Unesco Sustainable Pledge & akyra
Today Akyra Hotels signed the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge in partnership with the Expedia Group and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Akyra Hotels & Unesco Sustainable Pledge
1. What actions have you already taken to reduce and eliminate single-use plastic?
Eco-led efforts in the hotels include sourcing glass bottles and removing all single-use plastic from the restaurants and bars. As well as this, stylish stainless steel water bottles are handed to guests on arrival, which can be refilled anytime during their stay at the self-service water stations that are conveniently located. Additionally, toiletry products are presented in locally manufactured celadon containers filled with essential oils-based products and bio-degradable bin bags are used in rooms. For those wanting to indulge in some retail therapy outside of the hotels special shopping totes can be found in the wardrobes to encourage guests to refuse plastic bags when shopping, promoting change even whilst outside of the hotel.
2. What actions do you plan to take in the next 12 months to eliminate single-use plastic?
For the back of house, we cannot go completely single-use plastic-free because some of our suppliers are still delivering items with plastic wraps. We are however constantly and continually working with our suppliers to change the behaviour and habit and such habit and behaviour change takes time, but not impossible.
3. What actions have you already taken to support culture and local communities around your property?
akyra Manor Chiang Mai
Since May 2018, akyra Manor Chiang Mai has launched a number of community outreach projects at Sangwan Wittaya School, which was established in 1973 by her Royal Highness Princess Srinagrarindra. Aside from educating the local students on how to reduce plastic in their daily lives, our Chiang Mai team has also implemented a waste sorting system at the school.
akyra Thonglor Bangkok
At akyra Thonglor Bangkok, we’ve donated scholarships to support the students of Baankunsamut School. From planting organic vegetables to teaching English at schools with no budgets to making amendments to the school facilities.
We’ve also teamed up with the brilliant Foundation for the Welfare of the Mentally Retarded in nearby Klong Toey to support initiatives that foster opportunities for young children with mental health issues and learning disabilities from disadvantaged backgrounds. In October 2019, we hosted a lunch for the children and organised a series of engaging and educational activities, including needlework and jewellery-making classes. We also made a donation to support the teachers and the team.
4. What actions do you plan to take in the next 12 months support culture and local communities around your property?
To continue all the effort we are already taking, it’s our long-term commitment to create a positive impact on our precious environment, as well as the local community.
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