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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

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is proud to announce its achievement of the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge, awarded to properties that uphold over 100 stringent standards designed to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests, and local communities. This recognition reflects the resort's unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and responsible hospitality. Photo credits: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands In a stellar year for recognition, the resort has also achieved the Green Globe Certification, a prestigious accolade that underscores its dedication to minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable tourism, and creating a sustainable environment for future generations. Achieving the Green Globe Certification involves a rigorous process that requires adherence to strict criteria across energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and social and cultural sustainability. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has successfully demonstrated its commitment to quality and excellence through a recent evaluation across a comprehensive set of compliance indicators. Renato de Oliveira, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, stated, “We are incredibly proud to receive both the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge and the Green Globe Certification, reflecting our tireless commitment to sustainable hospitality and dedication to the protection of our natural world. This recognition is a testament to the efforts of our entire team, our Ladies and Gentlemen, in creating exceptional guest experiences with respect for the environment at our core. And of course we will continue to innovate to ensure our environmental footprint is light and fruitful for the planet and our community.” A FOUNDATION OF RESPECT The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was meticulously designed with respect for the area's fragile ecosystem. Prior to construction on an existing sandbank, marine experts conducted extensive studies to ensure minimal impact on coral reefs and marine spawning. Sustainable construction materials, such as PEFC-certified timber from responsibly managed forests in Europe, were used, allowing the resort to earn PEFC Project Certification. The developers also achieved EDGE certification, leading to the Maldives' first green loan. NATURAL BEAUTY Land: The resort landscape features thousands of adopted trees and carefully selected native plants to prevent forest degradation and the negative impacts of importation. Among these is a 100-foot-tall Banyan tree in the Mystique Garden, dedicated to the resort’s late architect Kerry Hill. Acres of white sand stretch toward the blue lagoon, serving as a sanctuary for crabs, birds, and sea turtles. Sea: Encompassing 99% ocean, the Maldives is a vibrant underwater world. The resort island is encircled by a lively coral reef that shelters lobsters, fish, rays, and sea turtles. Preserving the reef and marine life remains a priority, with over 105 coral frames planted since the project's inception and 28 frames planted in 2024 alone. The resort's coral regeneration initiative has created abundant nursery frames and new habitats for ocean life. Photo credits: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES Energy: The resort harnesses solar and sustainable energy, contributing approximately 20% of its total electricity needs. In 2024, rooftop solar panel systems were installed on all guest villas, and the installation of a floating solar garden began, which is expected to add 1,400 kWp to the grid by 2025. Each villa is equipped with a smart energy-saving management system, while hot water pumps utilize ambient thermal energy. Culinary Consciousness: The resort’s seven dining venues prioritize locally sourced ingredients, offering an extensive selection of plant-based options and 100% cage- and crate-free eggs and meat. Daily food waste, approximately 726 kg, is composted for the resort gardens. Additionally, our culinary and bar teams embrace a zero-waste approach, creating chutneys and coffee scrubs, along with various other initiatives to minimize waste. Water: Still and sparkling water is purified at the resort’s dedicated plant using filters from Nordaq, eliminating the need for plastic bottles. Greywater is treated and reused for landscaping. Plastic Use: The resort has committed to banning single-use plastics, implementing reusable water bottles, bamboo-based serving ware, and crystal amenity jars. Its garden and desalination plant also contribute to reducing plastic imports. PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS Drone Research: The resort has implemented an advanced ocean plastics monitoring program using drones, developed in partnership with Dr. Melissa Schiele. In 2024, the program has completed 50 drone flights, identifying critical plastic debris, including eleven ghost nets weighing approximately 418 kg. These ghost nets pose a significant threat to marine life, as they can ensnare and kill creatures. By removing them, the resort helps to prevent these tragic incidents and protect the ocean ecosystem. Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment Program: This program continues to provide guest experiences focused on environmental preservation in collaboration with the renowned oceanographic explorer. This year, Cousteau visited the resort again to further educate students from Villa College and the Maldives National University, as well as the resort’s naturalists. His ongoing presence inspires both guests and Ladies and Gentlemen alike, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship. Saad Amer as Sustainability Champion: This year, Saad Amer, recognized as a Climate Activist and a member of Forbes' 30 Under 30 for social impact, visited The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to curate meaningful guest experiences. His session, titled "A Thought Experiment: How to Save Our Planet," engaged both guests and the local community, where he shared valuable insights on the impacts of climate change. During his visit, he connected with students from Maldives National University and Villa College to discuss future initiatives. Additionally, he led an interactive activity with the resort’s younger guests, inspiring them to become "Climate Kids" and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from an early age. Community Footprints: The resort engages with local schools through educational excursions, promoting ocean conservation awareness. In 2024, eight educational excursions took place, including visits to Dhiffushi, Thulusdhoo, Gaafaru and Huraa. A notable initiative this year was a recycling competition held with students from Dhiffushi, where the winning teams were awarded a visit to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for a special lunch with the resort’s naturalist. During this experience, they learned about coral restoration efforts. The Ritz-Carlton Spa: Showcasing a commitment to sustainable living, The Ritz-Carlton Spa features an organic body and skincare collection by Bamford. In 2024, its dedicated Ladies and Gentlemen at the spa have innovatively transformed coffee grounds into sustainable body scrubs for in-house guests, highlighting its ongoing dedication to environmentally friendly practices and wellness initiatives. As part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will soon launch a Coral Adoption Project, enabling guests to contribute to initiatives aligned with its Community Footprints philosophy. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is excited to introduce a new package featuring Saad Amer, the Sustainability Champion of the resort. This package will include educational and inspiring activities designed to deepen guests' understanding of the local climate and promote support for the surrounding community, ensuring that their holiday experience is both enriching and impactful. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives, and for real-time updates, follow the resort on Instagram and Facebook.

