Industry News

Alma Resort Cam Ranh is encouraging the young and the young at heart to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in the name of the environment. Photo credits: Alma Resort Cam Ranh From Monday to Sunday between 3pm-4pm, the award-winning resort’s Kid’s Club offers its “Green Hands, Green Future Tree Planting Activity”. Green thumbs choose between planting three different trees; a Golden Bell, a Bauhinia variegata or a coconut Tree. Participants receive a personalised name tag for their tree as well as regular photo updates of its progress. “Leave your mark on our resort by selecting from three tree species that each have significant meaning,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “A Golden Bell is a symbol of wealth in Fen Shui planted to attract prosperity. A Bauhinia variegata represents beauty, grace and life’s transient nature. A Coconut tree is renowned as the ‘tree of life’ symbolizing generosity and resilience.” The trees are planted along the resort’s lush “Walking Street” bookended by the Kid’s Club to the south and Youth Club to the north. The path, affectionately dubbed “The Walk of Green” by staff due to the increasing number of trees planted by guests flanking its sides, passes by restaurants Asiana, La Casa, Alma Lounge, and Alma Garden. The tree planting initiative is the latest of a string of measures by the resort to lessen its carbon footprint. Alma is in the process of implementing what is believed to be Vietnam’s most ambitious solar power project, installing 4476 solar panels totalling 23,290 square metres on the roofs of its 196 pavilions, two V-shaped towers housing 384 suites, lobby lounge and utility building. With a capacity of 2462 kilowatts peak – the rate at which it generates energy at its peak performance on a sunny day – the solar power system will fuel between a quarter to almost 35 percent of Alma’s energy needs, depending on occupancy dictated by the low and high seasons. Photo credits: Alma Resort Cam Ranh In a bid to be more sustainable and self-sufficient, Alma also has its own onsite Herb Garden, Nursery Garden and Chicken Farm, providing fresh produce and eggs served at Alma’s restaurants. The resort has started running complimentary guided garden tours to equip guests with handy tips on how to nurture their own veggie patch and look after chickens. Alma is also planning to roll out cooking classes by the garden, where guests pick, clean, and cook their own healthy meals. In addition to employing a full-time sustainability officer and engaging staff in sustainability initiatives as part of three staff committees focused on ‘green products’, ‘innovation and solutions’ and ‘people and partnerships’, Alma is home to a water treatment plant, electric buggy station, recycling in its garbage room and paperless solutions due to its Alma App. The 325sqm water treatment plant deploys a reverse osmosis system to provide 20,000L weekly of ice for all the resort’s kitchens. The garbage room processes about 250 kilograms of garbage a day, including compostable waste and recyclables, reselling an average of, for example, 110 litres of cooking oil weekly to non-food businesses so that it is recycled. The resort’s 360sqm buggy station’s 36 electric buggies each take an average of six hours to charge.  The 30-hectare resort was recently called out as the No. 1 resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in this year’s Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The US-based publication announced the winners of its World’s Best Awards on July 9, with Alma scoring 99.2 on the awards’ 100-point survey. The World’s Best Awards are widely considered to be one of the two most important awards in the worldwide hospitality industry. To contact Alma or to make a booking, please visit alma-resort.com, call +84 258 399 1666 or email info@alma-resort.com.

