Concordia Eco Resort St John Receives Lifetime Achievemnet Award
TIES Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the global ecotourism community
Press Release 2011
St John, USVI (September 19, 2011) - Stanley Selengut, founder of Concordia Eco-Resort and Maho Bay Camps on St. John, received the TIES Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
The TIES Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the global ecotourism community, and recognizes the distinguished achievements of those who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to promoting ecotourism and responsible travel. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) was founded in 1989 as the world's first international non-profit dedicated to ecotourism as a tool for conservation and sustainable development. It is the oldest and largest international ecotourism association.
Selengut?s contribution to ecotourism is more than the popular Concordia Eco-Resort and Maho Bay Camps on St. John. He has been more influential than other pioneers because of his appearances at over 100 conferences, features and articles in over 2,000 magazines and newspapers, and awards and recognition from various associations, conferences, travel writer and travel agent societies, government agencies, magazines, books and broadcast media. For over 35 years, Stanley Selengut has influenced planners, engineers, investors, bankers, developers, resort owners and managers, tour operators, environmental education specialists, interpretive designers, government tourism and park officials, NGO representatives, educators and a broad based universe of travelers.
Selengut provided a case study of a profitable yet low-impact resort within an undeveloped, fragile natural area. He provided a working and profitable example of a nature-based and sustainable eco-tourism development on undeveloped, high-potential, privately-owned property.
The future of Maho Bay Camps remains unsettled.Selengut?s land lease for Maho Bay expires in 2012 and this winter may be the last one for Maho. However, Concordia Eco-Resort?s future is clear and includes several sizes and types of accommodations: Concordia Studios, Eco-Tents and the new Eco-Studios. Concordia reflects various stages of Selengut?s low-impact philosophy - from recycling former condominium buildings into studios to eco-tents with running water, electricity and bathrooms to more traditional eco-studios with small footprints.
Built on the side of the hill overlooking Salt Pond Bay, Ram Head and Drunk Bay, Concordia provides breathtaking views to the East, South and West. Whether taking a yoga class in the Yoga Pavilion, dining at the Cafe, or lounging by Concordia's freshwater pool, Concordia provides tranquility and an "un-plugged" getaway for individuals, couples and families. Guests enjoy nearby beach access to Salt Pond Bay by taking a nature trail - about a 20 minute walk.