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Communities and conservation get asia tourism gongs
WINNER: The ChildSafe Network, Cambodia
Wild Asia Announces 2014 Responsible Tourism Award Winners at ITB Asia
On the closing day of this year’s ITB Asia Wild Asia revealed the 2014 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Winners.
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
Best in Community Engagement & Development 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 and Travel, India; Village Ways, India
Best in Cultural Preservation: 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: WINNER: The 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
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