Elephant Hills, the tented camp operator in Surat Thani, is listed among 15 finalists of the National Geographic World Legacy Awards 2016.
The awards are a partnership between the National Geographic Society and ITB Berlin to honour travel and tourism companies, organisations and destinations that show their sustainable tourism best practices that can inspire people to care about the planet.
“Sustainable tourism is the foundation for the future of the travel industry, and those destinations and companies that understand this today will be the global leaders of tomorrow,” said Costas Christ, chairman of National Geographic World Legacy Awards.
More than 150 entries from 51 countries submitted the applications and 15 were selected for the finalists including the Elephant Hills. The tourism operator offers two tented camps bordering Khao Sok National Park where guests can learn about caring for rescued elephants and have a chance to explore the rainforest.
The awards comprise of five categories including “Earth Changers” recognising cutting-edge leadership in environmentally friendly business practices and green technology, “Sense of Place” recognising excellence in enhancing cultural authenticity, “Conserving the Natural World” recognising outstanding support for the preservation of nature, “Engaging Communities” recognising direct and tangible economic and social benefits that improve local livelihoods, and “Destination Leadership” which can be cities, provinces, states, countries and regions that are demonstrating environmental best practices, and protection for cultural and natural heritage. On-site inspections will also be conducted for all of the finalists. The winners will be announced on stage at the World Legacy Awards ceremony on March 10 next year, during ITB Berlin.
Visit www.nationalgeographic.com/worldlegacyawards/about-the-awards.html.
Phangan Colour Moon Festival
The Phangan Colour Moon Festival 2015 will be held for the second year from Dec 9-13. Koh Phangan, which is well-known for its Full Moon parties, will be promoted as a historical site, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn.
“Few people know that King Rama V spent 14 holidays on this beautiful island plus made two stopovers between 1888–1909. King Rama VI, King Rama VII and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej also visited the island for its beautiful beaches and abundant natural resources,” he said. There is still the royal pavilion located near the Than Sadet Waterfall and inscribed stones with royal initials of King Rama V, VII and IX can be found at the falls.
The five-day festival will feature photo and painting exhibition of Koh Phangan history and way of life, fashion show, body paint competition, bartender competition, seafood floating market, concert and sporting activities.
The Phangan Colour Moon Festival 2015 is being organised by Samui Tourism Coordination Centre, TAT, Koh Phangan Hotel Association, Surat Thani Provincial Administration Organisation, Bangkok Airways and several public and private organisations. It will be held at the Phangan Royal Ship Memorial Museum, Thong Sala Pier on the island.
Call TAT’s Samui office on 077-420-504.
Airlines update
Hong Kong Airlines has launched daily flights between Hong Kong and Krabi.
“Coinciding with the upcoming winter season, we believe the new route will provide our passengers with more travel options to enjoy the beaches and sunshine in this chilly winter,” said the airline commercial director Li Dianchun. The airline uses Airbus A320s and the flight departs Hong Kong at 12.50am and arrives in Krabi at 3.30am. The return flights leaves Krabi at 4.30am and lands in Hong Kong at 8.50am. At present Hong Kong Airlines serves 28 destinations, including 19 in China, four in Japan, Bangkok and Krabi, and one each in Indonesia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Visit www.hongkongairlines.com.
SpiceJet, the Indian-based low cost airline, will launch direct flights between Chennai and Bangkok on Dec 10.
The service will be available six times per week with Boeing 737 aircraft. The flight will depart Chennai at 10.10pm and will arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 3.05am. The return flight from Bangkok will be at 3.55am and will arrive in Chennai at 5.55am.
Visit www.spicejet.com.
Hotels update
Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya will be launched on Dec 15.
Owned by Siam Motors Group, the hotel is on Na Jomtien Beach and next to Ocean Marina Yacht Club. The five-star beachfront hotel is the fifth Mövenpick property, the hotel-chain management from Switzerland, in the kingdom. The hotel features 262 rooms, restaurants and bars, executive lounge, ballroom, function rooms, swimming pool, spa, kids’ club and a fitness centre. Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya is 15km south of Pattaya City and 20 minutes from U-Tapao International Airport.
Visit movenpick-pattaya.com.
Plateno Hotels Group from China has signed its second hotel in Chiang Mai.
The Portofino Chiang Mai Business Park will join the group’s first property, 7DaysInn, which is also located in Chiang Mai. Located on Highway 11 in Chiang Mai Business Park, the hotel will provide 122 rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, gym and meeting rooms. The hotel will be open in March 2016.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th
if you have any comments to share.