Naturally lush island resort Amilla Maldives has earned further industry-leading recognition for its continued commitment to sustainability, achieving a fourth consecutive Silver certification from EarthCheck and becoming one of only five Maldivian resorts to be included in  Forbes Travel Guide's VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality 2025 programme.  Photo credits: Amilla Maldives Designed in collaboration with renowned hotelier and sustainability pioneer, Hervé Houdré, the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality initiative sets a global standard for the world's finest hotels. The programme provides clearly defined best practices to protect the environment and support the wellbeing of employees, guests and the community, encompassing areas such as food and water waste management, sustainable amenities, recycling, energy usage, health security, and integration with the local community and culture.   The leading scientific benchmarking certification group for travel and tourism, recognised by travellers, brands and destinations world-wide, EarthCheck's science-based and people-focused accreditation process showcases the sustainability pathway, empowering travellers to make well-informed choices on their tourism experiences.  In 2024, Amilla's ongoing commitment to balancing sustainability with natural luxury experiences saw the introduction of refillable, PCR-packaged, vegan-friendly luxury amenities from cult Swedish brand 16-69 and Dutch social enterprise Marie-Stella Maris; alongside reusable silicone Rolla Bottles for guests' use during and beyond their stay.  The resort also embarked on a collaboration with local NGO Atoll Marine Centre (AMC) to support its work on coral restoration projects and gathering vital data on turtles, mantas, and sharks. The resort proactively invites guests to participate in coral planting excursions with the resort's Marine Biologist and adopt a coral frame to receive monthly updates on its progress.  Most recently, a new collaboration with the University of Auckland marked a significant step forward in the conservation of white-tailed tropicbirds. As part of this initiative, the Amilla team successfully GPS-tagged 13 birds and ringed 17 others. Weighing just one per cent of the bird's body weight, the GPS tags allow researchers to monitor feeding patterns; while the rings are designed to identify individual birds, making it possible to track behaviour and migratory patterns.  Amilla's dedication to sustainability also plays a significant part in its culinary experiences, notably through its Homegrown@Amilla and Homemade@Amilla initiatives. Fresh produce such as herbs, vegetables, and mushrooms are cultivated in the resort's own organic gardens; while Homemade@Amilla products including yoghurts, jams, pickles, sauces, probiotic sodas, tonics, and plant-based milks are also made by hand on-island.  In November 2024, the resort reported a 48.17 per cent year-on-year reduction in overall food waste, and a 37.5 per cent decrease in food waste per person, compared to November 2023. An ongoing effort to deploy digital solutions to minimise paper use in guest areas saw the amount of paper used for printing reduced from 2,289 reams in 2023 to 1,505 reams in 2024.  Community engagement is also a vital part of Amilla Maldives' ethos, with the resort committed to conducting a minimum of one community activity each month. In 2024, these included a clean-up of Kihaadho Beach and reef; showcasing local artisanal businesses at the resort; inviting three local schools to sessions at the Amilla Football Academy; and donating 1,740 palm trees to the Maldivian islands of Kihadhoo and Maalhos.  Along with continuing the white-tailed tropicbird tagging partnership with the University of Auckland and further reduction of paper usage, the resort's sustainability goals for 2025 include the introduction of a new food waste management system that converts food waste into gas for use in the staff kitchens; and developing new ways to upcycle glass bottles.  For further information and reservations visit www.amilla.com. 

A cart brimming with Thai-inspired chocolate bars, featuring unique flavours ranging from ‘Mango Chili’ and ‘Massaman Peanut Curry’ to ‘Thai Tea’ and ‘Khao Soi Curry’, has trundled into Meliá Chiang Mai in support of local sustainable farmers. Photo credits: Meliá Chiang Mai The hotel has joined forces with award-winning boutique chocolatier Siamaya, a Chiang Mai company that makes bean-to-bar chocolate from locally sourced organic Thai cacao beans and ingredients and that pays farmers higher prices to ensure they receive a living wage. The chocolate-laden cart is permanently stationed at the entrance of the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Laan Na Kitchen. Its eclectic selection of dark chocolate varieties range from ‘Hill Coffee and Pomelo’ and ‘Thai Bullet Chili’ to ‘Tom Kha Coconut Curry’. In addition to milk chocolate bars such as ‘Durian’, ‘Orange Cranberry and Almond’, ‘Banana’ and ‘Masala Chai’, the cart also offers ‘Pumpkin Pie’ white chocolate. A unique option is the ‘Khao Soi Curry’ bar that pays tribute to the creamy, slightly spicy yellow curry noodle dish from Northern Thailand. The milk chocolate bar is flavoured with hints of crispy noodles, spices, and fried shallots.  “By making chocolate from scratch in a responsible, compassionate and eco-friendly way, reducing waste across their production process and using recycled paper and soya-based inks for packaging, Siamaya Chocolate is a welcome part of our hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers that is a central plank in Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Marc Selinger. The partnership with Siamaya is part of the hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers, which includes gourmet farm SEED in San Sai District, organic gourmet farm Rong Khum in San Pa Tong, Jartisann’s Original Thai Cheese, which crafts artisanal cheese made from high-quality, locally sourced raw cow’s milk, and SUPHA BEE FARM, a local honeybee farm in Mae Rim. Photo credits: Meliá Chiang Mai “We support sustainability practices so our partners will continue to farm long into the future and we pay around 2-2.5 times as much as fair trade programs usually pay farmers for the cacao, often going on field trips to make sure the cacao is grown sustainably and with respect for the nature around the cacao plantations,” said Siamaya’s co-founder and chief executive officer Neil Ransom. “With this higher payment we require pesticide free farming and a strict no-burning policy. As in other regions of Southeast Asia, pollution caused by agricultural burning is an issue in Thailand, and by introducing a no-burning policy we aim to contribute to a better and greener world,” added Siamaya’s co-founder and chief operating officer Kirstian Levinsen. The hotel’s guests are also welcome to participate in Siamaya Chocolate’s chocolate making workshops and learn about what it means to have social awareness and sustainability as small business key values. Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program is designed to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint and promote healthy eating. Under the program, the hotel sources ‘farm to plate’ organic produce that travels only a short distance. As much of each ingredient is used – roots, leaves, stems, stalks and more – in a ‘thoughtful cooking process’ before ‘plate to farm’ food waste returns to the farms as fertilizer in a truly 360° concept. Leftover cooking oil is sent to be recycled into biodiesel. To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm To contact Simaya Chocolate, call +(66) 065 050 1649 or visit https://siamayachocolate.com/.

