The first ever EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards Ceremony was held on 28 September 2023.
The goal of the awards was to identify, support and promote exemplary projects that seek to innovate sustainability in Asia.
More than 20 nominees, from the non-profit sector and private tourism companies, were on the ballot competing for prizes totaling over $40,000 USD in value.
A panel of internationally recognised sustainable tourism professionals was enlisted to evaluate each nominee and vote according to its merits.
The judges then announced the winners across five categories and a six ‘People’s Choice Award’ was granted based on a month-long public vote.
‘Through the organisation of these awards, we are aiming to enhance collaboration among responsible tourism stakeholders in our destinations and to ensure that people and nature will continue to be preserved, protected and cared for’
The ceremony was hosted by Alexandra Michat, EXO’s Chief Purpose Officer. She explained, ‘Through the organisation of these awards, we are aiming to enhance collaboration among responsible tourism stakeholders in our destinations and to ensure that people and nature will continue to be preserved, protected and cared for.‘
EXO Foundation was joined by two co-sponsors in arranging and supporting this event: LightBlue Consulting and Considerate Group.
LightBlue specialises in food waste prevention and sustainability, offering solutions for businesses seeking zero-waste strategies. Considerate Group provides consultancy solutions for hoteliers, using data and expertise to help the hospitality industry integrate sustainable practices.
‘Sustainability Awards for organisations working for the planet’
Climate Action: Organisations working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Winner (Not For Profit): Paul Dubrule School (Cambodia)
- Runner up (Not for Profit): Kalaweit (Indonesia)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): The Racha (Thailand)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Citadines (Cambodia)
Circular Economy: Organisations working to reduce plastic pollution & food waste
- Winner (Not For Profit): Anambas Foundation (Indonesia)
- Runner up (Not for Profit): PSE (Cambodia)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): Reform Plastic (Vietnam)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Pimalai Resort (Thailand)
Regenerating Nature: Organisations working to protect natural habitats and wildlife
- Winner (Not For Profit): Bayon School (Cambodia)
- Runner up (Not for Profit): Orangutan Appeal (Indonesia)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): Living Irrawaddy Dolphin Project (Myanmar)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Vietnam)
‘Sustainability Awards for organisations working for the people’
Protecting Cultural Heritage: Organisations working to promote diversity of cultures and sites
- Winner (Not For Profit): Tanoti SDN BHD (Malaysia)
- Runner up (Not for Profit): Shunyoso Cultural Asset Preservation Society (Japan)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): Papua Diving Resorts (Indonesia)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Soori Bali (Indonesia)
Empowering Communities: Organisations working to improve people’s lives through tourism
- Winner (Not For Profit): Know One, Teach One- KOTO (Vietnam)
- Runner up (Not for Profit): Friends International (Thailand)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): Treehouse Villas (Koh Yao)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Sarin Buana Eco-Lodge (Indonesia)
‘People’s Choice Awards: the public voted for the organisation that inspired them the most‘
People’s Choice:
- Winner: PSE (Cambodia)
- Runner up: Bayon School (Cambodia)
Thank you to our panel of judges and our co-sponsors for your support in making the 2023 Sustainability Awards a success!
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