Diversey, now a part of Sealed Air, presented an award for the “Best Initiative in Sustainable Development” to Tsara Komba, a luxury Ecolodge located on Lemur Island in Madagascar, at the 13th annual Worldwide Hospitality Awards organized by MKG Group.  Diversey presented the award at a ceremony in Paris on Nov. 12.  

“Our property is located among one of the world’s richest ecosystems, so preservation of this sublime environment is of extreme importance to our organization,” said Maryse Zohar, Tsara Komba Lodge Director.  “We are also committed to sustainable development for the benefit of the local population.  We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award.”

In addition to implementing sustainable best practices within its operations such as recycling, water conservation and use of low-voltage lighting, Tsara Komba created a non-government organization (NGO) that acts in favor of the local community.  The NGO developed 30 new houses and a nursery school staffed with two teachers for a local village.  It also established a system of water adduction, a rain drainage system and provided bathroom appliances, showers and laundry facilities.

“We are honored to present this award to such a deserving organization,” said Pedro Chidichimo, President of Sealed Air’s Diversey business unit. “Diversey is committed to providing a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations and we are pleased to be a part of this year’s Worldwide Hospitality Awards program.”

The Worldwide Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation in nine categories for hotels and three categories for hospitality schools.  The “Best Initiative in Sustainable Development” honors a hotel brand or group that demonstrates sustainability best practices within its operations and/or social responsibility towards the local population, staff and tourist sites.

Other finalists include NH Hotels and Accor. NH Hotels submitted its “UP! For Hospitality” program, which builds positive relationships within the communities in which its hotels operate. Accor submitted two programs. The first is ReBorn, an innovative program that allows its hotels to dispose of their old furniture after renovations through an e-shop on eBay.fr. The second is Accor’s e-learning tool which trains employees on sustainable development.

The Worldwide Hospitality Awards program promotes initiatives from around the world and is representative of the international hospitality industry.  The awards committee receives nearly 150 applications from leading hotel brands and groups each year.