National waterways charity the Canal & River Trust is publishing (1 March 2025) a series of new regional online Places to Visit Guides to inspire great days out by the water.  Containing maps, information about visitor facilities and free activities, the Guides will help people get the most out of visiting over 100 different sites across the charity’s historic navigable canal network. Photo credits: Canal & River Trust From hidden gems and rural retreats, to UNESCO World Heritage sites, iconic lock flights and museums, there are numerous places to visit for great family days out. Last year over ten million people visited the charity’s 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers to enjoy walking, cycling, running, boat trips, fishing, wildlife spotting, feeding ducks, watching boats go through locks, paddleboarding, visiting a museum, enjoying food and drink at a canalside café or pub, and marvelling at some of the world’s finest examples of working industrial heritage. Nicky Lister, of the Canal & River Trust, says: “Our extensive network of navigable canals and rivers provides free to visit outdoor open spaces, and the chance to connect with nature and our past. Every year, millions of people visit our waterways to be active, relax and to enjoy the scenic landscapes our canals offer in both urban and rural areas. “Our visitor destinations provide free and low-cost family-friendly days out by the water, and the chance to have some fabulous waterside experiences. Even in towns and cities, people can spot a variety of birds, animals, insects and plants along our canals and rivers. And from locks and bridges, to tunnels and aqueducts, there are thousands of historic structures to marvel at. “We want to encourage more people to visit our canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks so they can experience the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits they provide, and find out more about the work of our charity to care for the nation’s world-famous historic network.” Canals provide vital green corridors for wildlife and habitats for nature to thrive, including 304 conservation sites and 68 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s). The network is home to 2,700 heritage structures, 304 conservation areas, four World Heritage Sites and 46 scheduled ancient monuments. Over the past five years, hundreds of miles of the Canal & River Trust’s towpaths have been upgraded and 737 miles of the network have now been awarded Green Flag Status, the internationally recognised standard for managing great outdoor public spaces. The Trust cares for over 15,000 historic objects and 76 national historic ships, and last year 98,000 visits were made to the charity’s museums at Gloucester Docks, National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port and the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne. Over 143,000 people experienced the Trust’s visitor centres at Anderton Boat Lift, Standedge Tunnel, Diglis Island and Trevor Basin in 2023/24. The Canal & River Trust’s eight new regional Places to Visit Guides cover London, South East, South West, West Midlands, East Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and the North East, and Wales. The Guides are available to download at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/free-guide or to pick up at Canal & River Trust Visitor Centres. For more information on Canal & River Trust including how you can donate money or volunteer to support our work visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk or by calling 0303 040 4040.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is proud to announce its achievement of Green Globe Certification, a globally recognized standard for sustainable tourism and corporate responsibility. Photo credits: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve This significant milestone is a testament to Mandapa's unwavering commitment to sustainability, as well as the dedication and hard work of its team in adopting environmentally conscious practices that reduce its ecological footprint and contribute positively to the local community. "We are extremely proud to announce that Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has achieved it's first Green Globe certification in 2024. This significant milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible luxury. As a sanctuary nestled in the heart of Ubud, Bali, we have always believed that preserving the beauty and harmony of our natural surroundings is integral to offering an authentic and meaningful experience for our guests. This certification serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in adopting sustainable practices that not only reduce our environmental footprint but also enhance the well-being of the local community. From sustainable resource management and waste reduction initiatives to the promotion of local culture through community engagement, every step we take is aimed at creating a positive impact on both the environment and the people we serve. At Mandapa, we will continue to explore new ways to innovate, collabo rate, and lead by example in creating a more sustainable future for hospitality” - said Desy Setiawati, Hotel Manager of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Mandapa's journey toward Green Globe certification reflects its comprehensive approach to sustainability, which includes:  Environmental Stewardship: Initiatives like waste reduction, water conservation, and renewable energy adoption are integrated into daily operations. Community Empowerment: Supporting local artisans, hiring locally, and promoting Balinese traditions through its wellness and dining programs. Guest Education: Immersive programs like the 'Disconnect to Reconnect' wellness journey encourage guests to engage with the environment mindfully. The 3 Green Achievements of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Successful Resource Management and Waste Reduction Initiatives: Mandapa has implemented a series of resource-saving practices that have dramatically reduced its environmental footprint. By optimizing water usage through advanced irrigation systems and utilizing an on-site water treatment facility, the resort has reduced its reliance on external water sources. Additionally, waste management efforts have been a key focus, with the property achieving a significant reduction in waste sent to landfills through recycling programs and composting organic waste. Mandapa is committed to continuously improving its resource management practices to protect Bali's precious environment. Innovative Community Engagement and Education Programs: Mandapa's engagement with the local community is a vital component of its sustainability strategy. The resort has partnered with local villages to promote sustainable farming practices and conserve natural resources. The resort also hosts environmental education programs for local school children, teaching them about sustainable living and the importance of protecting Bali's unique ecosystem. By creating these partnerships and fostering a deep connection with the community, Mandapa is contributing to a broader cultural shift toward sustainability in the region. Green Team and Eco-Friendly Operations: Mandapa's Green Team is at the heart of its environmental efforts. The team, consisting of staff members from across the resort, is dedicated to implementing and monitoring sustainable practices throughout the property. Their efforts have led to the reduction of energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient lighting, and smart temperature control systems. Additionally, Mandapa is committed to sourcing locally produced and organic ingredients for its restaurants, ensuring minimal carbon footprint in its culinary operations. A Commitment to Sustainable Luxury Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is not only a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation but also a leader in luxury eco-tourism. The Green Globe Certification is a testament to the resort's unwavering commitment to sustainability, as it continues to innovate and set new standards in the hospitality industry. With a focus on resource management, community involvement, and eco-friendly operations, Mandapa is proud to offer guests a transformative experience that prioritizes the health of the planet and the well-being of its local communities. The certification aligns seamlessly with Mandapa's ethos as a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where luxury and sustainability coexist harmoniously. As a beacon of responsible tourism, Mandapa continues to lead by example in redefining luxury experiences that are both meaningful and impactful. Discover more: www.MandapaReserve.com

