Banyan Tree Phuket
www.banyantreephuket.com
Evason Hua Hin Resort and Six Senses Spa
www.sixsenses.com
Anantara Resort and Spa, Golden Triangle
goldentriangle.anantara.com
Agoda Shows Support for ‘Green Hotel’ Initiatives with Top 10 Pick List of Eco-friendly Asian Resorts
In line with the global movement to ‘go greener’, Agoda.com, an independent online travel company that specializes in discount hotel bookings, released a ‘Top 10’ pick list of eco-friendly hotels in Asia in July 2007.
On its web site, The Agoda Company reports that according to the International Ecotourism Society, approximately 70% of travellers prefer to pay a premium rate for a hotel that is eco-friendly than one that is better-priced but void of corporate social responsibility policies.
Agoda CEO and co-founder Michael Kenny says, “It’s only natural that tourists want to conserve the sites they are visiting and give something back to the community. As a travel company, Agoda applauds hotels that are progressive in their attitude towards the environment and sustainable tourism.”
Importantly, ‘going green’ is not just related to the environment, but involves all areas of sustainability and social responsibility. Achieving a green standard, as defined by the International Tourism Partnership, includes six key areas: environmental management, policy and framework, staff training and awareness, purchasing, people and communities and destination protection.
While the Agoda Company provides a global service, the group is particularly experienced in the Asian travel market, hence they limited their list of ‘green’ hotels to Asia.
THREE THAI ECO-FRIENDLY RESORTS AMONG AGODA 'TOP-10 GREEN HOTELS IN ASIA'
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Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand
Transforming the site of an abandoned tin mine which was once described by the UN as a ‘toxic wasteland’ into the environmental showcase it is today proves just how powerful responsible tourism can be. Now as much of a wildlife sanctuary as it is a resort complex, the Banyan Tree Phuket is an inspiration to everyone. True champions of the principles of corporate social responsibility, guests are assured when they stay at Banyan Tree that part of their fees will be directed into conserving the environment and local community. (www.banyantree.phuket.com) |
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Evason Hua Hin Resort & Six Senses Spa, Thailand
The iconic thatched huts of the Evason Hua Hin Resort are not misleading in terms of their eco-friendly nature. Drawing on biodegradable products and adopting practices that conserve energy and minimize waste, the resort also supports several local initiatives such as the Mangrove Forest Conservation, the Kervorkian Foundation (dedicated to assisting HIV+ babies and children) as well as providing employment opportunities to disabled individuals and hosting its own organic vegetable farm. (www.sixsenses.com) |
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Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle, Thailand
Nestled in the tropical jungle of Thailand’s most Northern province, Anantara’s Golden Triangle resort also plays a significant role in elephant conservation. As part of The Royal Thai Government’s Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC), this project is aimed at protecting elephants and keeping them in an environment similar to the traditional mahout camps which supported the once-thriving logging industry. With unique programs for guests that involve mahout training as well as elephant trekking and forest living skills, the conservation experience is a truly interactive one. (goldentriangle.anantara.com) |
Contact information:
Agoda
Web site: www.agoda.com
E-mail: info@agoda.com
Source: Agoda.com Thailand News/18 July 2007
www.thailand4.com/news/2007-07-18/0122-agoda-shows-support-for-green-hotel/
International Ecotourism Society
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