TEN KNOTS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION / EL NIDO RESORTS, PHILIPPINES

Finalist Community Benefit Award 2007

Since 1981, Ten Knots Development Corporation / El Nido Resorts have balanced up-scale resort operations with environmental conservation and meaningful employment and economic opportunities for the local community. Located among the forested limestone cloffs of Miniloc and Lagen Islands in the Marine Protected Area within El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, resort operations are designed to train and promote individuals from the surrounding villages and towns. Ten Knots supports livelihood projects through partnerships and in-house workshops. Education and training programmes are conducted for locals in massage therapy, food and beverage, housekeeping, kitchen and nature guiding in order to build skill sets to achieve the international standards required by El Nido Resorts. Women's cooperatives supplement household income by supplying the Resorts with hand-woven bags and slippers made of native materials. By providing worthwhile employment and tangible economic benefits to individuals, Ten Knots / El Nido Resorts allow Filipinos to stay in their home country and share their world-renowned hospitality with the global traveller.