Congratulations to all Myanmar Responsible Tourism Award Winners! We are very proud of our winners contributing to best practices in responsible tourism in Myanmar.
The official award ceremony was held during the Graduation Ceremony of the Hotel Training Initiative at the newly opened Pan Pacific Hotel in Yangon, on 4 November 2017. Winners were announced by MRTI Chairman Nyunt Win Naing, and presented with certificates and trophies constructed from recycled timber, by U Tint Twin, Director General, Directorate office of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
Find out more here about the Awards Ceremony
Best Responsible Tourism Accommodation – Winner 2017
Laguna Lodge – ECO Hotel, Ngapali Beach
Laguna Lodge – ECO Hotel is at Myabin Village, Ngapali Beach Front Thandwe District Rakhine State. Laguna Lodge – ECO Hotel has 16 rooms, 16 employees and started in 2002.
The judges were impressed by the strong focus on the protection of the environment. Laguna Lodge – ECO Hotel cares deeply about the environment. Materials are sourced locally and are low impact materials. Laguna Lodge – ECO Hotel is contributing to the local economy and the protection of the local culture, e.g. by supporting the local community with health treatment.
Best Responsible Tourism Operator – Winner 2017
EXO Travel is a Destination Management Company with its head office in Yangon. EXO Travel also has station offices in Mandalay, Bagan and Nyaung Shwe. They have been operating in Myanmar since 1995.
The Judges were impressed by the strong commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism through the Sustainability in Action campaign’s actions. EXO Travel has a clear vision and mission statement. As a DMC they are able to influence the behavior of the consumers. The business shows a high level of commitment towards education.
Best Responsible Tourism Destination – Winner 2017
Kalaw Tourism Organization
The hill resort of Kalaw in Southern Shan State, is home to around 57,000 inhabitants. The main ethnic groups present in the area are the Danu (Shan), the Bamar and the Pa-O, along with groups of Southern Asian origin (Ghurkha, Punjabi, Sindhi etc.). Kalaw Tourism started formatting in February 2017.
The Judges were impressed by the Community participation at planning stage and commitment to working with government stakeholders and their strong responsible tourism guidelines.
The KTO, reunites the local authorities and all the tourism-related businesses of Kalaw such as: Hotels, Guest Houses, Restaurants, transportation companies, shop owners, local artists, trekking companies and tourist guides.
Best Responsible Tourism Training Program – Winner 2017
Inle Heritage Hospitality Vocational Training Centre, Innpawkhon Village
The Inle Heritage Hospitality Vocational Training Centre (IHHVTC) was established in 2013 as a part of Inle Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organisation aiming to enable the future generation to protect nature and culture of Inle Lake
The judges were impressed by the committed and integrated approach to responsible tourism. IHHVTC helps underprivileged communities thrive in hospitality sector and students learn the positive value of preservation of nature.
The location of IHHVTC allows the school to deliver both theory and practice on the ground. The business is in line with the Myanmar Responsibility Tourism Policy.
IHHVTC is 100% financially covered for the students.
Best Responsible Tourism Marketing – Winner 2017
Sampan Travel is a boutique tour operator offering bespoke journeys throughout Myanmar. The Sampan Magazine is attached to the website and a new article is uploaded roughly once every fortnight.
The Judges were impressed by the clear vision, including responsible tourism. Sampan Travel Magazine represents country wide articles and promote local perspectives. The articles are well developed and their photos are great. The Magazine has a feel of authenticity and it is free of charge.
Best Community Involvement in Tourism
Destination Ayeyarwady, Hsithe and Myitkangyi Village
‘Destination Ayeyarwady’ comprises two rural, riverine village communities, Myitkangyi and Hsithe, which are situated 45 and 60 km respectively north of Mandalay. The tourism project was initiated in April, 2014 and the destinations opened to visitors in November, 2016.
The judges were impressed by their strong team commitment to minimizing environmental impacts. The organization fosters appreciation and enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage resources among visitors and locals.
Destination Ayeyarwady strives to achieve tourism development in a manner which harmonizes economic objectives with the protection and enhancement of natural and cultural heritage.
MRTA 