Your Nominations - 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards
A selection of your nominations
Best in a Marine Environment Nominations
Great Pacific Adventures - Whale Watching in Victoria, BC Canada
Great Pacific Adventures operates under a self imposed set of whale watch guidelines that ensure the whales and other animals being watched, are not disturbed. Customers not only fall in love with the whales, but also learn about conservation issues, and daily human impacts. GPA has also set the bar operationally to reduce environmental impacts with super quiet 4-stroke outboard engines on it's zodiacs, and super efficient deisel power for the larger ocean cruiser.
Mike Grace
Marine Conservation Society
Marine Conservation Society (we sponsor a turtle); because we live on an island we are very interested as a family in all forms of marine conservation.
Linda Livsey, Isle of Man
Best for Mountain Nominations
Himalayan Kingdoms
This small organisation has for a number of years done splendid work supporting medical, educational and other charities in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Peru which benefit local people, whilst respecting their way of life, and helping to protect them and their environment. They ensure all their clients are fully briefed on these issues and that they too can contribute and be involved in this care and support for local people and their surroundings.
Elsa Hirst, Wallingford
Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado
I would like to nominate Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado for their extensive efforts to protect the environment by limiting snow-making, using VFD motor controls on ski lifts, use of shuttle buses to curb car usage by tourists, use of eco-friendly pesticides, eco-friendly snow-melts, composting toilets, recycling and wildlife preservation. They also measure their environmental performance each year to industry standards and set goals. In addition, they educate college students on land use and sustainable economics and help volunteers to protect and preserve Colorado's peaks.
Aruni Abraham, Kitchener, Ontario
Best Protected Area Nominations
Posada Amaxonas Lodge, Peru
Every thing they do is to help preserve the area, educate the vistors and help the local population (it is partly owned by the local people), examples of which on arrival they supply a packed lunch to eat in the boat wrapped in 100% natural materials (banana leaves) and are very careful about collecting the plastic cutlery. Visitors are allocated a guide approx 1 per 10 who stays with them during the stay inc meal times and are all helpful and knowledgeable. The stay is very well structured with several guided trips per day, the guides NEVER hurried always taking time to point out plants insects etc and were as enthusiastic as the visitors at seeing something, yet there is plenty of time to relax or wander the trails by yourself. The meals and service were comparable to 4 or 5 star hotels, this in the middle of the Amazon and yet everything was done with the environment and ecology first and foremost.
Paul Featherstone, Berkshire
Bosque de Paz, Costa Rica
Bosque de Paz is a Cloud Forest reserve in Costa Rica. It is owned by a local family who bought up various pieces of intact cloud forest, as well as surrounding cattle grazing fields, which they are converting back to forest. The wildlife, birds, and plant life to be found on the reserve are incredible. In addition, the lodge offers excellent home-cooked meals, and beautiful rooms.
Monica Borel, Switzerland
Best Tour Operator Nominations
Laskarina Holidays
This company has consistently adopted a sustainable approach to travel in small Greek islands long before the term responsible tourism was widely recognised. Their approach includes encouraging the restoration of traditional buildings, distribution of cotton shopping bags to reduce use of the ubiquitous plastic carrier bag; supporting the Marine Park in Alonissos and tree and flower planting in Symi and Halki; animal welfare projects and restorative and preventive work on Samos following a serious fire.
Helen Taylor, Ipswich
Campo Aventura
A truly fantastic organisation and example of responsible eco-tourism. Proving how working with the local community, the environment (an area of now protected pristine rainforest), and natural recourses can work so well, provide such an enlightening experience and place to really get away from it all.
Deirdre Lindsay, Essex
Intrepid Travel
I have travelled with Intrepid Travel on 4 separate occasions and returned in April from a 2 week trip in India: Incredible India. At the beginning of each trip, the leader gives you an overview of Intrepid’s responsible travel philosophy. This philosophy is simply: ‘a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible’. Local customs, traditions and how to positively interact with the local community is explained and encouraged along the way. I highly recommend Intrepid Travel and it is the only way I will travel in the future!
