Owned and operated by Chris and Sophie Warren, Crystal Creek Meadows’ unique My Green Butler service inspired the judges who acknowledged it was an innovative game changer for sustainable tourism and guest experience.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised as a world leader in tourism offering new innovative ways for guests to have a great luxury holiday,” Mr Warren said from London.

Crystal Creek Meadows was one of 12 businesses to be highly commended at the awards, focused on tourism’s contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs].

My Green Butler is a smart service which all guests at Crystal Creek Meadows can enjoy as a free part of the 4 ½ star service.

It recommends what to pack, offers tips on the best ways to enjoy the destination, provides comfort advice that minimise resource use and it helps local wildlife charities.

The service combines a digital advisor with specially trained staff; together they help guests get the most from their stay while they tread lighter.

“Guests truly relax as some of the little stresses of a holiday are taken care of, while their stay puts back into the environment without detracting from their comfort,” Mr Warren said.

Crystal Creek is the first accommodation provider in Australia or New Zealand to receive the converted World Responsible Tourism Award, which has been running for 14 years.

“We are now trialling our service in three countries and sharing the innovation with other accommodation providers to help make tourism better for communities and the environment,” Mr Warren said.

“All the money from energy and water savings is donated to Wisdom Wombat Refuge and Friends of the Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby.

“Guests find the eco-friendly ideas helpful saving over 30 per cent of resources, making Crystal Creek Meadows one of the lowest carbon footprints for tourist accommodation providers in the country.

“Two guests staying two nights on average have a carbon footprint equivalent to that of driving an average car just 20kms.”

He said guests were aware of environmental challenges, but also need to have a real holiday to unwind and relax.

“It is up to us in tourism to take responsibility and design modern accommodation experiences which deliver outstanding comfort and style, while also putting back into the community and helping us all reduce waste,” he said.

To date Crystal Creek Meadows has cut their waste by 280 per cent, carbon emissions by 263 per cent, and electricity by 240 per cent (2007-2017).

The accommodation provider also conducted surveys and found that 80 per cent of guests found the new My Green Butler service, which is now an officially recognised contribution to the UNWTO’s Sustainable Tourism program, strongly added to their stay experience.