VANUA LEVU, FIJI ISLANDS—Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort announced that it is a recipient of Islands magazine’s 2007 Global Sustainable Tourism Award. The December issue features its Blue List, the 100 “best of the best” people and places compiled from readers’ and editors’ recommendations of leaders in responsible tourism, who show commitment to preserving the beauty of island life worldwide.
Of the 100 “best of the best,” five were selected to receive the Global Sustainable Tourism Award. This award adds to a number of honors for the resort, which include “Leading Boutique Resort in Fiji” from the 2007 World Travel Awards, TripAdvisor’s No. 1 environmentally friendly destination, and Forbes.com’s “Best Environmentally Correct Resort.”
“Sustainability is not a passing trend in the hospitality industry; it is an attainable goal for which we are excited to receive continued recognition,” said Mike Freed, managing partner of Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort.
The resort is located on the island of Vanua Levu on a former 17-acre coconut plantation overlooking Savusavu Bay. Accommodations are 25 Fijian-style, thatched-roof bures set amongst palm trees. Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort draws couples, families, water enthusiasts and eco-travelers. The resort was instrumental in establishing the world-acclaimed Namena Reef as a protected area. It has also established a Giant Clam restoration program, and has a solar water heating system. The resort’s own marine biologist and medicine man educate guests on the local ecosystem and community through a variety of daily activities such as guided snorkeling trips and reef walks.
The resort has fostered a close relationship with its local Fijian community. Guided tours of a nearby village are organized in collaboration with residents as a way to spotlight their rich culture and history. Portions of the fees from both the tour and diving are given back to the community through reef protection programs and a scholarship fund for local children. The resort also hosts annual dental and vision clinics and doctor visits for villagers.
Go to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort.
