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    2014 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards announced

    November 1, 2014
    Tourism News
    2014 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards announced

    TBN writer —————————–

    Singapore : Wild Asia revealed the 2014 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Winners as part of the annual Responsible Tourism Forum on the closing day of this year’s ITB Asia (Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

    Each year, Wild Asia hosts the region’s premier get together for sustainable travel professionals, to share experiences and expertise to like-minded businesses and passionate individuals. The conclusion of this exciting networking event is always the grand revealing of the year’s Responsible Tourism Award recipients.

    In line with this year’s UNWTO theme, Wild Asia has highlighted people in destinations in the 2014 Awards with categories dedicated to ethical practices to support host communities and conserve vibrant cultures in destinations around the region. The Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards began in 2006 aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC), enabling local operators to gain international recognition and inspire the tourism industry through sharing their best practices.

    Best in Community Engagement & Development
    exceptional commitment to supporting the local community and economy in which your business operates

     

    Winner: Borneo Eco Tours, Malaysia

    Based in Malaysian Borneo, Borneo Eco Tours has been a pioneer in responsible nature tours since 1991. Two of their most popular destinations in which they operate includes the iconic Kinabatangan River, where guests can enjoy their award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Borneo’s famed primates, and Kudat, which provides opportunities for guests to visit and support cottage industries (supported by their partner NGO, BEST) along the scenic coast

    Finalists
    Reality Tours & Travel, India
    Village Ways, India

    Best in Cultural Preservation

    engagement and efforts by tourism businesses in preserving, enhancing and promoting local cultures and heritage

     

    Winner: Ock Pop Tok, Laos

    Ock Pop Tok is located in the stunning UNESCO town of Luang Prabang in Laos. For the past 15 years they have been working to cultivate and preserve Laos’ textile heritage through sustainable tourism. Today, they have visitor accommodation, a Living Arts Centre, retail outlets and a restaurant – all where visitors can enjoy the colourful textures as rich as Laotian culture.

    Finalist
    Andaman Discoveries, Thailand

    Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Initiative
    grassroots initiatives championing responsible tourism within their destination

     

    Winner: ChildSafe Network, Cambodia

    The ChildSafe Network, delivered by Friends-International, is helping to protect vulnerable children in tourism destinations across Cambodia and other parts of South East Asia. Their 7 Tips for Travellers helps tourists make the right choices in responsible travel to advocate child safety. Beyond that, they’re also working behind the scenes to get children off the streets through vocational training, supporting their parents through jobs, and generating funding and employment through social ventures.

    Finalist
    BEST Society, Malaysia

    Wild Asia plans to launch the 2015 Awards in March next year according to tourism.wildasia.org

    Oct. 31, 2014

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      FACTS —

      Tourism helps in:

      👉Reducing poverty

      👉Reducing Inequalities

      👉Promoting gender equality

      👉Fostering decent work and economic growth

      World Tourism Day 2021: ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’

      In 2019, Travel & Tourism’s direct, indirect and induced impact accounted for:
      -US$8.9 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP
      -10.3% of global GDP
      -330 million jobs, 1 in 10 jobs around the world
      -US$1.7 trillion visitor exports (6.8% of total exports,
      28.3% of global services exports)
      -US$948 billion capital investment (4.3% of total
      investment)