Agoda.com, an independent online travel company, has released a ‘Top 10’ pick list of eco-friendly hotels in Asia.
As travelers the world over realise that the responsibility to protect the environment is a shared one, they are adopting greener lifestyles and scrutinizing the hotels and destinations they choose to stay in. According to the International Ecotourism Society, approximately 70% of travelers prefer to pay a premium rate for a hotel that is eco-friendly than one that is better-priced but void of corporate social responsibility policies.
As Agoda CEO and co-founder Michael Kenny says, “It’s only natural that tourists want to conserve the sites they are visiting and give something back to the community. As a travel company, Agoda applauds hotels that are progressive in their attitude towards the environment and sustainable tourism.”
Importantly, ‘going green’ is not just related to the environment, but involves all areas of sustainability and social responsibility. Achieving a green standard, as defined by the International Tourism Partnership, includes six key areas: environmental management, policy and framework, staff training and awareness, purchasing, people and communities and destination protection.
La Résidence d'Angkor, Cambodia was one of the hotels listed in the top 10. Michael Kenny comments:
"Designed to blend harmoniously with the environment, La Résidence d'Angkor also possesses a strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Beyond their environmentally sound practices (which include treating water so that it can be released back into the river and keeping used oil for biofuel production) the hotel also donates regularly to local charities and invites guests to do the same. In particular, they support the Angkor Hospital for Children through the weekly screening of a video where guests have the opportunity to ask the hospital staff questions and can contribute either second-hand items or donate money to the cause."
The combination of design, eco-friendly practices and contribution to local society were all factors in the nominations for these awards.
The used oil detailed above is donated to Biodiesel Cambodia. For further information on the community projects La Residence d'Angkor are involved with please click here.
For more details visit www.agoda.com
