Local tour company Secret Paradise Maldives was commended under the Meaningful Connections category at the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2020.
The Meaningful Connections category acknowledges businesses in the tourism sector which continued efforts to establish or maintain communication via responsible tourism value-led marketing approaches and social media engagement amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Awards this year are about recognizing those in the travel and tourism sector who have made a real effort to address the impacts of COVID-19 and used their resources and facilities to make things at least a little better", stated WTM London's Responsible Tourism Advisor, Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin.
Usually held during the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the World Responsible Tourism Awards are the focus of WTM's responsible tourism programme, the largest global responsible tourism event. WTM 2020 is being held virtually in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Responsible Tourism Awards aims to recognise businesses and destinations that observe best practices in the industry, thereby educating, inspiring and challenging others to follow suit. Judges award Highly Commended or Commended status from among a list of businesses nominated by clients, partners or the public.
"Responsible Tourism and communication play an important role in all that we do" stated Secret Paradise Co-Founder Ruth Franklin.
"We are delighted to have been recognised by our guests and partners and Commended by the World Responsible Tourism Awards for Meaningful Connections. Since the departure of our last guests in March 2020 we have worked hard to maintain open, informative and inspirational communication connections with our team, our agents, our suppliers and guests".
She noted that these efforts included conducting weekly zoom calls, sending monthly update emails, publishing media blogs and articles, posting daily on social media channels and creating videos to familiarise both travellers and agents regarding responsible tourism and travel safety in Maldives.
Furthermore, Secret Paradise revealed ongoing efforts to implement safety, health and hygiene measures required under the guidelines for the World Travel and Tourism Council Safe Travels (WTTC) stamp as well Maldives' COVID-19 safety regulations.
Secret Paradise has announced that tour operations would resume in December 2020.
Established in 2012, Secret Paradise provides a range of tours to suit a variety of guest needs and preferences. Visitors are given the option to choose between guided tours overseen by local guides or independent travel with Secret Maldives arranging logistical aspects.
Additionally, Secret Paradise offers a curated selection of local accommodation as well as transport options as part of their tours. Visitors can also learn about corals, marine-life, sea grass and mangroves through presentations and experiences provided by local tour leaders.
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