The
rules and how to nominate
Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, Caribbean
Jungle Bay Resort and Spa employs 59 full-time employees from the surrounding
villages. Owners Sam and Glenda helped found the South East Tourism
Development Committee (SETDC), which helps ensure the environmental
protection of the area through the development of trails, tour guide
training and environmental programmes for young people. In January 2006,
Jungle Bay Resort and Spa launched the Southeast Entrepreneur Loan Fund
(SELF), which allows 10-15 local entrepreneurs to borrow up to $12,000 EC
for business activities such as organic produce, seafood, local arts/ crafts
production and guiding of cultural tours and hikes that can contribute to
the Jungle Bay services. In August 2005, Jungle Bay committed to financing
high school tuition fees for all students in the Carib Territory, the
Caribbean’s last remaining indigenous people. Christine Tinker
Eningu Clayhouse Lodge, Namibia
Kate Dunstan didn't mess around when she bought this property - her first
decision was to give staff profit share in the lodge - giving staff control
over the future of the business. Transforming the employer/employee
relationship, staff devise and implement the decisions, and new ideas and
initiatives are positively encouraged. The rooms at this property are
authentic Namibian, from the hand woven rugs to handmade lampshades. The
exterior even boasts animal friendly red floodlights for night viewing of
animals. Eningu boasts three flower ratings for its work in sustainable
tourism - Namibia's award system for eco-tourism. Debbie Walker
Rekero Camp, Kenya
Rekero Camp is a small semi permanent tented safari camp in Masai Mara. 7
guest tents accommodate up to 16 people. It is seasonal and dismantled for
two months each year to allow the area to regenerate. The business is
owner-operated by Gerard and Rainee Beaton and Jackson Looseyia. It is the
best safari experience in the Mara employing highly qualified local masai
guides. Rekero actively promotes conservation of the Mara via the Rekero
Conservation and Community Fund Trust. This charity supports the
preservation ecosystem in Northern Mara that has become subject to
population pressure. There is a predator compensation scheme for local
Maasai tribesman. An IT teacher is employed to teach local children and
community in a purpose built computer classroom. The Fund has also funded
construction of a dormitory so students from the Koiyaki Guide School can
come and study locally. Rekero also actively promotes recycling. Solar
energy powers the camp. Water use is closely monitored through meters. John
Loveland
Beau Rive, Caribbean
Because, not only are they responsible, but they encourage responsibility on
the part of the visitor. The hotel makes the most of the natural environment
in every possible way, from the building design incorporating natural
air-flow and fabulous ocean views, to handmade soaps and fresh, organic
supplies from the garden or local farmers. The whole operation is simple but
sensible – waste is minimal and chemicals are avoided. Visitors are offered
comfort without excess, and style without attitude. The attention to detail
is there but nothing feels contrived or over-done. The sharing of local
knowledge allows guests to make the very most of their stay with
understanding of the island’s virtues and struggles. Management genuinely
cares about the wellbeing of guests but also of the staff, who are not
simply ‘workers’ but willing colleagues. The only things you may find in
excess at Beau Rive is the ambiance in which to relax, the freshness of the
food, and the scent of Ylang Ylang. Mark Steele
Busoga Trust Guesthouse, Jinja, Uganda
The Busoga Trust provides good quality budget accommodation in the beautiful
town of Jinja, together with an insight into the problems that face people
in rural Uganda, and a sustainable way in which this is being addressed. The
Busoga Trust works to install water pumps in villages in the region and
further afield. The guesthouse provides a means of supporting a worthwhile
cause and learning more about their work, and is a lovely place to stay. Sioned
Timothy
