Dear friends,
 Hello, my name is Laura, and I'm from Marseille, France. I arrived two months ago to the incredible town of Kuraburi. Every day I wake up and look forward to my day ahead: every day is different, unique, and full of smiles -- it's the perfect environment to work. I'm a graduate in Tourism and Management and I'm here to help develop marketing, assist with client communications, and learn more about Community Based Tourism.
I'm here for eight months and hope to help give you all the information you need to be a part of the story with us.
Enjoy reading and hope to meet you soon!
Laura
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The Bottom Line
How Our Budget is Spent |
 Andaman Discoveries recently attended the launch of a new book on tourism and poverty reduction that found between 5-25% of tourist spending in developing countries makes its way to poor people.
Andaman Discoveries recently completed an analysis of how tourism funds were spent in 2009:
- 17% of the budget went directly to communities and local partners
- 16% went to locally owned businesses for provision of tourism services
That's a total of 33% of tourism spending going directly to local people in the region. Another 44% of our budget went to community projects including scholarships, conservation, tree planting, and vocational training.
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Prayers for Peace
Protests Remain Far from Kuraburi |
 Andaman Discoveries is deeply saddened by recent turmoil in Bangkok, and joins with the majority of Thai people in anticipating a swift and peaceful resolution to the current unrest.
As Kuraburi is a sleepy, out-of-the-way town, residents and visitors are safe from the dramatic flare of the protesters in Bangkok, which is over 700 kilometers to the north. Protests have been a regular occurrence Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted 2006, and are concentrated in Bangkok. Kuraburi and the North Andaman Coast have seen no sign of danger, violence, or protests.
The Thai government has stated that it will provide "the greatest security to all residents in Bangkok and Thailand, including the diplomatic corps and other foreigners." The protests are now completed, although there is still political discord in the country.
Currently, we advise our passengers coming through Bangkok international airport to take a connecting flight to elsewhere in the country, and avoid protest sites. The airport itself is actually outside of Bangkok city, 70 kilometers from the protests, and remains an active transportation hub.
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Burmese Learning Center Field Trip
A Day to Remember |
 Leo (Netherlands) spent just over one month teaching English and helping to establish teaching practices at the Burmese Learning Center. Leo is always up for a challenge: last year he helped teach English to our guides and villagers Ban Na Village. Inspired by his previous time volunteering, he returned again this year to work with the Burmese children.
Leo helped create a curriculum for future volunteers to follow, ensuring more structured lesson plans for the students. Leo also kindly donated a DVD player for the school, which will be used for English lessons and also allow the children access to music to practice their dance routines for cultural events.
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Watershed Moments
Nai Tui Encourages local Conservation |
 Several Andaman Discoveries' staff recently explored Nai Tui, a small outdoor recreation area near Kuraburi. A small community group is working together there to preserve the watershed and encourage conservation and appreciation of the area.
We hope to coordinate overnight backpacking trips with this community group. We are coordinating a pilot trip with the guides, which will include overnight camping in the jungle near an ancient Buddhist temple on a nearby mountain.
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European Unions
Tui's Trip to the Old World |
 Our beloved Director Tui Chomphusri braved her first trip to Europe this March. She arrived in Rotterdam in the Netherlands for a marketing training with Center for Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI). The training ran between the 2nd and 7th of March, with an intensive schedule of workshops each day. Tui learned detailed theory and practice to market and develop Andaman Discoveries' program
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World Travel Awards Nomination
Please Support Us -- Vote Today! |
 Andaman Discoveries was recently nominated for a World Travel Award in the Responsible Tourism category (Asia). Please take a few seconds to vote for us, so we can keep up the good work!
Our connection to the villages comes from rebuilding our lives together, and our projects focus on the big picture, empowering people to define their own future. This means that, along with responsible tourism, we also support scholarships for 120 kids, reforestation, a community development network, and a lot more. We're the real deal!
Winning the Asia's Responsible Tourism Award would mean a lot: the award will underwrite our projects, and the publicity will help us spread our message, which is always a challenge with a miniscule PR budget. If you are as excited by this as we are, feel help us by posting this message on your facebook account, blog, or email lists!
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Farewell to Carli
Super-Intern Fills Critical Role |
 As March drew to a close, we said goodbye to our super-intern, Carli Zyskowski.
Carli completed her internship at Andaman Discoveries through an exchange program between Michigan State University (James Madison) and the Asian Institute of Technology.
During her short but important two months, Carli tried her hand at as many community service activities as she could, including the water lily planting with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at Naka. She also experienced homestay in Ban Lion, one of the communities with whom Andaman Discoveries works, assisted with the volunteer programs, and helped to organize office systems. Carli was a breath of fresh air every day and will be greatly missed!
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Copyright
2010 Andaman Discoveries
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Why Us?
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Andaman Discoveries' internationally recognized community development and tourism projects make a real difference. Our International and bilingual staff have extensive knowledge, allowing guests to enjoy a true cultural exchange.
We have developed comprehensive teaching materials for those planning to volunteer in a school. And for folks new to Thailand we can arrange regional transport and accommodations, and even offer advice on traveling (our staff loves to explore the country, too!).
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Stay Connected!
Become a friend and be fan on Facebook, follow our moves on Twitter, and watch us on YouTube!
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"There is nothing like being welcomed into the home of a stranger, showed their way of life and provided with countless opportunities for reflexions. The experience in this village truly humbled me and gave me more awareness of the world i live in. Thank You!"
Nikki, Ban Talae Nok, February 2010
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"I would absolutely
recommend this program and the provider (Andaman) to anyone looking for a
fulfilling volunteering experience. It was exactly what I wanted, and I'd like
to send a huge thanks to all the staff, and thank them for a fantastic time!"
Volunteer, Burmese Learning Center
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"My visit was simply inspiring. I learned so much about the wonderful people and their lovely culture. They are beautiful people with the most tender hearts. I can't wait to back."
Megan, Youth Linc
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