The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) announced that Green Key rated hotels can now include their Key ratings in AAA/CAA travel guides. AAA/CAA will now be supporting green certified hotels that are also “Diamond-rated” properties by encouraging promotion of their Key rating in TourBook advertising both in Canada and the United States.

“We are very pleased that AAA strongly supports environmental management and sustainability throughout the lodging industry and we look forward to extending this benefit to all Green Key hotels in North America,” said Tony Pollard, HAC president. “The consumer numbers show that the greening of hotels across North America is becoming more significant than ever and demonstrates why all hotels should make Green Key an important component of their overall greening efforts.”

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Tags: Eco-Rating, Green, Program, recognized

Andaman Discoveries, a grassroots responsible travel group in Thailand, has won the 2008 SEED Award, Travel+Lesiure Global Vision Award and is a finalist for the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award. Hilary Benn, Minister of DEFRA will honor Andaman Discoveries for their contribution to sustainable development.

Tui Chomphusri is a long way from her home on the sunny shores of Thailand's Andaman Coast. The tsunami of December 2004 set in motion an unusual chain of events that culminates in her visit to London this week. Initially working in disaster relief, Tui inspired villagers to develop alternative forms of income. These efforts spawned an innovative type of tourism that is now garnering international awards."When I arrived to help, I thought I was going to help clean up for a few weeks, and then I would go home again. What I found was something different - a chance to be a part of long-term development. Our efforts grew from simple fresh food delivery into programs that are helping people to build a better future. After all the hard work, I am finally able to take a deep breath and know that we are making a difference," Tui said.
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Tags: Awards, COMMUNITY, DEFRA, from, Minister, Prestigious, recognized, Reliance, Relief, Self, Thailand, tourism, Tsunami