Meliá Hotels International looks to solar power in Vietnam and Thailand

Immerse with Marine Exploration and Eco-Conscious Adventure in Paradise

Guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, engage in real science and exploration, whilst supporting a major image collection project underpinning key research in the Indian Ocean.  Initiative launched in 2022 works collaboratively with leading scientists and marine technologists in a sophisticated ocean plastics’ monitoring programme to conserve some of the world’s most fragile natural environments using drone technology.  Progressive research community incorporates Dr Melissa Duncan-Schiele, Dr Luca Fallati,  MaRHE and Oceans Unmanned.  Follows introduction of first Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program to the Indian Ocean in 2021.  Photo credits: Guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is home to the first resort-based conservation technology project using drones in the Maldives. Launched in 2022 ‘Eye in the Sky’ (Udumathin Ioa), the unique partnership with leading scientists and marine technologists plays an integral role in a government-approved research programme to develop drone methods to search for, and quantify ocean plastics in the Maldives.   This progressive research community supports a major image collection and data processing project to monitor ocean pollution of plastics and map habitat health in the Indian Ocean, and a  first in the Maldives, allows guests to engage in the science, exploration and hands-on process of data collection using conservation technology. The team’s wider monitoring includes identification of discarded fishing nets (ghost nets) which are causing an increased threat to wildlife from entanglement. Any nets or large pieces of debris identified by the drones will subsequently be targeted for removal.  Dr Melissa Duncan-Schiele, an engineer focussed on fixed-wing water landing drone operations in the Global South for applications in marine sciences, built a team of scientists and commercially trained drone pilots, to create a unique community of conservation experts from across the globe.  The team, including Dr Luca Fallati of MaRHE, (the Marine Research and Higher Education Centre and part of the University of Milano Bicocca), use multirotor drones donated by The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, and a water-landing fixed-wing drone donated by USA-based NGO Oceans Unmanned.   Photo credits: Guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Image sampling occurs over the ocean and reefs at select locations and times which ensures temporal and spatial resolution for the researchers, and also strictly ensures privacy for guests.  After images are collected, they are processed and analysed for debris and the resulting data can then feed into a greater understanding of the distribution and densities of plastics in the Maldives over time.  Through The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program guests have the opportunity to join the research team in their groundbreaking work. The journey will start at the resort, where with professional drone simulation training software, guests will explore the latest scientific research with naturalists, while testing their piloting skills. Stepping out into the field, guests will navigate the ocean through drones piloted by the team, in search for ghost nets while experiencing the precious wildlife, endemic to the Maldives’ fragile coral reefs.   To support the environmental research and wildlife protection programme, the resort and community is set to create a meaningful and inclusive legacy for the Maldivian community. The research initiative will offer a unique platform for local children to visit and learn of the emerging importance of marine technology, including drones and hydrophones in monitoring marine life.  Key fieldwork will be held at MaRHE, one of the project’s academic partner facilities in the  neighboring Faafu Atoll, and who hosts world-class university-level education for local and international marine biology and environmental science students. Maldivian marine scientists will be integral to the ongoing evolution of the programme.  The methods developed at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and MaRHE are set to be introduced around the country, to create a network of dedicated drone operators. A sustained plastics monitoring programme will build a baseline for the dynamics of pollution, with the aim to support policy and legislation change at local, national and international levels.   For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands visit  ritzcarlton.com/Maldives 

