The founder and CEO of Song Saa, Rory Hunter, has been singled out by the World Economic Forum a Young Global Leader as a result of his pioneering work in the field of sustainable tourism.
Song Saa – Image Courtesy of Vladi Private Islands
The Song Saa Private Island Team has had plenty of cause to celebrate these past few months. As well as receiving words of praise from His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco during his recent visit to the island in November 2014, the island has once again hit the headlines for all the right reasons, with the island’s founder and CEO’s appointment to the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Community.
The award recognizes the efforts of entrepreneurial individuals who commit their time and talent to make the world a better place. Counting some of the world’s most pioneering, next-generation leaders amongst their ranks, the Young Global Leader Community recognizes distinguished leaders under the age of 40 deemed to have produced “positive, tangible impacts in their countries, industries and societies.”
According to John Dutton, Director of the Young Global Leaders Community at the World Economic Forum, Hunter’s nomination came about as a result of both his “innovation in pioneering a sustainable model for hotel development” and his tireless commitment to making a lasting positive impact amongst the communities of the Koh Rong Archipelago by preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Cambodia.
“It is a great honour to join the Forum of Young Global Leaders,” explained Hunter in an interview with Bird Travel PR, before going on to acknowledge the efforts of the rest of the Song Saa team. “I’m proud of the time and energy expended over the past decade to achieve what the Song Saa team has tirelessly worked towards,” he continued. “For me this honour is less a personal accolade and more an incredible opportunity.”
Along with his wife and a team of dedicated marine life experts, Rory Hunter founded and developed the multi award-winning Song Saa Private Island Resort which opened in 2011 off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. As the first island resort in the country’s history, the development came with an immense responsibility. Rory’s vision was to lead by example, ensure the highest benchmarks in conservation and community development.
Song Saa – Image Courtesy of Vladi Private Islands
Rory and his team have since spearheaded a number of conservation efforts in the Koh Rong Archipelago including establishing Cambodia’s first Marine Protected Area, implementing the region’s first solid waste management centre and initiating a number of other conservation, education, healthcare and community initiatives, including the launch of the Song Saa Foundation in 2013. The Young Global Leader accolade is just the next step for the Song Saa brand, assures Hunter.
“We are no longer forging ahead in isolation, but are among other likeminded thinkers, whose inspiration, support and assistance will be invaluable in expanding our outreach and growing every aspect of what we do,” he explained. “We intend to continue on our path, drawing on the wonderfully diverse YGL community […] with the hope and goal of preserving a unique natural environment and bettering the lives of those who depend upon it. It is humbling to see what doors will open and Melita and I are excited to embark on the next stage of Song Saa’s journey with the support of an organisation whose values are so perfectly in tune with ours.”
About Song Saa Private Island
Established in 2011, Song Saa Private Island is Cambodia’s first and only luxury private island resort, offering 27 exquisite villas built with sustainable materials as part of the company’s environmental pledge. The company works together with the Song Saa Foundation to protect the environment, the community and culture in each of the locations in which it operates. Song Saa Private Island has won international recognition and a host of key industry awards from the likes of Condé Nast Traveller, Fodor’s, Mr & Mrs Smith, Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar, Travel & Leisure, Hideaways Magazine and the World Travel Awards, amongst others. Most recently the resort was listed as a 2015 Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold Standard Hotel.
Read More:
- Prince Albert of Monaco Promotes Conservation on Song Saa Private Island (Nov. 2014)
http://www.privateislandnews.com/cambodia-prince-albert-of-monaco-promotes-conservation-on-song-saa-private-island/ - Song Saa Private Island Premieres Three New Spa Concepts (May 2014)
http://www.privateislandnews.com/cambodia-song-saa-private-island-premieres-three-new-spa-concepts/ - Song Saa Receives Sustainable Travel Award (Dec. 2012)
http://www.privateislandnews.com/asia-cambodias-song-saa-resort-receives-sustainable-travel-award/
