Raising Awareness of Myanmar’s Responsible Tourism Leaders

The second Myanmar Responsible Tourism Awards (MRTA) took place in Chatrium Hotel in Yangon on 11th December 2018. MRTA aims to shine a spotlight on the achievements of responsible tourism businesses in Myanmar.

Yangon Travel Massive was a partner in the Myanmar Responsible Tourism Awards 2018, with a number of chapter members participating in the awards.

From start to finish, the Awards were arranged by Travel Massive Yangon member Johanna Pelican, Programme Manager at Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute. Chapter Members Byron Hartzler (of Myanmar Adventure Outfitters) and Thant Sin Oo (of Sampan Travel) were both called up on stage to collect awards. General Manager Melissa Tan was also in attendance, as Khiri Travel Myanmar had been shortlisted in the Best Responsible Tour Operator Category. Yangon Chapter Leaders Marcus Allender (Go-Myanmar.com) and Marie Starr (The Irrawaddy) were also at the Awards.

MRTA 2018 was organised in collaboration with the Business Innovation Facility (BIF). The Myanmar Responsible Tourism Awards work to raise awareness of the high potential that Myanmar’s tourism industry has to generate meaningful social, economic, and environmental benefits.

MRTA is inspiring others to adopt responsible tourism practices by encouraging competition to make sustainable and inclusive tourism the standard in Myanmar.

“The purpose of the awards is to encourage change in the industry and to recognize those who are making a positive impact towards responsible and sustainable tourism in Myanmar that promotes our unique environment, our culture and our people.” – Ko Nyunt, MRTI Chairman

The winners

More than 260 tourism industry professionals, stakeholders and influencers attended the Awards Ceremony, held at the Chatrium Hotel in Yangon.

A transparent and accountable selection process is at the heart of MRTA.  Seven travel and tourism experts were appointed as the MRTA Judges for 2018. Our judging panel brought together a diverse range of experience from the private sector, academia and non-profit organisations.

Congratulations to the winners and runner-ups:

Best Responsible Tourism Accommodation
Winner: Inle Princess Resort
Runner-up: Laguna Lodge – ECO Hotel

Best Tourism Product for Empowerment
Winner: Inle Canoe Lady
Runner-up: Beyond Boundaries Myanmar

Best Community Involvement in Tourism
Winner: Ayeyarwady Dolphin Conservation and Ecotourism
Runner-up: Community Involved Tourism Pa-O Region (CITPAR)

Best Tourism Business Innovation
Winner: Inle Horse Club
Runner-up: iDiscover Asia

Best Responsible Tourism Awareness Raising Project
Winner: Green Hill Valley Elephant Care Camp
Runner-up: ChuChu

Best Responsible Tourism Operator (Newcomer)
Winner: Myanmar Adventure Outfitters

Best Responsible Tourism Operator
Winner: Sampan Travel

Congratulations to all members who entered the awards and for celebrating responsible tourism achievements in the community!

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