Coral Sea Marina, based in Airlie Beach, Queensland, has become the first marina in Australia to earn Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia. This achievement underscores their commitment to global best-practice standards and highlights their leadership in sustainable tourism. Photo credits: Coral Sea Marina Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development expressed the importance of this recognition. “Our marina is uniquely located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and as a destination marina we attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. We are acutely aware of the key role the marina plays in the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the Whitsundays and therefore, our commitment to effective environmental management is a key priority for us as a business. “We are thrilled to receive Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia and to be the first marina in Australia to achieve this recognition. This accomplishment highlights our commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting responsible boating practices. “Sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations, this Certification will help us on our journey to continue to promote the concept of ‘travel for good’ to our guests, visitors and the wider community.” Ecotourism Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Elissa Keenan, congratulated Coral Sea Marina on their achievement. “Coral Sea Marina is the first marina to be awarded Sustainable Tourism Certification. Achieving global standard certification is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. “It is also testament to the focus of the tourism industry in the Whitsunday’s region. We have 38 ECO Certified operators in the region and six operate their tour experiences from the Coral Sea Marina.   “Australia boasts the 3rd largest marine jurisdiction in the world, contributing $118.5 billion to our economy and supporting 462,000 jobs annually. It’s our responsibility to safeguard these waters for future generations. Ecotourism Australia is proud to have nearly 200 ECO Certified operators and over 700 marine-based experiences across Australia who are committed to ensuring tourism activities play a role in preserving our oceans across our region. Coral Sea Marina is further contributing to this commitment,” Ms Keenan said. Photo credits: Coral Sea Marina Sustainable Tourism Certification assesses businesses, through third party auditing, against Ecotourism Australia’s internationally recognised ecotourism standard across the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural, and socio-economic impact and sustainable business operations. Coral Sea Marina is dedicated to sustainability, integrating numerous initiatives throughout its operations. The Coral Sea Academy educates guests and locals on the environment, Great Barrier Reef, and eco-friendly boating. The marina features interpretive signage, a seagrass nursery, and citizen science programs. It also honours the traditional owners of the land, the Birri-Gubba Nation through cultural collaborations, signage, and online resources. Coral Sea Marina Resort provides environmental information, green boating guides, and updates via digital platforms and newsletters, promoting sustainability and respect for the Whitsundays' natural and cultural heritage. Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning destination marina in the Whitsundays, at the heart of the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. It features 520 wet berths, two lively shoreside marina villages, and hosts 80% of the region’s on-water tourism experiences, including 52 commercial operators. With its inspiring events calendar and prime location, Coral Sea Marina is the ultimate place to stay, play, and explore the Whitsundays. You can discover more about them on our Green Travel Guide: Coral Sea Marina Resort | Green Travel Guide

Design-led hotel and Hilton flagship becomes the 2nd hotel in the UK to receive this coveted accolade