Society of American Travel Writers awards Peruvian company Inkaterra with one of five Phoenix 2023 awards

25-09-23

The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) announced the winners of the Phoenix 2023 awards, which recognise outstanding achievements in the tourism industry. 

The Inkaterra hotel group, led by entrepreneur and president of Peru's Chamber of Tourism José Koechlin von Stein, was one of five winners, along with a global hotel company, a museum near the Arctic Circle, a revitalised nine-block urban area, a luxury inn in Peru and a world-class aquarium in California.

Inkaterra, with hotels in the Amazon rainforest, Machu Picchu and Cusco, focuses on preserving Peru's natural and cultural gifts. The company pioneered sound environmental practices since its founding by José Koechlin von Stein 47 years ago, and was the first Peruvian company to be declared carbon neutral. The United Nations named it the world's first "climate positive" hotel brand.

The hotel group collaborates with scientists on flora and fauna studies in the region. Species inventoried on its properties include 814 birds, 365 ants, 313 butterflies and more than 100 mammals. Biodiversity initiatives include the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, designed to study the rainforest canopy, the Bear Rescue Centre and the world's largest native orchid collection.

It also works with Peruvian companies and organisations to convert waste into biofuel and fertiliser. The company employs staff to process used vegetable oil. In addition, Inkaterra engages local communities, and more than 4,000 local people have found careers with the company in hospitality, field guidance and agroforestry projects.

The SATW Phoenix Awards recognise companies and organisations that are making a positive difference in the tourism industry. This year's winners are an example of how tourism can be sustainable and responsible.