The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali continues to set the standard for sustainable luxury, achieving remarkable progress in waste management and eco-friendly initiatives. In 2024, the resort successfully reduced landfill waste by an additional 2% compared to 2023, with only 2.44% of total operational waste sent to landfills. This outstanding achievement underscores Mulia Bali's steadfast commitment to providing a greener experience for its guests while advancing sustainability in the hospitality industry. Photo credits: Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua Building on the success of reducing landfill waste to 4.21% in 2023, this latest milestone highlights the resort's dedication to environmental stewardship and demonstrates how luxury and sustainability can seamlessly coexist. Comprehensive Waste Management for a Sustainable Future Mulia Bali adopts a holistic approach to waste management by recycling, reusing, and composting materials such as paper, glass, metal, tin, plastic, and rubber. These efforts not only minimise environmental impact but also contribute to a more sustainable environment for both guests and the local community. Plastic-Free Commitment The resort's journey towards a plastic-free environment began seven years ago, with the adoption of 100% recyclable plastic materials and biodegradable alternatives for straws and bags. Additionally, all bottled water used within the resort undergoes recycling. These initiatives align with Indonesia's national strategy for reducing plastic waste and position Mulia Bali as a leader in sustainable waste management. Advanced Water Management Mulia Bali employs state-of-the-art water treatment systems, including reverse osmosis and advanced wastewater reclamation, to optimise water usage and minimise waste. Rainwater reservoirs further support sustainable landscaping, nurturing the resort's lush gardens with minimal environmental impact. These measures align with Indonesia's progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. EarthCheck Audit Participation The resort actively participates in EarthCheck's environmental benchmarking audit, aligning its goals with global best practices. This commitment reinforces Mulia Bali's dedication to reducing carbon emissions and supporting Indonesia's sustainable tourism sector, as highlighted in the EarthCheck 2023 Annual Benchmarking and Certification Report. A Commitment to a Greener Future By reducing landfill waste to just 2.44% in 2024, Mulia Bali has set a new benchmark in sustainable hospitality. This achievement reflects the resort's dedication to preserving the environment for future generations while providing guests with an unparalleled luxury experience. Every stay at Mulia Bali celebrates the finest aspects of indulgence, seamlessly blended with environmental responsibility. As the resort looks to the future, it remains committed to advancing its sustainability goals and fostering a positive impact on the planet. For further information, please visit www.themulia.com.

