Ubud Hotels Association

Ubud Bali, August 20, 2009 - The Ubud Hotels Association (UHA) is promoting Ubud as a green destination with a series of charitable and environmental activities, as well as hosting a seminar.

The UHA is a non-profit, non-government organization comprised primarily of hoteliers and allied members who actively service the hospitality industry.

Ramia Adnyana, Chairman of the UHA, says, “Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali – scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, museums, and a traditional market. These are all key attractions that must be well maintained and preserved. Our endeavour is to highlight Ubud not only as a cultural destination but also as a green destination that will become an exemplar. To realize this, we regularly undertake community-led environmental campaigns, such as Clean up the World, tree planting and school mentoring. We are also encouraging and supporting members to take action at a local level to help address environmental issues. Our programme is expected to bring together many tourism industries, hamlets, schools, visitors and local citizens in order to collect as much rubbish as possible from within their own communities and reconsider their waste management on the Island of the Gods. Similarly, as part of our corporate social responsibility to Ubud, we frequently make visits to orphanages, and organise seminars.” Ramia Adnyana summarises, “I believe that Ubud can become a quality destination that will benefit all layers of the community by remaining true to the eco-friendly concept known as Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese Philosophy of life, which advocates that we should all live in balance and harmony with God, other human beings, and the environment.”

In line with this concept, the UHA will be supporting humanitarian, religious and environmental causes.

On 28^th August the UHA will visit the humanitarian charity known as Yayasan Senyum, the Smile Foundation of Bali, which helps people with craniofacial disabilities by facilitating operations for cleft lips and palates. The 'Smile Shop' in Ubud provides a source of income for the foundation through the sale of second-hand goods and old stock from local businesses. The UHA will therefore donate out of service yet good quality linen and towels as well as foodstuffs such as rice, eggs and instant noodles.

On 1st September the UHA will visit the temple of Pura Gunung Rawung at the village of Taro, to pray and to plant 300 white cempaka trees. Often planted near Hindu temples, the fragrant cempaka flower is used in offerings to the gods.

On 4th September, the UHA will be promoting the spirit of ecological responsibility in Ubud by participating once again in the annual ‘Clean Up the World Weekend’. This international environmental campaign inspires and empowers communities from every corner of the globe to work together by cleaning up, fixing up and conserving their local environments. Setting out with the common goal of creating a cleaner healthier place to live, the UHA welcomes any businesses or individuals who wish to participate.

Finally, on 8^th September, the UHA will be hosting a seminar with key speakers Rhenald Kasali and Anand Krishna, as well as a prominent representative from Key Airlines partner. Rhenald Kasali is a marketing specialist from the Management Programme for Post-Graduate Studies at the University of Indonesia, Jakarta. He has a profound knowledge on Indonesian business and has published a number of books. He will speak on ‘Marketing in Crisis’. Anand Krishna is a provocative spiritual master, recognised as the most vocal speaker in Indonesia, speaking on subjects such as climate change, ills of society and faith freedom, through TV, radio, workshops, newspaper articles, and training programmes. He has inspired several popular movements and centres for self development, and has published well over 100 books. Anand Krishna will talk about “Spiritual Tourism – the spirit of tourism”. The seminar will be held at the Convention House at Royal Pita Maha Resort. This will be followed by a cocktail party to celebrate the UHA’s anniversary.

For further information please contact :

Email : pr@ubudhotelsassociation.com

 Ubud Hotels Association

Sekretariat : Pita Maha A Tjampuhan Resort & Spa

Email : secretary@ubudhotelsassociation.com