Barefoot luxury resort wins top responsible tourism award

See Claude Graves owner of Nihiwatu in conversation with previous responsible tourism award  winner, fellow hotelier Chris McHugo of Kasbah du Toubkal (www.kasbahdutoubkal.com and www.travelmole.com/stories/1144356.php) HERE

Hideaway resort – Nihiwatu, Indonesia has won Virgin Holidays 2010 Responsible Tourism Award SEE VIDEO

Nihiwatu was declared the overall winner of the Awards – demonstrating how powerful tourism can be in alleviating poverty in remote places. Thanks to the tourists who visit this hideaway resort on the island of Sumba, they have dropped malaria infections by 85%, saving the lives of 53 children just in the past 2 years

Further information: www.nihiwatu.com/

See video interview by hotelier Chris McHugo of Kasbah du Toubkal HERE

The judges said: "We were impressed by the unquestionable scale of change achieved by this comparatively small resort. Importantly, Nihiwatu has been able to leverage the income from what is a very luxurious tourism experience to alleviate poverty among the Sumbanese, and they have done so without compromising the comfort of that experience."

An additional 13 awards were presented in a range of categories, which included Best for poverty reduction, Best volunteering organisation, Best personal contribution and Best accommodation for the environment.

Justin Francis, founder of The Responsible Tourism Awards and Managing Director, responsibletravel.com, organisers of the Awards said:

“Their successes and pioneering spirits are remarkable and the very real and authentic experiences they have created, set responsible tourism apart. They also remind us that holidays can be both luxurious for visitor and enhancing for local people – helping build schools, water pumps, clinics and conserving cultural and natural heritage."

Amanda Wills, Managing Director, Virgin Holidays, said:
“I’m once again humbled by the commitment, drive and ingenuity of today’s winners. They have shown us all what can be achieved by the people and places seeking to benefit from tourism, even when the economic climate continues to challenge us all. Their’s is truly an example for the rest of the industry to follow, and I’m delighted that Virgin Holidays is again able to be a part of this celebration.”

For more information about all the Award Winners and Highly Commended organisations, visit the official Awards website,

www.responsibletourismawards.com

Valere Tjolle

Get free sustainable tourism reports from Vision on Sustainable Tourism HERE

Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite: EXTRA SPECIAL OFFER at: www.travelmole.com/stories/1144671.php