Responsible Thailand Awards 2020

The winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2020 were announced during a special online ceremony held on 8 December 2020. The event was hosted by Wanderlust Travel Media, Audley Travel and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (UK & Ireland). The Responsible Thailand Awards “recognise and celebrate organisations in the travel and tourism industry who have made an outstanding contribution to growing Thailand as a sustainable destination.” The awards are run by Wanderlust Travel Media on behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Before this year’s winners were announced, the Governor of TAT, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, acknowledged what an unprecedented year it has been for everybody involved in the travel industry. In an inspiring and heartfelt welcoming address, Khun Yuthasak outlined the importance of responsible travel and sustainability for Thailand’s tourism industry. In the wake of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, this was going to be more important than ever.

Discover the winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2021

Winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2020

Congratulations to everybody who was nominated for 2020 in what has been the most challenging of times for all who work in the travel sector. This year, there were more than 600 nominations spread across 6 categories. These are the winners selected by the panel of judges:

Marine and nature: Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort

Judges commended Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort (now renamed SAii Phi Phi Island Village) for their Marine Discovery Centre which is not only of benefit to the hotel and its guests, but actively involves the local community too. The hotel was also recognised for the outstanding range of activities on offer for eco-conscious guests.
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Animal welfare: Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Judges were impressed by the high ethical standards of Samui Elephant Sanctuary which were further expanded through the opening of a second sanctuary in 2020. They were also impressed by the way the principles of elephant welfare are communicated to the visiting public and the construction of an elephant clinic. Both sanctuaries are set on forested land, offering a safe retirement home for elephants who have worked in the logging and tourism industries.
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Runner-up: Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary (BEES)

Eco-lodge/hotel: Koh Jum Beach Villas

The judges commented that there was so much to admire about Koh Jum Beach Villas including their work with Trash Hero and the planting of seagrass and mangroves. Koh Jum Beach Villas were praised for their attention to detail in tackling a broad range of environmental issues on Ko Jum and the way they get guests involved in their initiatives too. Also noteworthy was the introduction of zero-interest loans to help local people start businesses.
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Runner-up: Banyan Tree

Hotel: Khao Lak Merlin

Sustainability is the key goal of Khaolak Merlin Resort who have proven through their positive actions that they are committed to reduce their impact on the environment and give back to nature as much as they can. This includes their water conservation project and their work with Love Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of South-East Asian wildlife and endangered species such as the slow loris.
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Runner-up: Pimalai Resort & Spa

Green steps: Nutty’s Adventures

‘Nutty’ is the nickname of co-founder, Nithi Subhongsang. Nutty’s Adventures are a Thailand-based tour operator who work closely with local communities and specialise in community-based tourism. They received special praise for their work with clients with disabilities and visual impairments.
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Runner-up: The Mangosteen

Community-based tourism: Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary

The judges were wowed by the work carried out by Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai. Beyond elephant welfare, Kindred Spirit provides a “laudable commitment to the local community” including involvement in homestays, provision of English lessons, and support during the Covid-19 crisis. The judges went on to say if there had been an overall winner for the Responsible Thailand Awards 2020, it would have been Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary.
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Runner-up: The Tuk Tuk Club

Selecting the winners
In July 2020, Wanderlust readers and the UK travel trade were asked to nominate the Thailand-based organisations and resorts that they felt were most deserving of recognition for their green initiatives and efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The criteria for judging included the sustainability of each of the projects and organisations, their demonstrable successes, and the legacy of benefits for both Thai and international visitors. It was difficult to choose the final winners , but the decision was finally made by a judging panel that consisted of: Derek Moore (AITO); Clare Jenkinson (ABTA); Martin Symington (travel journalist); and Lyn Hughes (editor-in-chief of Wanderlust).

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