Fiona Smith, Australia
Best Small Accommodation/Hotel (<50 rooms) Nominations
Leckmelm Holiday Cottages
A small, locally run and owned business which employs local people and provides 5 full time and 2 part time jobs. The location is in one of the most beautiful areas of the NW Highlands of Scotland. The cottages are part of a small estate which has in recent years started to grow organic produce, largely in polyethylene green houses and to rear organic meat. The produce is then sold on to visitors and tourists with a weekly market during the summer months.
I cannot recommend this organization too highly – it is a place I return to time and time again and always return feeling renewed and refreshed and most importantly I feel the environment is being protected rather than exploited.
Sue Stokes
Yachaqui Wayi Responsible Travel Center Hostel
I stayed in Yachaqui Wayi for almost two weeks and I experienced many beautiful things. Without this center with its sustainable tours to Vicos and Humacchuco, I would never have seen how the Peruvian people really live in the mountains. The contact with the local people in the mountains as well as in the center was very special. I also learned more about sustainable tourism in the center and I now know how I can travel sustainably. It was a great time, which I wouldn't have experienced without Yachaqui Wayi. Therefore I nominate this sustainable project! I hope more projects like this one will be developed.
JJ Seesing
The Old Boma Hotel
Trade Aid, at the Old Boma, have been pioneering pro-poor tourism without acknowledgement that that is what they have been doing. They have created a hotel using local labour, which is now the best hotel in Southern Tanzania, which employs more people than it needs to and all the profits are returned to the community. They also assist in the running of a market garden, a local restaurant and have many other activities going on, all of which are unsung.
Julian Page, London
Best Larger Accommodation/Hotel (>50 rooms) Nominations
Bali Dynasty Hotel
This hotel has been tireless in their efforts to support the East Bali Poverty Project which has created sustainable nutrition, water resources and nutrition education in the remote volcanic hills of north east Bali - children who were impoverished, after 3-4 years are now seen healthier, receiving one nutritious meal a day and are going to their locally run/funded school. Robert Kelsall has been the driving force in their charity and fund raising, involving guests and local communities to support the project. Please see more info on the charity at www.eastbalipovertyproject.org
Amanda Pummer, Bali, Indonesia
Natura Beach Hotel, Polis, Cyprus
I would like to nominate the Natura Beach Hotel, Polis, Cyprus. This eco-hotel has been designed with the environment in mind: food is locally produced with much of it being grown organically in the Hotel's gardens (we could pick fresh oranges), water used in the gardens has been recycled and there are no lights near the beach to disturb nesting turtles.
Janet Downs, Peterborough
Best for Poverty Reduction Nominations
Thanda Private Game Reserve
Thanda Private Game Reserve is situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which is an area that is strongly affected by unemployment and HIV/AIDS. Thanda means ‘love’ in Zulu, and Thanda’s philosophy of ‘For the love of nature, wildlife and dear ones’ embraces the concept of being responsible to the community. Various projects were initiated to ensure that the community is taken into account such as the Vula Zulu Cultural Experience, and JAC (JAC is an acronym for Jobs, Aids & Conservation). An investment of over R100-million has developed Thanda, which currently has created jobs for more than 220 people, that feed close on 1500 people. A further R42-million will be invested in a project called JAC-Entrepreneur, which will focus on empowering small and medium-sized black-owned businesses in the community.
Jo Klofta, South Africa
Best for Innovation/Technology Nominations
Kynance Cove, The Lizard, Cornwall
I have just returned from a family holiday in Cornwall, and was impressed by their use of technology at Kynance Cove on the Lizard. The toilets use light and tanks, with water from the stream to finally feed clean water back into the stream, and the power is provided by solar panels on the cafe/shop roof. They provide essential facilities in a thoughtful and environmentally friendly way making appropriate use of technology.
