Industry Body recognises Voyages' Best Practice
Thursday, 22 December 2005
Australia's peak tourism industry body, the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), has officially recognised Voyages' corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs for their commitment to enhancing ecological sustainability, community benefit and Indigenous contribution.
The annual TTF 'Tourism & Transport Innovation Awards 2005' were announced last Wednesday, December 15, at a ceremony in front of 350 leaders from business and government at the Sydney Opera House.
According to Voyages CEO Grant Hunt, the award recognises Voyages commitment to not only nurturing and sharing sensitive and complex eco and cultural destinations, but also to protecting them for generations to come.
"Because we feel privileged to operate in some of Australia's more remote locations it is critically important to us that we address local needs and concerns," he said.
"The social and environmental contracts we have created are not an option, they are a vital way of life for us as a company."
Voyages has consistently strived for best practice through a range of CSR programs, such as the Mutitjulu Foundation: a unique partnership between the Mutitjulu Aboriginal Community beside Uluru and Voyages Ayers Rock Resort.
Established in December 2004, the Foundation was created to specifically reduce poverty, advance education, and improve health for members of the Mutitjulu Community. Voyages matches voluntary guest contributions, dollar-for-dollar, up to $200,000 each year and helped kick start the Foundation with an initial donation of $250,000.
"Following close consultation with Mutitjulu Community leaders, the Foundation's first project will be the construction of a Health Services Respite Centre," said Grant. "The centre will enable the delivery of critical health services such as a renal dialysis unit which will allow Mutitjulu Community residents to receive treatment locally and not have to make the 900km round trip to Alice Springs."
In addition to the Mutitjulu Foundation, Voyages was recognised for its rainforest regeneration program at its Cape Tribulation-Daintree Rainforest properties, Coconut Beach Rainforest Lodge and Ferntree Rainforest Lodge, as well as Voyages' lobbying of the Commonwealth Government to roll-out non-sniffable OPAL fuel to remote Aboriginal Communities in the Red Centre.
Voyages is an Australian travel company, providing experience-based holidays in spectacular wilderness locations including the Red Centre, Queensland, The Kimberley and Tasmania. Voyages operate award-winning properties such as Ayers Rock Resort, Longitude 131°, Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge and Cradle Mountain Lodge.