RCI “Go Green” Awards

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific was recognised for its environmental initiatives and practices when it won first prize and runner up in the inaugural RCI “Go Green” Awards presented today at the Australian Timeshare & Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC) Conference being held in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Seven Mile Beach received the first prize award and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Dunsborough was acknowledged as one of two runners up from the Australian and New Zealand entrants. The second runner-up went to Club Paihia in New Zealand.

In addition, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Coffs Harbour and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Flynns Beach each received an RCI “Go Green” Encouragement Award.

The awards were presented by Dr David Weaver, Professor of Tourism Research, School of Tourism, Leisure, Hotel & Sport Management, Griffith University, who also judged the awards for RCI.

Dr Weaver said he was particularly impressed by Wyndham Seven Mile Beach, which he said was a standout winner for the award. Dr Weaver said the re-creation of the natural habitat at the property increased the amount of Australian fauna in the area. He commented that this effort is more than introducing indigenous plants – many of which are propagated by the resort’s horticulturalist, Derek Howe – but also the removal of exotic species of bone seed and pine seed which are foreign to the region. Dr Weaver acknowledged the waste water treatment system, the recycling of kitchen waste, the use of “bush tucker” on the resort’s menu and the involvement of guests in garden tours including the ability for them to plant a specially selected shrub or tree in the resort’s gardens, as significant environmental initiatives. “I also really liked Unit 62”, said Dr Weaver commenting on the resort’s recently developed chicken coop, “as it gives kids staying at the property the understanding of the food cycle, knowing where the eggs have come from”.

Of his visit to Dunsborough in Western Australia, Dr Weaver said he was impressed that Wyndham Resort & Spa Dunsborough is growing some of its own food with a herb garden which is used by the resort’s restaurant and olive trees which are ideal for the climate in south-west Western Australia. Dr Weaver said the resort is also looking at developing a nature path on the land between the beach and the resort, but keeping it open to the local community. “I also really liked the use of reclaimed Jarrah timber for seating in the gardens, and the energy efficient lighting introduced in the refurbishment”, said Dr Weaver.

In both these cases, Dr Weaver commented that Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific had inherited some challenges with existing buildings on the property which were not developed with the environment in mind. However in both cases, the company and their staff had made significant improvements to the properties that demonstrated a commitment to caring for the environment.

Dr Weaver said that in reviewing all the entries, there were three things that stood out among the finalists:-
• The number of environmental criteria met;
• The documentation to substantiate progress;
• Additional initiatives being undertaken at the property outside the obvious criteria relating to energy efficiency,
  water usage and recycling.

Dr Weaver also acknowledged the passion and dedication of various individuals at the resorts who were committed to the environmental initiatives. This was supported by Barry Robinson, CEO and Managing Director and Marion Smart, Senior Vice President Property Development & Resort Operations who paid particular tribute to Kim Millington, Resort GM, and Derek Howe, Grounds & Maintenance Manager, at Seven Mile Beach, and to Rolf Bucher, Area GM WA, at Dunsborough. “Their commitment to improving the resorts and the surrounding environment reflects a commitment to ensuring long-term sustainability and provides a positive point of difference to the guest experience”, said Marion. “We are continuing to work on reducing the carbon footprint of our resorts in line with the company’s ‘Wyndham Green’ objectives”, she said.

As part of the prize, Wyndham Seven Mile Beach and Wyndham Resort & Spa Dunsborough will each receive a cash donation to spend on environmental initiatives at the respective properties.