Dr Chris Allen, Buckinghamshire
Haven and British Holidays
A UK holiday park probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind in relation to environmentally friendly tourism.... however, these are just some of the environmentally friendly measures that this UK holiday organisation has put in place:
- computer monitoring of electrical usage on certain parks to recognise where power can be saved
- use of low energy light bulbs
- installation of PIR monitors in public places to avoid wasting electricity
- push button taps to save water
- monitoring water usage in different zones on their parks for early alert of any leaks
- recycling policies in place, including use of cardboard and bottle crushers
- awareness campaigns to promote and encourage their eco-friendly endeavours with both staff and holidaymakers
- promoting links with local Wildlife Trusts, schools and communities
- extensive landscaping, including planting to attract wildlife, birds and butterflies
Deborah McCabe
Best Transport Initiative Nominations
The Man in Seat 61
For his huge contribution to publicising how easy and pleasant it can be to travel more responsibly than flying.
Tracy Stokes
Center Parcs at Elveden Forest
The ban on use of cars in the village encourages people to walk and cycle.
Caroline Davey, Herts
Best for Conservation of Endangered Species Nominations
The Kula Eco Park
With very limited resources they are working to preserve indigenous flora and fauna. It is the only facility in Fiji for breeding endangered species such as Fiji's Peregrine Falcon and Fijian crested iguanas as well as many plants and trees. The Staff are excellent,warmly welcoming those who wish simply to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the park and its occupants , and ready to help those who want to know more about its origins and intentions.
Joyce and Mike Blee, Kent
Wilderness Safaris
Wilderness Safaris have given the community a purpose and a pride in their adopted home. This should ensure the safety of the rare Desert Elephant that can been seen roaming here.
Jane Gilbert, Hampshire
Best Personal Contribution Nominations
John Gray, John Gray Sea Canoe Ltd
A holder of many previous awards, as a tourist on one of his trips, I can vouch for his and his staff's genuine professionalism and care for the sanctuaries they kindly let us experience.
Nick Board, Reading
Pen Hadow Travel
Pen Hadow is leading the way in encouraging larger tour operators to think harder about the carbon emissions their clients generate.
Rob Owen
Best Volunteering Organisation Nominations
Voluntourists Without Borders
Voluntourists Without Borders is a non-profit initiative operated by Track of the Tiger T.R.D - a tourism resources development company based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and established in 1986. The initiative involves bringing volunteers to work alongside ethnic minority (hill tribe) and rural Thai villagers assisting them in their efforts to build their own ecotourism product and thus become stakeholders in the tourism industry. They provide the operational framework and support the initiative through having their own visiting international schools programmes, corporate team building programmes, and pilot ecotour programmes, which therefore contribute to the VWB Initiative wherever possible.
Bryan Massingham, Thailand
Quest Overseas
My experience of quest overseas in Kenya was life changing, for the local communities that we worked with as well as for myself. Working with development charity and local self help groups, Quest are actively reducing poverty in rural african communities, working side by side on sustainable projects that work. Not only do they provide much needed funds, labour and education to local communities they also provide uniquely beneficial experiences to the volunteers that they send out. I owe them everything and am always grateful for the new outlook on life that they have provided me with.
Tim Pearson, Manchester
Best Destination Nominations
Kingdom of Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach in an effort to avoid the negative impact of tourism on the country’s culture and environment. All tourists must travel on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour through one of the 120 registered tour operators in Bhutan or their counterparts abroad. The rate is fixed and controlled by the Government. There are still plenty of takers wanting to explore the breathtaking terrain of this astonishing country: the world's last Buddhist kingdom. The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low-impact/volume, high-value tourism.
Alan Betts, Hampshire
Greece
Greece appears to have done a phenomenal job of balancing tourism development with a commitment to preserving their natural and cultural heritage. On the natural side, it is only recently that they have agreed to open up certain areas for scuba diving. On the cultural side, they are investing significant amounts of money to conserve their historical sites and appear to be managing the number of tourists visiting these sites in a responsible way.
Jane Baxter Lynn, Seattle