The designation is considered the original international standard for tourism eco-labels  

Alma Resort Cam Ranh has taken out first place in three global categories of this year’s UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards, named “Best Beach/Coastal Hotel”, “Best Hotel for Families” and “Best Hotel for Sustainability”. In the readers’ choice contest, Alma Resort was also voted runner-up in the worldwide “Best Hotel for Food” award. Photo credits: Alma Resort Cam Ranh “Luxury hotels, destinations, cruise lines, airlines and travel companies across the world have been competing to be crowned the very best in the seventh annual LLM Readers’ Travel Awards,” said Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. “Our awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the luxury travel and tourism industry, and we were pleased to be able to shine a light on those making waves in the UK and all across the globe. After months of deliberation and votes from our discerning readers – with a record number of voters this year at 32,405 – the votes have been counted and the results are in.” The full list of 2024 LLM Readers’ Travel Awards winners can be accessed here: https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/travel/all-the-winners-of-the-llm-readers-travel-awards-2024-full-results-list/ Alma Resort’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler said he and his team were “over the moon” to be named the top hotel worldwide by the magazine’s voters for its beach location, family facilities and services, and sustainability measures, as well the No. 2 hotel worldwide for its dining landscape. Photo credits: Alma Resort Cam Ranh “We feel so honoured on the global stage, topping off what has been a fantastic year for our resort on the awards front, following Alma Resort being named as the top resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in the 2024 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards,” he said. Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated luxury resort Alma is making waves in Cam Ranh, a peninsula on Vietnam’s south-central coast that first found fame as Southeast Asia’s greatest deepwater harbor and is now rising as an upscale alternative to nearby Nha Trang. Alma is home to an awe-inspiring host of world-class facilities, such as an eclectic range of restaurants helmed by leading chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, a classical bar, pool bar and beach bar, and mini supermarket. Other drawing cards include a science museum, waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool slides and kids pool, 13-treatment room spa, cinema, convention centre, amphitheatre, youth centre, kid’s club, gymnasium and yoga room, an 18-hole putting green, onsite gourmet organic farm and more.  Alma is embarking upon what is believed to be Vietnam’s most ambitious solar power project yet. For further information or to make a booking, visit www.alma-resort.com or contact Alma on +84 258 399 1666, or email info@alma-resort.com.

In a groundbreaking effort to help safeguard Khao Lak's stunning natural beaches, lessen the impact of rising sea levels and combat coastal erosion, Thailand's luxurious boutique resort, The Sarojin, is researching the viability of a new and innovative sustainability project. Using locally sourced oyster shells and by-products from the local fishing industry, research test sites were created in late November to assess the viability of a possible new natural offshore reef.  If successful, it's hoped the scheme will improve the area's environmental resilience and enhance its marine ecosystem. Photo credits: The Sarojin Khao Lak's beaches experience typical seasonal monsoon erosion due to their exposure to the Andaman Sea and, like many coastal regions, Khao Lak is at risk of shoreline retreat. Sea level rises also pose another threat, making coastal protection a key priority for the area. Current measures in place, such as sand-filled bags and concrete walls, reduce the beaches' aesthetic, impact local businesses and affect natural habitats. The Sarojin's research project is a natural solution to coastal erosion that utilises indigenous oyster shells sourced from local fishermen. Net boxes filled with the cleaned shells have been deployed at various test sites along the coast, with locations identified through an extensive review of the shoreline. Sustainable engineering and consultancy firm Witteveen+Bos provided initial research advice. Over time, it's hoped that free-swimming oyster larvae will attach themselves to the boxed shells, gradually forming a thriving oyster basket reef that can then be more permanently installed offshore. In addition to serving as a natural barrier against erosion, the oysters are highly effective water filters and their presence is expected to significantly improve inshore water quality, further enhancing marine ecosystems. Photo credits: The Sarojin Spearheading the initiative is The Sarojin owner Andrew Kemp, who added: "We're truly passionate about sustainability and responsible tourism at The Sarojin and protecting the area's stunning coastline is something that is so vitally important to our local community and wildlife and has always been high on our agenda. We are already heavily involved in local mangrove planting projects along the coast and launched our One Booking One Tree initiative in 2022, which sees one tree planted for every guest at the resort, but we felt we could do more. A similar oyster reef concept has already been researched and trialled in Singapore with promising results. If our trials in Thailand are also successful, we hope the resulting reef project will have a lasting positive impact on the environment. Our test sites should give us a clear indication of the efficiency and viability of the project within the coming nine to twelve months.” Monitored test sites include nets fastened to the seafloor by The Sarojin's jetty as well as within the estuary that rivens the property. The sites will be monitored regularly through 2025 to assess the basket reef's growth and development. If successful there are plans for the project to be extended with additional sites added next year. For more information about The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com

