Airbnb Green Stays Awards

Malaysia 2021

Recognising eco-friendly stays across Malaysia

In collaboration with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY), the Airbnb Green Stays Awards aims to celebrate and recognise small, local tourism accommodation providers in Malaysia who have incorporated sustainability practices into their daily operations and hospitality offerings.

If you currently operate an accommodation business that adopts sustainable practices and meets our criteria, we want to hear from you!

Who is eligible for the award?

The Green Stays Awards are open to any small tourism accommodation provider in Malaysia that meets the following criteria:

  • Total revenue of RM 750,000 (USD180,462) or less in the 2019 financial year;
  • Employs 0 to 15 staff members.

You do not need to host with Airbnb to apply for the Awards. Submissions will close on 24 October 2021. *Update: The submission deadline has been extended to 31 October 2021.

Judging criteria

Use of green products
Maximising the use of local, eco-friendly, fair-trade products (e.g. guest essentials, bathroom amenities, cleaning materials, food and beverage items, etc.), and engaging guests in purchasing green products by providing information and education about these products
Waste management
Managing waste, including the introduction of waste management techniques (e.g. waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, etc.), and engaging guests in waste management and education (e.g. with programs and activities encouraging guest involvement)
Green energy use and energy conservation
Managing energy, including the introduction of energy saving or renewable energy equipment and activities, and engaging guests in energy saving activities
Water use and conservation
Managing water use, including the introduction of water conservation equipment and activities, and engaging guests in water saving activities
Biodiversity conservation
Supports and contributes to biodiversity conservation, including through appropriate management of your own property, minimising disturbance or positively contributing to natural protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value, and engaging guests in biodiversity education and activities

What will Award winners receive?

  • A physical and virtual Airbnb Green Stays Award, that may be shared to your website, Airbnb listing, and social media;
  • A closed-door workshop and networking session with global sustainable travel experts;
  • Promotion in selected Airbnb domestic travel campaigns; and
  • (For non-Airbnb Hosts who wish to list on Airbnb) Dedicated onboarding support from local Airbnb Ambassadors

Submissions close on 24 October 2021. *Update: The submission deadline has been extended to 31 October 2021.

Meet our judges

Dr. Mihee Kang
Dr. Mihee Kang is the Director for Asia-Pacific at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), where she leads GSTC’s programs and activities in the region. She is also the Managing Director of K TOURISM, a consultancy providing solutions for tourism destinations and businesses.
Andrew Sebastian
Andrew is President & CEO of Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), the only NGO in Malaysia that focuses on ecotourism and its connection to conservation. With over 23 years of experience as a naturalist and environmentalist, Andrew also leads professional ecotourism & wildlife tours. He is the subject matter expert for Tourism Malaysia, Co-founder of the Asian Bird Fair Network and Co-founder of the World Birdfairs Council.
Amanpreet Bajaj
Amanpreet Bajaj is the General Manager, India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Airbnb. He brings a wealth of experience from his role as General Manager responsible for the growth of Airbnb in India, having led operations for the market since 2015.
Dr. Mihee Kang
Dr. Mihee Kang is the Director for Asia-Pacific at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), where she leads GSTC’s programs and activities in the region. She is also the Managing Director of K TOURISM, a consultancy providing solutions for tourism destinations and businesses.
Andrew Sebastian
Andrew is President & CEO of Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), the only NGO in Malaysia that focuses on ecotourism and its connection to conservation. With over 23 years of experience as a naturalist and environmentalist, Andrew also leads professional ecotourism & wildlife tours. He is the subject matter expert for Tourism Malaysia, Co-founder of the Asian Bird Fair Network and Co-founder of the World Birdfairs Council.
Amanpreet Bajaj
Amanpreet Bajaj is the General Manager, India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Airbnb. He brings a wealth of experience from his role as General Manager responsible for the growth of Airbnb in India, having led operations for the market since 2015.

In collaboration with

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

GSTC manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism; as well as providing international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies.

Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY)

ECOMY is the premier national non-governmental organization that is focused on sustainable ecotourism as the way forward to ensure that conservation values are upheld at all key natural heritage sites in Malaysia.

Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC)

MGTC is an agency under the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) mandated to drive the country’s Green Growth, Climate Change Mitigation and Green Lifestyle agenda.