Welcome to the prestigious Regenerative Travel Impact Awards 2023, where we honor and celebrate exceptional individuals and ventures that epitomize the essence of regeneration in the realm of travel and hospitality. Among the extraordinary nominees, one establishment stands out as a true beacon of change and innovation, deserving of the coveted title “Hotel of the Year.”
This remarkable hotel has transcended the conventional boundaries of hospitality, emerging as a catalyst for transformative change. More than just a place to stay, it serves as a vibrant hub where innovation meets compassion, and sustainable practices intertwine seamlessly with luxury experiences. The Hotel of the Year award recognizes the profound positive influence this establishment exerts on both its immediate surroundings and the global community, setting an inspiring example for the entire industry.
In the heart of its operation lies an unwavering commitment to regenerative principles. This hotel redefines hospitality by integrating cutting-edge practices that not only minimize its ecological footprint but actively contribute to the restoration of the environment. With visionary leadership at the helm, the hotel has developed pioneering initiatives that not only reduce waste and conserve resources but also empower local communities, providing them with opportunities for growth and development.
The Regenerative Travel Impact Awards were conceived to acknowledge those who champion the concept of regeneration—the notion that our actions should leave the world better than we found it. This year’s Hotel of the Year embodies this ethos through and through. Its story is one of evolution, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful impact. As we celebrate the accomplishments of this exceptional establishment, we also celebrate the spirit of possibility and the belief that through responsible and innovative practices, the hospitality industry can be a force for positive change.
View the winner & finalists:
Winner
Emboo River Camp – Kenya
Emboo River Camp stands out as a prime example of regenerative travel, displaying an unwavering commitment to bettering the world through significant impacts on environmental and social fronts. Rooted in a mission of cultivating a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the planet, the camp ignites transformation and hope. Innovating with silent, solar-powered safaris and championing local communities, especially women’s empowerment, they elevate guest experiences while sharing their achievements to highlight the feasibility of sustainability.
Earning a B Corp certification, Emboo River Camp takes the lead in regenerative travel with stringent sustainability benchmarks. They demonstrate carbon-neutral operations through solar-powered safari vehicles, reducing emissions and noise pollution during game drives for eco-friendly and serene experiences. Their dedication extends to reforestation, advanced water management, Farm to Fork meals utilizing biogas from organic waste, and sustainable farming practices. Collaborating profoundly with the Maasai community, they generate economic opportunities, education support, and cross-cultural exchange. Their commitment to women’s empowerment in wildlife conservation and community leadership promotes inclusivity and equality. Through environmental and social regeneration woven into every operation, Emboo River Camp emerges as a powerful contender for the Impact Awards, inspiring a luminous, sustainable future for the entire travel industry.
Finalists
Manta Resort – Tanzania
Nestled along Pemba Island’s shores in Zanzibar, the Manta Resort project shines as a beacon of transformative change, seamlessly interweaving sustainable practices, community engagement, and conservation efforts. This resort embodies the harmonious alignment of safeguarding the local ecosystem and uplifting nearby communities. Through marine conservation initiatives, including coral reef protection, turtle preservation, and advocacy for sustainable fishing, the resort stands as a testament to the imperative of preserving marine ecosystems.
Establishing a marine protected area in 2013 was pivotal, managed vigilantly by marine biologists and local guardians, resulting in a remarkable resurgence of biodiversity. The iconic Manta Underwater Room symbolizes this success, extending exposure to the area and its transformative work. Beyond environmental efforts, the resort’s commitment to community upliftment is evident through workforce empowerment and support for local initiatives, contributing to economic growth and quality of life. Rooted in a shared ethos of empowerment and collaborative action with local communities, The Manta Resort serves as a catalyst for sustainable progress, safeguarding cultural heritage and advocating for responsible tourism. Its impact extends far beyond, inspiring a global movement towards regenerative tourism and shared positive change.
Basata Eco Lodge – Egypt
For over three decades, Basata Ecolodge has exemplified unwavering dedication to sustainability, conservation, and community progress since its establishment in 1986. This commitment is rooted in environmentally friendly management and behavior, seen in every aspect of the lodge’s operations. With natural materials, water and energy-saving systems, and an extensive solid waste management plan, the lodge integrates locals in its initiatives, offering guests immersive journeys that empower local communities and safeguard the environment.
Basata’s efforts extend to tangible initiatives addressing pressing environmental issues. They rigorously protect coral reefs through measures like no diving, reef health monitoring, and a fishing ban. Collaborating with Hemaya NGO, they support initiatives including solid waste management, nurturing a Bedouin kindergarten, and hosting impactful workshops for Bedouin women. Their comprehensive sustainability practices encompass waste reduction, water conservation, energy-conscious strategies, and a chemical-free environment.
In 2022, Basata’s visionary spirit led to the creation of the Sustainable Tourism Organization Egypt (STO), promoting eco-tourism and influencing guidelines with both the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment. Basata Ecolodge stands as a regional role model, propagating regenerative tourism’s ethos across guests, suppliers, fellow tourism enterprises, and governing bodies. Committed to a better future, Basata Ecolodge leaves a lasting legacy of a truly livable world for generations to come.
Bucuti Tara Beach Resort – Aruba
At the core of Bucuti Tara Beach Resort’s philosophy is regeneration, uniting their team, vendors, community, and guests in addressing social and environmental concerns. This commitment recently materialized in the donation of 30 acres of pristine land for a nature preserve, fostering reforestation initiatives and carbon sequestration. Their societal dedication is evident through initiatives like the Stimami Sterilisami foundation, impacting pet overpopulation, and partnerships with Pack for a Purpose, aiding children in crisis. Advocacy for conservation projects, monthly beach cleanups, and remarkable sustainability milestones—such as a significant reduction in waste-to-landfill and a pioneering solar panel system—underscore their devotion to protecting ecosystems and minimizing waste.
Bucuti Tara Beach Resort extends its influence by enabling associates and their families to embrace emission-reduction efforts through loans and subsidies. Their pioneering approach culminates in a pursuit of net-zero and even carbon-negative status. This trailblazing commitment not only benefits the resort but also the local community, environment, and partners, exemplifying how leadership translates into concrete action.
Fogo Island Inn – Newfoundland
Fogo Island Inn stands as a unique haven situated at the edge of the world, perched on an island off an island. Its 29 distinct guest rooms offer sweeping views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the formidable ocean. An exemplar of sustainability and cultural respect, the inn directs its operating surpluses towards the community, aiming to secure Fogo Island’s sustainable future.
Amidst the pandemic-induced economic turmoil, the “Community Economies Pilot” was born to address the fragility of Canadian community economies. Identifying a disconnect between public policy and the community, the project delved into fortifying community economies by exploring the symbiotic relationship between people and place. By reimagining policy development to incorporate local businesses and the community’s voice, the initiative aimed to strengthen the three foundational pillars of society: government, business, and community. The project drew lessons from five “Prototype Communities,” cultivating insights through workshops focused on capital, data, asset mapping, public policy, and collaboration structures. It unveiled the potency of philanthropy combined with government backing, revealing pathways for holistic community development.
The culmination showcased four pivotal strategies: collaborative architecture, local capacity building, financial capital acquisition, and data utilization. The initiative’s legacy includes community-driven projects like THRIVE Prince Edward County, a Community Finance Fund, the Economic Nutrition framework, and the creation of Data Hubs for ongoing mapping of local economies.
