Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Win Prestigious Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards 2012.

"Doing It All" for the environment.

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Four Seasons Resorts Maldives have won the Doing It All and Wildlife Conservation categories for large resorts in the Condé Nast Traveler (US) World Savers Awards 2012 – created to honour the travel companies that are doing the most to help protect the planet and give back to their local communities.

The Resorts also received the runner-up award for the Education category in recognition of a decade of dedication to Four Seasons Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme.

Now in its sixth year, and judged by an independent panel, the annual World Savers Awards celebrate visionary companies that are making a difference in five areas of social responsibility: Wildlife Conservation, Preservation (Environment and Cultural), Health Initiatives, Poverty Relief and Education. The Doing it All award celebrates the overall winners in eight industry sectors ranging from small hotel chains (fewer than 20 properties) to large lodges and resorts, tour operators, cruise lines, and airlines.

Commenting on the Awards, Armando Kraenzlin, regional vice president of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives said: "It's in Four Seasons DNA to take steps to support the local community and environment in every destination where we operate; our social and environmental efforts in the Maldives date back to 1998. We have grown from very humble beginnings to a combination of projects today with the potential to make a real difference to the local community and environment. It's great to have our efforts recognized, but the reality is that every local corporation has a key role to play in the sustainable development of the Maldives."

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives environmental efforts began in 1998 – Kuda Huraa's first year of opening – with the coral reef regeneration project, now known as Reefscapers. Developed with local environmental consultancy Seamarc Pvt. Ltd, it is now one of the most successful of its kind in the world. More than 2,400 coral frames have been propagated in the lagoons of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, strengthening the islands' house reefs and providing new habitats for countless species of wildlife. Now in their 14th year of working with Seamarc, the Resorts have adopted additional projects that range from fish breeding to turtle conservation.

Four Seasons Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme started in 2001 and was accredited Government of Maldives Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certification – the first in the country – in 2011. More than 265 young Maldivian students have graduated from the program to date. The Resorts also host the annual Four Seasons Saqaafee Vaadha (Four Seasons Youth Culture Competition) and have opened two pioneering Marine Discovery Centres – interactive centres of research and education for guests and locals alike. Other contributory efforts include, among other things, two Resort water-bottling plants, plant nurseries, local education and awareness outreach programs, health initiatives in support of local islands, support for local artisans, teachers and the Manta Trust charity.

Moving forward, the team at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru is committed to working closely with local communities and agencies to ensure that the Baa Atoll World Biosphere becomes a world-class example of its kind, while at Kuda Huraa, the focus is very much on continuing to develop the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme.

Katie Taylor, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, will be receiving the awards on the Resorts' behalf at the Condé Nast Traveler 25th Anniversary Visionaries Gala on September 18, 2012 at Lincoln Center in New York City.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. With 90 properties in 36 countries, and more than 50 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit http://press.fourseasons.com.

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SOURCE: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts