection of natural areas and wildlife conservation.
ViaVia Tours, Indonesia more
ViaVia tours are as varied as Jogjakarta is populated and they all offer something unique. Adventure, gastronomy and culture. ViaVia in Jogja offers art space to young local artists and is also often the venue of concerts, Friday night Jazz, performance art, film festivals and debates. Parts of the ViaVia profits go to support educational, social and cultural projects in and around Jogjakarta. Why Wild Asia loves them!
Excellent community development, resource efficiency for such a small project. Strong in the “influence and inspire” area.
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