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Andaman in the Mirror
Why Phuket-based Andaman Discoveries is asking you to change your ways
In the wake of the 2004 Asian tsunami, American Bodhi Garrett saw far beyond the death and disaster that had struck beaches all along the Andaman coast. After helping to pick up the pieces and delivering relief goods to remote villages of the Kuraburi region, the young entrepreneur set about building community-based tourism programmes among the most badly hit villages and founded a new company, Andaman Discoveries (AD). More than five years later, the region has returned to business as usual and while some scars take longer to heal, investment, industry and (most importantly) jobs, are back in Phuket and its surrounding islands.
AD’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Its rehabilitative work has earned it many awards including the Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award in 2008. Most recently it was named one of 12 finalists in the World Challenge 2009, a BBC-led competition for grassroots organisations and socially responsible businesses. AD was selected by the panel ahead of 900 other entrants.
“Andaman Discoveries really works on providing services to communities that help them take charge over their own sustainable development,” says Garrett. “We grew out of tsunami relief, so our connection with the communities comes from helping them rebuild their lives.”
The company has achieved its recognition by preserving local culture and promoting it. Instead of thumping parties among throngs of foreign tourists, visitors stay with local families and enjoy home-cooked meals. Cultural exchange and mutual understanding between locals and visitors is a priority, an important and oft-forgotten building block for any type of educational travel.
A superstar in terms of responsible travel, AD off ers options to suit any traveller, from camping on deserted islands to volunteer placements with local conservation efforts. The close relationship the company shares with local communities means all is fair and sustainable, not to mention rewarding. – Mikey Leung Andaman Discoveries, tel +66 (0)87 917 7165, www.andamandiscoveries.com
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