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Travel Indochina is delighted to announce that it has been nominated for the prestigious 2009 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards in the category of ‘Best Tour Operator for Cultural Engagement’. To celebrate, it is donating £100 to a UK based Asian charity, for each booking made on their responsible travel focused “Indochina Footprints” journey departing 12th October 2009.
The Responsible Tourism Awards recognise commitment to cultural, economic and environmental contributions and are organised by online travel directory responsibletravel.com in collaboration with the Daily Telegraph, Geographical Magazine and BBC World News and the winners will be announced at World Travel Market on Wednesday 11th November 2009.
Travel Indochina General Manager, Chris Orme, says, “We are thrilled to be recognised in the field of responsible tourism. Since the company’s formation in 1993, it has always been our aim to create and operate itineraries that are both responsive to our clients’ interests and sensitive to local issues. Our Small Group Journeys offer an appreciation of local cultures whilst making a significant contribution to local economies. We’ve also produced our own City Guides which, through recommending patronage at shops and restaurants that support or train people from disadvantaged backgrounds, have had a tangible impact on local communities”.
The Asia specialist’s 13 day “Indochina Footprints” small group journey, featuring all three of Travel Indochina’s key destinations, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, highlights many of the issues facing these incredible countries and gives travellers a chance to help out on volunteer programmes for 2 days of the inspiring itinerary.
To demonstrate its commitment to the destinations it sells, Travel Indochina already donates US$100 to its chosen charities for every traveller who books this journey, but for every booking on the tour departing 12th October 2009, an additional £100 will be donated to another UK based Asia cause.
The 13 day “Indochina Footprints” journey starts from £1,530 and commences on 12th October 2009. Prices are based on twin-share accommodation and include 12 nights’ bed and breakfast, domestic transport, sightseeing as per the itinerary, a western tour leader and local English-speaking guides.
One of the causes that volunteers can help out with is the Childsafe Centre in Phnom Penh, which was set up to help local street children; guests will also have the chance to eat at a local restaurant run by the disadvantaged kids. Other opportunities include working at the inspiring Angkor Hospital for Children and taking part in a ‘book party’ organised by Big Brother Mouse, which aims to improve literacy in the rural villages of Laos.
In 2010, the “Indochina Footprints” tour extends to 14 days and the itinerary changes to incorporate Hanoi rather than Phnom Penh. Tours depart on 12th April and 15th November 2010.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