The globe’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism has awarded The Hari Hong Kong ‘EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status’ for its raft of sustainability measures. Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong EarthCheck’s certification programs involve stringent benchmarking to bolster sustainability and help consumers make informed decisions. The certification draws on more than 30 years of EarthCheck working with research centres and universities globally to address sustainability and climate change issues facing tourism destinations, communities and businesses. To achieve Benchmarked Bronze status, The Hari Hong Kong has excelled across key performance areas including energy efficiency, water use, carbon emissions, chemicals, community and employee impact, paper use, waste and more. EarthCheck deemed the hotel a “Regional Leader”, meaning an “exemplary standard of performance for the type and location of an operation”, in areas such as waste sent to landfill, energy consumption and potable water consumption. The Hari Hong Kong’s waste sent to landfill, for example, was 3.3L per guest night, a third of the regional average of 9.4L per guest per night. The hotel’s energy consumption per guest per night was 90.5 MJ, half the regional average of 180.3 MJ per guest per night. Its potable water consumption was 223.3L per guest per night, less than two thirds of the regional average of 360.9L per guest per night. “We know that your team has worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, which demonstrates your commitment to preserving and enhancing your natural surroundings, cultural heritage, local community and economy,” EarthCheck said. “Thank you for being a world leader in sustainability.” Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong From the outset, The Hari Hong Kong, which opened in December 2020 in the heart of vibrant Wan Chai, was established through sustainable design and construction which sought to reduce negative impacts on the environment. The hotel then achieved EarthCheck evaluation in 2022, began working on the certification programme at the beginning of this year and will target EarthCheck Silver status for next year. “To continually improve in environmental and social sustainability, our commitment extends to energy efficiency, water conservation, reduction of waste and single-use plastic, solid waste management, community involvement, training and education, support of local employment, and minimizing our carbon footprint; present in The Hari sustainability action plan, each measured against the annual Benchmarking Assessment of EarthCheck,” said The Hari Hong Kong’s General Manager Edward E. Snoeks. “We are also dedicated to growing in an organic and sustainable manner through continuous monitoring of our consumption, purchasing responsibly and fostering positive relationships with our local suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider community alike.” The Hari Hong Kong is also a LEED (Silver), BEAM Plus (Silver) and BEEO certified hotel in recognition for its sustainable design, construction and energy efficiency performance. A green wall on the facade of the hotel’s second floor terrace stretches three stories high, bringing down the temperature of surrounding areas between two to four degrees Celsius. In addition to its sustainability measures, the hotel also supports local charities, such as, for example, the Hong Chi Association to help provide education, training and empowerment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The Hari will direct all proceeds from its upcoming Christmas Market in the lobby on Dec. 9 from 5pm to Hong Chi. Spearheading the likes of The Hari Art Prize in support of emerging artists, The Hari Chronicles to foster ongoing conversations about art, design and culture, and the new “The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour” which ventures off the beaten track, The Hari Hong Kong also has a deep connection with art, culture, and its community. For more information about The Hari Hong Kong, visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/ email askme@thehari.com or call +852 2129 0388.

Desert & Delta Safaris Is Honoured with the Global Sustainability Award

Through a collective vision and a range of collaborative initiatives, the Greek island safeguards a viable and sustainable destination for future generations. Additionally, the destination celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Enfield 8000, an electric car built on the island