TWO resorts in Lapu-Lapu City joined the winners’ circle in the Green Hotel Award picked by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Maribago Bluewater on Buyong Road, Maribago and Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan in the Seascapes Resort town were among 10 winners of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award, along with three resorts from Bohol Province.
Also awarded last Friday were the ASEAN Homestay Award 2016 winners, in a ceremony that coincided with the close of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016 from Jan. 18-22.
Both awards are meant to recognize hotel industry players that meet major requirements and criteria of the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard and ASEAN Homestay Standard.
The ASEAN Green Hotel Standard is intended to establish a professional “green hotel operation” that includes an environmental plan that benefits not only the hotel itself but its environment and communities. It also recognizes accommodation establishments that promote awareness of the need to protect the environment.
The award also encourages local community participation, in that it recognizes those who help support local culture, arts, and crafts, through partnerships with stakeholders.
Apart from Maribago Bluewater and Crimson Resort and Spa in Cebu, the other Green Hotel awardees are: Amarela Resort, Amorita Resort, and The Bellevue Resort, all in Bohol Province; Baguio Country Club and The Manor at Camp John Hay, both in Baguio City; Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort in Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge in Basco, Batanes; and Pearl Farm in Davao del Norte.
On the other hand, the ASEAN Homestay Standard is part of an effort to set a minimum standard across all ASEAN member- states for homestay services. In homestay arrangements, guests stay with host families and experience the everyday way of life.
Homestays should preferably be “low-scale, low-density, flexible and spontaneous.” These should be owned and operated by the local communities so that the economic benefits go directly to them.
The ASEAN Homestay awardees are Agan’s Homestay in San Juan, Ate’s Homestay in Lazi, and Estelita Homestay in Lazi, all in Siquijor.
All winners were awarded with a plaque and certificate valid for three years. (PNA)