11 March 2010
Kombo Beach Hotel in The Gambia has been awarded a Travelife Gold Award for its commitment to sustainable tourism. This is an impressive accolade for the 4* hotel in the Kotu region, as it is the only hotel both in The Gambia and West Africa in general, to be presented with Travelife accreditation, as well as its pinnacle award.
The award firstly recognises the hotel’s dedication to the ‘Environment’ – Kombo Beach implemented such procedures as water saving measures and electricity reduction. Secondly, it considers the extent of the hotel’s ‘Social Responsibilities’ – Kombo Beach established three key areas to develop: social welfare, the local economy, and charities / similar organisations.
The Travelife awards were developed by the FTO (British Federation of Tour Operators), which has now merged with ABTA (The Travel Association) and ANVR (Dutch Federation of Tour Operators). Hotels can complete a self-assessment online and then request that they are visited by a qualified Travelife auditor in order to have the information verified transparently.
Marc Van Maldegem, operations manager for Kombo Beach Hotel said:
“Since the hotel changed ownership in 2002 we have been passionate about implementing environmental and social management strategies. Kombo Beach Hotel prides itself in being involved in the social, economical and environmental life of its community. Our management is based on respect for local and ethical values, for people and for living together in harmony.”
The Gambia is a popular destination with UK holidaymakers, and Kombo Beach Hotel reports that approximately 65% of its guests come from the UK. Tour operators selling Kombo Beach Hotel include The Gambia Experience, Thomas Cook, and Monarch Holidays.
For more on the Travelife awards and hotels within the Travelife Collection, please visit www.travelife.co.uk
For more on Kombo Beach Hotel and its Sustainable Tourism Summary, please visit www.kombobeachhotel.gm
Ends
ABTA – The Travel Association was founded in 1950 and currently has 1,351 members with 5,700 outlets. Members include travel agents, tour operators and support services right across the spectrum from small family-owned businesses to the largest tour operators.
ABTA is the largest travel association in the UK and its members provide 90% of the foreign package holidays in the UK as well as selling millions of independent travel arrangements.
In 2008 ABTA merged with the Federation of Tour Operators [FTO], thereby cementing its role as the leading travel association and increasing benefits for both ABTA and FTO members. Both the ABTA brand, which is highly recognised by consumers, and the FTO brand, which is well known in destinations, will be retained.
As part of its comprehensive package of services to members, ABTA, as a non-party political organisation works to represent the interests of its Members to government and key opinion formers in the UK and EU.
