Ecotoerisme - Universiteit Utrecht

Appendix Ahttp://www.goldenbuddharesort.com/lost_horizon_resort_co.ltd.html (geraadpleegd: 23maart 2009)Lost Horizon Resort Co. Ltd.Golden Buddha Beach Resort is owned by Lost Horizon Resort Co. Ltd., a company which hasdeveloped an enviable reputation in eco‐tourism. The resort was first established by DickSandler in 1985. Dana Fowlkes and Richard Rhodes joined the company in 2006 as co‐ownersand directors. LHR focuses on developing the resort into a premier ecologically sustainableholiday destination.Dick has lived in Thailand for over 30 years, working for organisations such as the WorldBank and United Nations. He has successfully been involved in the development of severaleco‐resort destinations in Thailand. Dana's interest in the Resort is based on its uniquenatural features, especially the rich botanical and zoological environs. Previously, he enjoyeda successful career in academia and is a bio‐technology entrepreneur. Richard, also with akeen interest in nature and the environment, worked in London for the past 16 years in bothtravel and banking industries, while investing considerable time fund raising fororganisations such as the WWF.Golden Buddha Beach Resort is managed locally by Miss Thanyaporn Sukkao. Thanya hasworked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years including such 5 star properties as LeMeridian. She is fluent in Thai, English, French, and German.Things about Golden Buddha Resort that make it an eco‐ and earth‐friendly resortThe definition of an Eco Resort is generally left up to marketing geniuses. For instance, BlueBamboo Eco Lodge might say, “only organic soaps and shampoos are used in our facilities”or “our views into the Khao Sok National Park constantly remind one of the importance ofbiodiversity.” All the while consuming huge amounts of energy on air conditioning, waterfeatures and paying staff below the minimum legal wages and firing them with a day’s noticewhen business falls.19