TWO major players in the tourism industry from Perak and Kedah recently proved why they are among the best at the inaugural green and geopark excellence awards (GAGA) in Langkawi.
Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Alexander Issac stressed that sustainability must become a way of life for both tourism players and tourists alike.
"We must walk the talk as the saying goes. Leadership by example and winning an award is a testament towards protecting our environment.
"It is time that we no longer preach about sustainability but act and show it to our clients and community," said Alexander.
The operator clinched the best cruise geopark operator award.
He said that the Unesco geopark status which Langkawi has attained since 2007, is not just about geology or rocks' formation but conservation and preservation of sustainable practices.
Hence, Tropical Charters need to reaffirm its status as a green-friendly operator by helping the authorities scout for indiscriminate waste dumping and advocate the 3Rs of waste management by reducing, reusing and recycling.
He also supported the notion that parts of Langkawi can incorporate the internationally mooted zero waste status by banning single use plastics and employing a high recycling rate among the travel trade members here.
For starters, Alexander has directed his engineers to conduct maintenance work by incorporating green practices and to ensure there is no discharge of waste into the sea.
Meanwhile in Ipoh, the owner of the TUI - managed Haven condominiums and resort, Peter Chan spoke of the need to stress the message that geopark means sustainability.
"Winning the Best Geopark Hotel & Residence 2025 isn’t just an award — it’s a reflection of how deeply our resort is connected to the beauty, heritage, and natural charm of the Kinta Valley Geopark."
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Chan spoke of his efforts and investment gone into making the resort one the better green certified properties in Perak's capital.
During the construction of the residence and resort-living property, Chan said that the contractors took care in not damaging the limestone hills and a serene lake.
This has enabled the resort to market forested walks and hiking for its guests.
Chan has also pledged to redouble his commitment towards sustainability, saying that eco-tourism should become the centre piece of the "Visit Malaysia Year 2026," campaign.
GAGA is a private initiative supported by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to showcase sustainable practices within the geopark network.
One way is to reward both the public and private sectors by recognizing the winners through GAGA.
There are 229 Unesco global geoparks in the world, with the main feature of geological significance but for LADA tourism manager Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari, the Unesco status is also about empowering the community towards a sustainable way of life.
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One way is to reward green heroes through GAGA recognition.
A geopark is an area of geological significance, featuring ancient rock formations, volcanic craters, and fossils that offer a window into earth’s history.
Besides the ones in Langkawi, Sabah, Perak and Sarawak, there are the Gombok Hulu Langat Geopark in Selangor, Jerai in Sik, Kedah, the Kinta Valley in Perak, Labuan in Sabah, Strong in Kelantan, Kenyir in Terengganu, Lipis in Pahang and the whole of Perlis, is also certified as a national geopark. - December 5, 2025.
