Canyon Village, a showcase for sustainable use of energy
GONDWANA’s Canyon Village won the Responsible Tourism Award 2020 in the Accommodation Establishment category. Part of the lodge’s energy needs is covered by the solar system.
It is the fifth consecutive year that a Gondwana Collection Namibia property has reached the final round of the Responsible Tourism Awards (RTA) and the second time to win the award. Canyon Village scooped the prestigious award in the Accommodation Establishment category.
The winners were announced at the Namibia Tourism Expo in Windhoek.
A specific topic is selected each year, which is in line with the topic of the Tourism Expo. This year’s topic and therefore focus was on sustainable energy.
Sadly, there was no selection of in the tour operator category for 2020, but it will occur once again next year. The finalists for the accommodation establishment category were Huab under Canvas from Ultimate Safaris, Hoanib Skeleton Coast from Wilderness Safaris and Canyon Village from Gondwana Collection Namibia. Hats off to all of these establishments for being finalists. All three received 100 percent in the sustainable energy section of the Eco Awards assessment.
This year’s race for the coveted award was decided on the basis of interviews with lodge employees, during which the assessors were able to gain an impression of the employees’ level of knowledge regarding the use of alternative energies. Congratulations to Canyon Village, its team leaders and employees.
Canyon Village lies at the foot of a sweeping rock face in Gondwana Canyon Park, the famous Fish River Canyon is just 20 km away.
Well-appointed cottages in the Cape Dutch style afford views of the vast canyon scenery. Dozens of murals depict the history and culture of the Bondelswart Nama, the earlier inhabitants of this area.
Like almost all Gondwana properties the Canyon Village is equipped with a solar- and a water treatment system. The gardens have largely been planted with indigenous trees, shrubs and succulents that thrive on small amounts of water. Social responsibility and waste recycling are also very important.
In-house training for the team of the company include courses to promote environmental awareness.