‘From Trash To Tote’: Banyan Tree Krabi’s latest environmental initiative
A local vendor in Thailand’s southern province Krabi, has teamed up with the luxury beach villa ‘Banyan Tree Krabi’ to help guests reduce their carbon foot print from the moment they arrive.
Rather than receiving the usual ‘welcome pack’ at check in, guests are presented with a novel tote bag that was created by local artisans using upcycled waste washed up on local beaches as part of the “Souvenirs from the sea” project.
The vendor scours the shores around Krabi each morning and picks up debris from the shores that is cleaned, dried and modified into safe, colourful and eco-friendly souvenirs for tourists in a process known as ‘upcycling’.
“There’s a fine line between recycling and upcycling,” explained Banyan Tree’s sustainability manager Thepsuda Loyjiw.
“Recycling is when we save materials such as glass and plastic for general reuse, while upcycling is the art of taking waste products and reinventing them as something else.”
The project comes at a time when southern Thailand’s coastal environment is under the spotlight. Several islands and beaches, such as Maya Bay have been closed in recent years due to the impact of tourism on coral and marine life.
In recent years, a series of laws have been passed to protect Thailand’s famed sapphire seas and palm-fringed beaches, including bans on smoking, the feeding of marine life, wastewater dumping, fishing or anchoring on coral reefs.
Marine scientist, Tipwimon Rattanawongwan, who is also the new sustainability coordinator at the resort said guests often double take when they receive the pouch.
“But this immediately gives their Banyan Tree host an opportunity to explain about our sustainability programs and eco-friendly policies,” Rattanawongwan said.
“Our guests feel they are doing their bit, that they too are invested in the protection and conservation of the local environment.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Banyan Tree krabi sustainability thailand UpcyclingLatest News
Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort receives accolades at the 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards
The Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort has received five prestigious accolades at the recently held 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards. The 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards has once again set a new benchmark in hospitality, recognising exceptional contributions by hotels, lodges, villas, resorts, spas, and restaurants worldwide that excel in customer service […]
Aranui Cruises appoints Moana McKeen as first NZ BDM
Nice timing with a Sydney showcase on this evening. Congrats Moana, you are on fire!
What city is Australia’s favourite domestic travel destination. You’d be surprised!
Note this is domestic travel, not numbers from international visitors. Let the rivalry continue.
SXSW: Among thousands of destinations, there’s no place like home: IHG’s ‘Mind Lobby’ tells me
Ok, so I have travelled a bit lately, so my body wants to do one thing and my mind wants to do another.
Mandala Hotels and Resorts opens Hoteloco in Sydney
The hotel is located in an area of Sydney set to boom. Keen on the inside scoop? You'll have to click here!
Crowne Plaza Fiji appoints Australian Lisa Costello as new director of sales
We presume Lisa will be offloading a heap of loyalty points to family and friends in this new role.
Adventure World unveils skilled additions to Sydney and Auckland offices
We're sure the photoshop skills we put to use in the lead image here must strike fear in our graphic design team.
Emirates repatriation flights help Australians return home from Lebanon
We wish for the safe return of all Australians citizens, and end to the conflict.
Virgin Australia reports second year of profit as it mulls IPO
Revenge travel has something to do with a return to profit, but let's hope Bain doesn't cut and run just yet.
Zentis Osaka launches new “Stay and Savor” package
Swap the hearty bowl of Ramen for a classy high tea in Osaka. We think we'd have room for both.
Nominations officially open for CLIA’s 22nd annual cruise awards
It's getting to the time of the year to dust off your dressiest outfit. Or buy a new one if it no longer fits...
ATIA announces new director as Laura Ruffles steps down
Out with the old, in with the new. But we're sure it's all love... Unlike the last colleague that left us. Just kidding!
Women in Travel: Inside Travel Group’s Amanda Highfield on where there’s still work to be done
Strive together and thrive together resulting in more women in top roles is the key thread in this interview.
