Introducing the Winners!

After a much anticipated wait, Wild Asia announced the winners of the Responsible Tourism Awards 2009 at the cocktail reception at Istana Hotel on 28 October, 2009. Joined with us to celebrate this victorious event are our sponsors, corporate partners, members of the media and more importantly our finalists namely; Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Nikoi Island, Sunderbans Jungle Camp and El Nido Resorts.

Through self-evaluation checklist submissions and site verification visits by judges and fact-finders to all finalists’ destinations, the winners have demonstrated their strong abilities to meet the Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award checklist’s forty criteria, which comprehensively cover aspects of local employment and economies; respecting local laws, cultures and sensitivities; responsibilities towards employees and communities; recognising children’s rights; and protecting the environment through a suite of conservation initiatives, efficient use of resources, as well as having a responsible waste management system.

And the winners are:

• Large Accommodation Operators
ITC Mughal, Agra, India

• Mid-sized to Small Accommodation Operators
El Nido Resorts, Miniloc, Philippines

• Community-Based to Homestay Operators
Sunderbans Jungle Camp, Bali Island, India

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.

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors; CSR Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Sime Darby, Keresa Plantations, The Star and Dot and Line Graphics for their continuous support.