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, has released a ‘Top 10’ pick list
of eco-friendly hotels
in Asia.
As travelers the world over realize that the responsibility to protect
the environment is a shared one, they are adopting greener lifestyles
and scrutinizing the hotels and destinations they choose to stay in.
According to the International Ecotourism Society, approximately 70%
of travelers 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.
As 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.
The Agoda “Top 10 Green Hotels in Asia” are:
1. Banyan
Tree Resort 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. Such is the legacy of the Banyan Tree
group. 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.
2. La
Residence d’Angkor, Siem Reap,Cambodia: Designed to blend
harmoniously with the environment, La Residence also possesses a
strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Beyond their environmentally
sound practices (which include treating water so that it can be
released back into the river and keeping used oil for biofuel production)
the hotel also donates regularly to local charities and invites
guests to do the same. In particular, they support the Angkor Hospital
for Children through the weekly screening of a video where guests
have the opportunity to ask the hospital staff questions and can
contribute either second-hand items or donate money to the cause.
3. 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.
4. Nihiwatu,
Sumba Island, Indonesia: There is no place on earth like Sumba
Island. Here, the indigenous traditions and animist culture of the
Sumbanese people remain completely in tact. And the resort has no
intention of changing that. Located on 438 acres of tropical forest
and rice terraces and surrounded by some of the world's most pristine
beaches, Nihiwatu is a place to go and immerse yourself in nature.
The resort is strongly committed to conserving its native surrounds
and improving the quality of life of the Sumbanese people.
5. 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.
6. Amar
Vilas Agra, India: As part of the esteemed Oberoi Resorts and
Hotels, this beautifully designed luxury resort is within 600 metres
of the majestic Taj Mahal. But besides its unique architectural
and landscape design, the Amar Vilas also upholds a commitment to
philanthropic activities (including education and support for the
mentally and physically challenged) in addition to conserving the
local environment and cultural heritage.
7. Popa
Mountain Resort, Bagan, Myanmar: Located in the forest woodlands
on the side of Popa mountain, this resort has been sensitively designed
to suit its surroundings. Guests are enclosed in the vibrant, yet
peaceful terrain and there is ample opportunity to hike and visit
the breathtaking Mt. Popa shrine. Using biodegradable products and
adopting their own recycling practices to avoid environmental damage,
this small resort can bring you back to nature in its purest form.
8. Suneva
Fushi Resort & Six Senses Spa, Maldives: Just as all the
Six Senses properties do, this resort has a comprehensive policy
on its environmental and social responsibilities. Suneva Fushi in
particular supports a myriad of Maldivian community initiatives
including tree planting on Eydafushi Island, hosting eye camps where
locals get free treatment from ophthalmologists, sponsoring the
Maldivian Cultural Centre and many more.
9. Tanjung
Sanctuary Hotel, Langkawi, Malaysia: True to its name and slogan,
this resort literally is a sanctuary for those who “don’t
like big hotels” but have a passion for nature. The Tanjung
Sanctuary Hotel does not list its specific policies on the environment,
the resort’s design and practices uphold the ideals of sustainable
tourism. Importantly, they provide a unique insight into the local
flora and fauna with specially designed educational tours for guests.
10. Alila
Ubud and Manggis Resorts, Bali, Indonesia: These two resorts
are in close proximity to each other and both recently achieved
Green Globe certified status. Alila Ubud was awarded best practice
results in waste recycling, managing to recycle 80% of its water
consumption. Alila Manggis excelled in the reduction of water and
electricity consumption as well as community contribution by employing
85% of its staff from within 20km of the resort site.
Kenny continued, “We are strongly committed to providing our
customers with information that is useful to them and this list
provides a valuable insight into Asia’s finest eco-friendly
accommodation options. Many people are already aware of the initiatives
in the United States and Europe but perhaps not of those occurring
in this region. We believe this is particularly important as the
trend towards individuals choosing greener accommodation options
has emerged as an ongoing one.”
For more information regarding Agoda, please access its website
at www.agoda.com or contact
the Agoda Team via e-mail at info@agoda.com.