Club Med’s Endless Summer Sale offers up to 30% off 2025 summer season
It's time to don the linen shirt, pull out the Birkenstocks and head to Club Med, or at least that's what we reckon.
Score 25% off Eurail Global Pass for the next week only
If your clients don't mind moving at a slower pace, this is big news. Not so great for those that can't sit still!
Atlas Ocean Voyages announces early booking promotion
Small ship, large barely inhabited continent ticks a few boxes for Aussie cruise lovers.
Movenpick launches the 2024 Kilo of Kindness campaign
Movenpick's giving away educational goods to those in need. We're used to gaining kilos from the ice cream variety.
Journey Beyond, Tourism Western Australian and Southern Crossings hosts a famil at Sal Salis
As far as famils go, Tourism WA hit it out of the park with showcasing the state to the world.
GALLERY: The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa revealed in Tahiti
"Tahiti, looks nice", "Simon, Tahiti", are two phrases that have passed into in the annals of advertising folklore!
Qatar celebrates 15 years of servicing Australia with local focused menu
It's no scoop that the front end has fine dining options, so if you've never tasted strawberry gum, now's the time.
SXSW: While we have the now infamous Raygun, US Olympic breaker B-Boy Jeffro will show us how it’s done
There were actually some legit breakers at the first and last appearance of this 'sport' at the Olympics.
Today is your last chance to enter Travel Weekly’s Women in Travel Awards
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about entering this year’s Women in Travel Awards, then now is your time to make the leap. The Women in Travel Awards highlights the incredible work of women within the travel industry and is open to female-identifying talent across all levels of their careers. It takes just 10 […]
Renaissance Tours launches culture packed 2025 program
From ballet to the opera or perusing amazing art galleries, you might come from tour back with an expensive taste.
QantasLink’s next generation Airbus A220 aircraft lands in Launceston today
With 20 per cent more overhead locker space, does that mean people will try to stuff even more into their carry-on?
Capella Sydney collabs with Fluidform for wellness membership
We can concur that sticking to a wellness regime whilst travelling is no easy feat.
Cruise Month puts a focus on the growing popularity of expedition cruising
Expedition cruising is this week's subject, but we are ready to indulge in Luxe which is next week!
NSW Tourism Minister John Graham: ‘A decade of lockouts, lockdowns and over-regulation did enormous damage’
A decade on, green shoots are showing, but lack of consistency across agencies is still a nightlife killer.
Dorsett Melbourne: Redefining accessible luxury accommodation for all
18 months after opening, Dorsett has already begun picking up awards. Pretty good going if you ask us!
FAMIL: With destinations jaded by overtourism, the Solomon Islands offers a chance to build differently
While there's a history of headhunting, ceremonial skulls and war zones, we prefer languid afternoons by the beach.
Austrian allure: A carousel of concerts, celebrations and charm in 2025
The splendor of Austria is celebrated in music, history, scenery and sport, from the lakes to its mountain tops.
Canuckiwi appoints Peri McCardle as account director for Australia and New Zealand
We know there's no better way to kick your week off than seeing your headshot in a news story. You're welcome Peri!
FIRST LOOK: Inside the 4,000sqm ‘Bluey’s World’ experience
If you've got a fear of big stuffed animals, this could be a great chance for exposure therapy!
Groupe Barriere appoints La Collection as ANZ representative of its Fouquet’s properties
With a hotel that looks like this you'll be forgiven for not leaving your bedroom.
The best way to spend three days in San Francisco with Infinity Holidays
Three days will never be enough time in San Fran, but with the help of Infinity Holidays, you can give it a good nudge.
A Culinary Journey Through Southwest France
Let's face it - if you're going to France, you just have to enjoy all of the food and drink on offer.
Royal Caribbean unveils its latest Perfect Day Mexico adventure
Royal Caribbean: Building the biggest ships in the world one day, buying islands the next.