BANGKOK, 20 December 2009 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has honoured Faasai Resort and Spa, a four star hotel in the newly emerging tourist destination of Chanthaburi on the Southeast coast of Thailand, in its 2009 Green Awards. The awards are part of TAT’s increasing commitment to “green tourism”.
The awards were presented by HRH Princess Ubolratana of Thailand on the Thailand stand at the World Travel Market in London in November.
“The Green Awards are a symbol of TAT’s thanks to outstanding quality and reliable tourism products offered by hoteliers and tour operators,” said Joanna Cooke, Marketing Manager for TAT UK.
The judge of the awards Justin Francis, Managing Director of responsibletravel.com praised Thailand’s growing support for green tourism which he said reflected the country’s cultural traditions.
“Thailand’s commitment to responsible tourism is commendable — it runs deep within the soul of the country,” he said.
The owners of Faasai Resort and Spa, Surin Laopha and Bronwen Evans, a Thai-New Zealand couple, say the resort, which offers nature-based tourism, is part of the local community of Kung Wiman, a fishing village in the Southeast of Thailand, and it supports Buddhist principles of caring and respect for others.
“Our resort tries to provide harmony and balance between people and nature,” said Surin. “We need to consider the well-being of everyone – our guests, staff, their families, the community and our suppliers as well as the ecosystem with its myriads of living creatures.”
One of the projects at Faasai Resort and Spa is to develop a wetlands area with fresh water springs and many varieties of local plants nearby the resort. As well as being a sanctuary for wildlife, it is available to guests for bird watching, swimming and kayaking.
Surin said when people open themselves up to the experience of nature they can forget their stressful lives and feel peaceful and happy.
Kung Wiman is a small coastal peninsula surrounded by forested hills, orchards, shrimp farms and rubber plantations. Bronwen said that the local community, which mainly lives off the land and the sea is now earning additional revenue from responsible, eco-friendly tourists.
The TAT’s Green awards reflect the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s commitment to working with the private sector to promote Thailand as a green destination.
Other TAT green award winners in 2009 were Best Tour Operator: Andaman Discoveries, Best Large Hotel: Evason Phuket and Six Senses Spa.
