Eco-lodge in Thailand honored for responsible tourism


Anurak Community Lodge, an eco-friendly hotel in southern Surat Thani province, was named last week by National Geographic Traveller as one of three dozen hotels around the world that are shining examples of sustainable and responsible tourism.
 
The magazine included the Anurak Community Lodge in its Earth Collection, which is only open to hotels and other venues that have already won environmental awards. They must be leading advocates of sustainable tourism practices, the magazine said. The 68-page collection includes properties on every continent.
 
“Hotels and resorts across the globe are trying to make a difference to the impact they have on the planet,” said Adam Fox, project manager at National Geographic Traveller. “Earth Collection is a unique platform to champion their contributions, innovative plans, and certifications for being sustainably minded.”
 
Anurak had won the Environment category of the 2019 SKAL Asian Area Awards. Consisting of several bungalows, the lodge is nestled in the lush green surroundings of Khao Sok National Park. “Fall asleep to the sounds of the crickets and cicadas in the cool jungle air and wake up by the whooping of the gibbons,’’ Anurak says on its website.
 
“Anurak Community Lodge is designed for the environmentally conscious, eco-adventure traveler, seeking intimate contact with the unique natural heritage of Khao Sok and the local community,’’ the website says.
 
National Geographic wrote that guests engage in minimal-impact tourism activities such as hiking, river kayaking, cycling, rafting, jungle cooking and exploring nearby Chiew Larn Lake. The lodge offers 20 eco-friendly rooms across 12 well-appointed bungalows and two safari-style tents.
 
“Invitation to join the Nat Geo Traveller Earth Collection comes as an honor,” said Willem Niemeijer, CEO of the Anurak’s parent company, YAANA Ventures. “It recognizes the unique and caring relationships that Anurak Community Lodge has fostered with the natural environment and the communities.
 
Photo courtesy of https://anuraklodge.com/pac