RESPONSIBLE THAILAND AWARDS 2019 WINNERS

Visting Thailand yields no shortage of treats for the adventurous traveller: lush jungles house exotic wildlife, busy cities contrast with tranquil temples, hip islands mingle with off-the-beatentrack trails, and of course there are balmy beaches aplenty to be found.

However, although Thailand can appeal to all types of travellers, this kind of popularity also brings with it a need for responsible stewardship, to encourage ethical travel and the protection of these inspiring places.

The Responsible Thailand Awards highlight just that, and recognise the outstanding contributions companies have made to grow Thailand as a sustainable tourist destination.

These are your winners for 2019...

Marine, Nature & Heritage

WINNER: Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa, Phuket

‘Save Nakalay Reef’ is a collaborative coral conservation project that aims to restore, grow and preserve Nakalay Bay’s local reef. Thavorn Hotels & Resorts are among the first private organisations in Phuket to do so, and aim to inspire more businesses to do the same.

Replanting more than 1,500 broken coral fragments so far, the group’s consistent efforts impressed the judges, who said: “A great instance of a hotel actually pioneering a green project and taking it seriously; a great example to its visitors and to other hotels.” phuketcoralconservation.com

Animal Welfare

WINNER: Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Koh Samui

Raising awareness of the plight of the Asian elephant, the Samui Elephant Sanctuary has worked tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate these gentle giants and offer them a safe home.

The judges noted that: “The sanctuary has battled adversity to give elephants a better life and is a model for an ethical elephant experience. Education is key to their work, and an outreach programme is informing locals and visitors alike about the issues around elephant tourism.” Income generated from visits supports the Save Elephant Foundation. samuielephantsanctuary.org

Community-based Tourism

WINNER: G Adventures/ Planeterra

G Adventures and its non-profit partner, Planeterra, have founded two new social enterprise projects, supporting Kao Thep Pitak and Laem Sak community-based tourism services in areas previously bypassed by travellers.

With a positive impact at the local level, the judges said: “This is a genuine and impressive case of tourism being a force for good. Nearly 700 community members are already directly benefiting from these new projects, and they will serve as a great model for the future.” gadventures.co.uk and planeterra.org

Eco-lodge/eco-hotel

WINNER: Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood

Committed to sustainability across its resorts, Soneva has developed a Carbon Calculator at Soneva Kiri to monitor the full footprint of its operations; from energy consumption to freight, food, paper, waste and water.

The judges found: “This was an easy and unanimous decision. Soneva Kiri really is making a huge difference through its ongoing work to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and in its commitment to fighting climate change. They are making a positive impact in many areas, not least through reforestation and in re-introducing hornbills to Koh Kood.” soneva.com

Hotel

WINNER: Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi

Further to its offering of barefoot luxury, the judges noted that: “Zeavola is taking sustainability seriously, with a range of initiatives which are measured and reported on. They have even gone as far as publishing a ‘Little Green Book’.”

This book written by the resort’s general manager, Florian Hallermann, serves as an inspirational guide - with practical tips and anecdotes to creating sustainable luxury in a remote destination. The book can be accessed via the resort’s website. zeavola.com

Runner-up: The Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui

Green Steps

WINNER: Poppies Samui, Koh Samui

Proving small changes can make a big difference, Poppies Samui went plastic free in February 2018.

The boutique hotel on Chaweng Beach offers 24 private Thai-style cottages, hidden among tropical gardens. It has a reputation for offering high standards of service and for its attention to detail. In line with this mantra, the judges highlighted that: “Poppies eschews plastic bottles and straws and makes guests aware of this initiative even before they arrive. An excellent first step which will hopefully influence other organisations.” poppiessamui.com

HOW THE WINNERS WERE PICKED

In June 2019 we asked Wanderlust readers and the UK travel trade to nominate the Thailand-based organisations and resorts that they felt were most deserving of recognition for their green initiatives and tireless efforts to promote sustainable tourism.

The criteria for judging include the sustainability of each of the projects and organisations, their demonstrable successes, and the legacy of benefits for both Thailand and international visitors.

The task of deciding upon the final winners fell to a judging panel that consisted of Derek Moore (AITO); Claire Jenkinson (ABTA); Martin Symington (Travel Journalist); Julie Middleton (The Travel Foundation); and Lyn Hughes (Editor-in-chief, Wanderlust).