The EXO Foundation, a non-profit organisation supporting sustainable tourism initiatives, held its first ever Sustainability Awards on 28 September 2023. More than twenty projects were awarded prizes totaling $40,000 USD in value.
The goal of the awards was to identify, support and promote exemplary projects that seek to innovate sustainability in Asia. From an initial fifty applicants, the field was narrowed to twenty nominees across five categories: Climate Action, Circular Economy, Regenerating Nature, Empowering Communities and Protecting Cultural Heritage.
A panel of internationally-recognised sustainable tourism professionals was enlisted to evaluate each nominee and vote according to its merits.
A sixth ‘People’s Choice Award’ was granted based on a month-long public vote.
Following the awards ceremony, which was held digitally, EXO Foundation hosted a panel discussion to further explore the role of sustainable practices in the tourism sector.
– “Today, we are very honoured to back the efforts and the work of organisations that champion transformative projects” -Hamish Keith, EXO CEO
– “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” – Alexandra Michat, EXO Chief Purpose Officer
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.
