In April 2003, the Pacific Asia Travel Association presented the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa with their Grand Award for Best Environmental Education Program.
The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Fund has announced its first fund disbursement since its inception in March 2002.
During its grand opening celebrations the resort launched the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation with an initial donation of $45,000.
The resort is located on Mai Khao Beach, the longest beach in Phuket, and enjoys 17 km of undeveloped beachfront, adjacent to the Sirinath Marine National Park and protected sea turtle nesting area.
The resort raises funds for the Foundation and also gains awareness on an international and national level about the plight of these magnificent reptiles and the wonderful work done by the local Mai Khao villagers who have been protecting the turtles for many years, particularly the giant leatherback turtle which is now critically endangered.
A representative of WWF Thailand also sits as an advisor on the disbursement committees.