Massimo & On - Owners

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Environmental, Social and Cultural Contributions and Protection.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

When you stay at Kingfisher Ecolodge, you not only get to experience a beautiful, unique, natural setting with quality accommodation, but you are also helping to preserve this fragile ecosystem utilising environmentally conscious accommodation. The property helps the local community to receive the basic needs that they would normally be deprived of and therefore you are promoting a business that operates in a sustainable way and upholds the true meaning of ‘Ecolodge'.

The owners and management of Kingfisher Ecolodge strongly believe that it is possible to operate the business in a sustainable manner and are passionate about sharing this knowledge and their experience with staff, guests and local community.

Kingfisher Ecolodge follows the core principles set by the Green Globe 21 that defines ecotourism. This is how the 8 principles are met:

1) Focus on giving visitors the opportunity to personally and directly experience nature (Natural Area Focus).
All accommodation has been designed to provide guests with optimal views of the wetlands and surroundings without harming this fragile ecology by being located as close as possible within the natural environment but not within the wetlands themselves.

2) Provide opportunities to experience nature in ways that lead to greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment (Interpretation).
Guests can gain an in-depth understanding and experience first hand the Xe Pian National Protected Area by participated in trekking, hiking and other low impact activities within the natural park that is conducted by Kingfisher Ecolodge in association with park management, local villages and International NGOs.

3) Represent best practice for environmentally sustainable tourism (Environmental Sustainability Practice).
- Wastewater is treated through an aerobic filter system minimising environmental pollution.
- Staff are continually trained and educated on how they can help protect the environment and how to uphold the Ecolodge philosophy and practice.
- Guests are encouraged to minimise water and energy use through written notifications.
- Management and staff endeavour to reduce, reuse and recycle as must as possible and organic waste being composted.
- Kingfisher Ecolodge prohibits the trade of wildlife and firmly refuses to buy and offer wildlife in any form to guests. Management and staff also take a proactive role to discourage local villages from doing so as well.

4) Contribute directly to the conservation of natural areas (Contribution to Conservation).
In conjunction with ongoing monitoring of the wetlands and surrounding Xe Pian NPA for illegal logging and hunting, Kingfisher Ecolodge works with the Xe Pian Natural Park management to contribute directly to the conservation of this area.

5) Provide ongoing contributions to the local community (Benefiting Local Communities).
- All staff, services and food are sourced locally meaning that employees including guides, fresh produce for the restaurants, elephants for trekking and other transportation is utilised from local communities. This increases the skill set of local people as well as contributing to the local economy.
- By participating in any of the activities offered at the Ecolodge, you are helping provide a better livelihood, education and development of the local community.5% of the price paid by guests for any of the activities offered by Kingfisher Ecolodge is contributed directly to support Khiet Ngong Village Primary School. Kingfisher Ecolodge strongly believes that education is the key to development and environmental protection.

6) Be sensitive to, interpret and involve the culture/s existing in the area (Cultural Respect).
As foreigners working or visiting Laos, it is important to respect the local culture and traditions as we are guests in this country. Kingfisher Ecolodge built strong relations with the local villages based on respect and trust. The lodge was built following local customs, for example, to appease the spirits, in accordance to traditional local customs. Guests are also guided with appropriate behaviour, dress and cultural differences through written notices at the lodge. This is to help avoid any act that may be considered offensive by local people.

7) Consistently meets consumer expectations (Customer Satisfaction).
Kingfisher Ecolodge is primarily dedicated to the satisfaction of their guests. A written feedback form is provided in order for the lodge to continually improve to meet guests' expectations and needs.

8) Be marketed and promoted honestly and accurately so that realistic expectations are formed (Responsible Marketing).
Kingfisher Ecolodge has a strong ethic to uphold its principles, missions and statement, especially in the form of guest satisfaction and sustainable tourism. Guests are encouraged to leave any feedback if the lodge falls short of their expectations.