Recognising eco-friendly stays across Malaysia
In collaboration with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY), the Airbnb Green Stays Awards aims to celebrate and recognise small, local tourism accommodation providers in Malaysia who have incorporated sustainability practices into their daily operations and hospitality offerings.
Who is eligible for the award?
The Green Stays Awards are open to any small tourism accommodation provider in Malaysia that meets the following criteria:
- Total revenue of RM 750,000 (USD180,462) or less in the 2019 financial year;
- Employs 0 to 15 staff members.
You do not need to host with Airbnb to apply for the Awards. Submissions will close on 24 October 2021. *Update: The submission deadline has been extended to 31 October 2021.
Judging criteria
Use of green products
Maximising the use of local, eco-friendly, fair-trade products (e.g. guest essentials, bathroom amenities, cleaning materials, food and beverage items, etc.), and engaging guests in purchasing green products by providing information and education about these products
Waste management
Managing waste, including the introduction of waste management techniques (e.g. waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, etc.), and engaging guests in waste management and education (e.g. with programs and activities encouraging guest involvement)
Green energy use and energy conservation
Managing energy, including the introduction of energy saving or renewable energy equipment and activities, and engaging guests in energy saving activities
Water use and conservation
Managing water use, including the introduction of water conservation equipment and activities, and engaging guests in water saving activities
Biodiversity conservation
Supports and contributes to biodiversity conservation, including through appropriate management of your own property, minimising disturbance or positively contributing to natural protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value, and engaging guests in biodiversity education and activities
What will Award winners receive?
- A physical and virtual Airbnb Green Stays Award, that may be shared to your website, Airbnb listing, and social media;
- A closed-door workshop and networking session with global sustainable travel experts;
- Promotion in selected Airbnb domestic travel campaigns; and
- (For non-Airbnb Hosts who wish to list on Airbnb) Dedicated onboarding support from local Airbnb Ambassadors
Thank you for your interest. Submissions have closed on 31 October 2021.
Meet our judges
Dr. Mihee Kang
Dr. Mihee Kang is the Director for Asia-Pacific at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), where she leads GSTC’s programs and activities in the region. She is also the Managing Director of K TOURISM, a consultancy providing solutions for tourism destinations and businesses.
Andrew Sebastian
Andrew is President & CEO of Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), the only NGO in Malaysia that focuses on ecotourism and its connection to conservation. With over 23 years of experience as a naturalist and environmentalist, Andrew also leads professional ecotourism & wildlife tours. He is the subject matter expert for Tourism Malaysia, Co-founder of the Asian Bird Fair Network and Co-founder of the World Birdfairs Council.
Amanpreet Bajaj
Amanpreet Bajaj is the General Manager, India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Airbnb. He brings a wealth of experience from his role as General Manager responsible for the growth of Airbnb in India, having led operations for the market since 2015.
Dr. Mihee Kang
Dr. Mihee Kang is the Director for Asia-Pacific at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), where she leads GSTC’s programs and activities in the region. She is also the Managing Director of K TOURISM, a consultancy providing solutions for tourism destinations and businesses.
Andrew Sebastian
Andrew is President & CEO of Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), the only NGO in Malaysia that focuses on ecotourism and its connection to conservation. With over 23 years of experience as a naturalist and environmentalist, Andrew also leads professional ecotourism & wildlife tours. He is the subject matter expert for Tourism Malaysia, Co-founder of the Asian Bird Fair Network and Co-founder of the World Birdfairs Council.
Amanpreet Bajaj
Amanpreet Bajaj is the General Manager, India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Airbnb. He brings a wealth of experience from his role as General Manager responsible for the growth of Airbnb in India, having led operations for the market since 2015.