London, 8 November, 2017 – Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana conferred the 11th Thailand Green Excellence Awards on six unique Thai tourism products and attractions recognised for promoting the environment and contributing to social and cultural betterment.
The ceremony was held on 6 November at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2017.
The Awards were originally launched in 2007 as a cooperative venture between the TAT London Office and Wanderlust, a famous magazine for independent-minded and adventurous travellers in the UK, which focuses on sustainable tourism activities.
Held annually since 2007, the Thailand Green Excellence Awards UK recognise tourism business operators including hotels and travel agents within the UK and Thailand, whose products and services help conserve tourism resources and advance the cause of sustainable development.
This year, the Awards were conferred in six categories: 1) Marine, 2) Animal Welfare, 3) Community-based Tourism, 4) Eco Lodge/Hotel, 5) Hotel, and 6) Green Steps.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said “I would like to congratulate all the Award winners for their dedication, commitment and contribution to environmental, social and cultural sustainability. They will help lift the image and competitive advantage of Thailand and ensure that the tourism sector goes from strength to strength every year.”
Details of the 2017 Award winners were as follows:
1) Marine Award: Mai-Khao Marine Turtle Foundation
The MKMTF is dedicated to educating the Phuket and Thailand community about the plight of the sea turtles in Phuket. It undertakes beach and reef cleaning activities, educational workshops, recycling projects, mangrove tree planting, turtle rescue/release and support of other marine conservation organisations. The Foundation is funded by partners; such as, the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa, Marriott Vacation Club International and Anantara Hotels and Resorts.
http://www.maikhaomarineturtlefoundation.org
2) Animal Welfare Award: Elephant Hills
Elephant Hills are Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp, combining the camp idea of African national parks with the Thai tropical forest environment. Located in Khao Sok, part of Southern Thailand’s largest stretch of primary rainforest, Elephant Hills focuses on creating and maintaining the well-being of elephants and mahouts. Interaction with the elephants helps the visitors and Thai tourism operators see the value of elephants as part of the tourism sector of the country.
http://www.elephanthills.com
3) Community-based Tourism Award: G Adventures
G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering an awe-inspiring selection of affordable small group tours, safaris and expeditions. Its award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife. Looking to go beyond just affordability and product depth, G Adventures is in the business of changing people’s lives.
https://www.gadventures.com
4) Eco Lodge/Hotel Award: Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp
Opened in January 2011, the Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp is the little sister of the Elephant Camp and is situated in the heart of Thailand’s most spectacular artificial lake, the Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park. It offers 20 luxury safari tents providing an intimate base to explore Southern Thailand’s tropical rainforest. The Rainforest Camp is designed in a highly responsible and sustainable way by using solar and wind energy and running a unique waste management system.
5) Hotel Award: The Six Sense Hotels (Samui and Yao Noi)
Six Senses Samui is set on a gently sloping headland at the northern tip of Samui Island. The resort comprises 66 private villas, many with personal pools, which are landscaped within the natural vegetation, and with glorious, sweeping panoramas out to the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding islands. Six Senses Samui was Green Globe 21 benchmarked in 20 December, 2006.
Six Senses Yao Noi resort sets the highest benchmark for island resort living in Asia. Natural materials used in the modern architecture support the Six Senses philosophy of creating exceptional experiences. Six Senses Yao Noi’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy focuses on energy efficiency, water and waste management, social commitment, protecting natural surroundings, air quality and noise control.
Six Senses Samui Resort, http://www.sixsenses.com/resorts/samui/destination
Six Senses Yao Noi Resort, http://www.sixsenses.com/resorts/yao-noi/destination
6) Green Steps Award: Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta
Layana Resort and Spa is a luxurious low-rise resort, a delicate combination of unique Thai culture and modern luxury with 51 luxurious contemporary Thai style guestrooms. The property is nestled on Ko Lanta Yai in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. An environmentally-conscious design throughout the property results in a simple and elegant Thai atmosphere; alfresco architecture combining contemporary design to provide an open, cool and natural feel.
