The winners and runner-ups of MRTA 2018 are:
Best Responsible Tourism Accommodation 2018
Awarded to an accommodation provider (hotel, guesthouse, B&B, etc.) with a strong commitment to protecting the environment and maximising social and economic benefits to the local economy.
Winner: Inle Princess Resort
Runner-up: Laguna Lodge – ECO Hotel
Best Tourism Product for Empowerment 2018
For initiatives specifically working to improve the way in which individuals and groups take part in society – improving the ability, opportunity and dignity of those who are disadvantaged due to their gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, education, etc. This award highlights the work of a business/organisation that has equality, equity and social inclusion embedded in everything they do.
Winner: Inle Canoe Lady
Runner-up: Beyond Boundaries Myanmar
Best Community Involvement in Tourism
Awarded to an organisation or community initiative that is working to improve lives by creating opportunities to preserve and respect cultural heritage and traditions. Initiatives must be provided and explicitly designed to meet the needs and enhance the skills of the people and communities involved.
Winner: Ayeyarwady Dolphin Conservation and Ecotourism
Runner-up: Community Involved Tourism Pa-O Region (CITPAR)
Best Tourism Business Innovation 2018
Awarded to an inspirational business that has created an innovative and inclusive tourism idea that makes good business sense.
Winner: Inle Horse Club
Runner-up: iDiscover Asia
Best Responsible Tourism Awareness Raising Project 2018
Awarded to a project that is raising awareness of responsible tourism– whether it is responsible tourism as a concept, or one aspect of responsible tourism that touches on one of our key criteria (social and economic benefits, benefits to cultural heritage, benefits to the environment, educates about responsible tourism, and/or encourages engagement in responsible tourism).
Winner: Green Hill Valley Elephant Care Camp
Runner-up: ChuChu
Best Responsible Tourism Operator (Newcomer) 2018
Awarded to the operator that educates and inspires travellers through a responsible approach to leading excursions and has only been operating for 3 years or less.
Winner: Myanmar Adventure Outfitters
Best Responsible Tourism Operator 2018
Awarded to a tour operator (travel agent, tour operator, DMC, tour guide) who has responsible tourism at the heart of what they do and who not only demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the places they visit, but also shapes unique and meaningful experiences for visitors while conveying how to be a responsible traveller.
Winner: Sampan Travel
Want to read the judges reasons behind each of the winners? Find out more here
