Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The SA Animal Sanctuary Alliance (Saasa) in Plettenberg Bay was recognised internationally for their strides in the sphere of responsible tourism when they took top honours in the major tourist attraction category during the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards hosted on board the Symphony of the Seas in the Caribbean on Sunday 15 September.

The awards were launched in 2002 to highlight best practices in terms of sustainable and responsible tourism around the world, to enhance the visibility and grant recognition to entities from the tourism industry practising these principles.

This year, there were 56 entries from 25 countries from across the globe that participated. Each entity was adjudicated by three prominent and distinguished industry judges who evaluated each according to leadership criteria in sustainability that encompass tangible, measurable benefits to the environment, enhance business, and the society and communities in which they operate.

Saasa includes four sanctuaries, three of which are located in Plettenberg Bay: Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, and the newly opened Monkeyland Kwa-Zulu Natal.

One of the sanctuary's main focus areas is to educate the public about the adverse effects of keeping wild animals as pets and fight for animal rights in tourism. They have a strict "no touch" policy at all of their sanctuaries. "We are very proud to bring this award back to South Africa," Saasa's Vijver Jonck said.

They are no strangers to this award, however, after having won it in 2014 too. "We are therefore very proud that we could win it again, especially after opening our fourth park in KZN. This shows we have carried over our values and continue to build on them," Jonck added.

Read a previous article here: Plett sanctuaries take top honours

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