Asia responsible tourism awardees unveiled

Record 2013 with 45 applications from all over Asia the widest geographical spread to date,

2013 has been a record year for the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards. 45 quality applications were submitted from the widest geographical spread to date, including entries from all corners of the South and Southeast Asia regions: India, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Vietnam, Nepal and Cambodia.

Says Wild Asia "The panel of expert judges had their work cut out picking the 2013 Finalists, especially in the new addition category for ‘Most Inspiring Responsible Tour Operator’ which received the highest number of entries."

Best in Community Engagement and Development

This award recognizes exceptional commitment to supporting the local community and economy in which the business operates.

• Bali CoBTA, Indonesia
• Lisu Lodge, Thailand

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
• Sampran Riverside, Thailand

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
• Scuba Junkie, Malaysia more

Best in Resource Efficiency

This award recognizes excellence in waste, water and energy management and sustainable architectural design in order to minimize the business’s environmental impact.

• Frangipani Langkawi Resport and Spa, Malaysia
• Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka

Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Accommodation Provider

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. (Sponsored by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia)

• Soneva Resorts, Thailand & Maldives
• Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysia

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
• Via Via Tours, Indonesia

The nominees will now undergo the next round of judging and the 2013 Winners will be announced at the 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 Wild Asia will be publishing case studies on all the Finalists.

Valere Tjolle

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