Wild Asia reveals responsible tourism heroes

Wild Asia has just revealed the winners of the ninth Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards

In a ceremony yesterday at PATA Travel Mart in Bangalore, India, Wild Asia revealed the winners of the ninth Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards. The awards serve as an opportunity for leaders in sustainability to garner international recognition for their efforts to create better places to live and to visit. And here are the winners by category:

Best in Community Engagement and Development: Lanjia Lodge, Thailand

High on a hill in northern Thailand, Lanjia Lodge offers visitors intimate cultural experiences, whether a

locally guided village tour, trek, or a boating excursion down the mighty Mekong and ensures the local

communities are involved in all of their projects.

Finalists – Xintuo Ecotourism, China; CRDTours, Cambodia

Best in Protection of Natural Areas & Wildlife Conservation: Gaya Island, Malaysia

Tucked along the coast of Malohom Bay, Gaya Island Resort integrates luxury and the natural world.

Offering a set of “PURE Activities” guests can interact with the surrounding rare species of flora and

fauna, facilitated by the resort’s resident naturalist.

Finalist – Club Med Cherating, Malaysia

Best in Resource Efficiency: Jetwing Yala, Sri Lanka

Boasting Sri Lanka’s largest privately owned solar installation, guests at Jetwing Yala can fully relax

thanks to the resort’s commitment to renewable resources. Embarking on Jetwing Yala’s “Green Tour”

gives guests a greater understanding of the resort’s environmental initiatives.

Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Operator: Nikoi Island, Indonesia

Situated off the Indonesian coast Nikoi Island offers guests a private getaway and peace of mind thanks

to their environmental initiatives. With the majority of the island left untouched, Nikoi gives guests an

intimate introduction to the natural environment with activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, and

trekking.

Finalists – El Nido Resorts, Philippines; Khiri Travel group, Thailand

Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Initiative: Kinyei, Cambodia

Kinyei combines two initiatives, Kinyei Cafe and Soksabike to enrich their local community in

Battambang. Soksabike gives tourists an off-the-beaten-path cycling experience while Kinyei Café

provides vocational training opportunities for local youths and a refreshing break for the cyclists.

Finalists – CBT Vietnam, Vietnam; EXO Foundation, Cambodia