The event opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Julian Lowry, General Manager of Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort; Mr. Daryl Foong, Group CEO of Aquawalk Group; Mr. Wimon Nukaew, Director of the Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office; and Ms. Jayne MacDougall, Representative of Phuket Hotels Association, who shared insights into the purpose and importance of this collaborative initiative.
Through its bamboo shark conservation efforts, Aquaria Phuket nurtures young marine life and works alongside local partners to return them safely to their natural habitat. Today, we release grown bamboo sharks, measuring approximately 30–40 centimeters in length, carefully ensuring they are strong and ready to survive in the ocean and supporting the balance of the marine ecosystem. More than an event, this initiative is a symbol of hope, restoring balance to the ocean and reaffirming our responsibility to protect it for generations to come.
This is not our first marine initiative. The resort has hosted an Annual Sea Turtle Release for nearly 20 years, and last year expanded its efforts in partnership with the Phuket Marine Biological Center to include both sea turtle and bamboo shark releases.
On 10 January 2026, Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort witnessed a rare and remarkable milestone as a Green Sea Turtle returned to nest on Karon Nui Beach, laying 84 eggs, the first recorded nesting on the beach in over 25 years.
This extraordinary moment reflects the pristine condition of Karon Nui Beach, carefully preserved through long-term efforts in environmental protection, including cleanliness, tranquility, safety, and controlled light and noise, creating a safe haven for marine life to thrive once again.
Beyond this initiative, the resort continues year-round sustainability efforts, including beach clean-ups, community engagement, and environmental awareness programs, encouraging guests to connect more meaningfully with nature.
This initiative also reflects strong alignment with the direction of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, sending a clear message that Phuket is advancing toward a more sustainable tourism future.
Through these ongoing efforts, the resort aims to preserve its beachfront as a thriving habitat for marine life, while inspiring more responsible and mindful travel.
Marriott International Sustainability Commitment:
These activities align with Marriott International’s SERVE 360: Doing Good in Every Direction platform, supporting key pillars under the company’s 2030 Sustainability Goals:
- Nature our world
Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems while supporting local communities through volunteerism, partnerships, and responsible initiatives. - Sustain Responsible Operations
Reducing environmental impact by improving energy efficiency, lowering carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and promoting responsible sourcing. - Empower
Investing in people by creating career opportunities, developing talent, and supporting inclusive growth across communities. - Welcome
Fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, while promoting safe, respectful environments and supporting vulnerable groups.
To experience this new era of refined hospitality, and learn more about our sustainability initiatives visit the resort’s website at www.lemeridienphuketbeachresort.com or contact the reservations team : [email protected]
About Le Méridien® Hotels & Resorts
Born in 1960’s Paris during an era of glamorous travel, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts continues to celebrate cultures around the world through the distinctly European spirit of savouring the good life. With approximately 120 hotels and resorts in 35 countries and territories, spanning from Maldives to Monaco and from Santa Monica to Sichuan, Le Méridien’s engaging mid-century designed spaces coupled with chic signature programmes put a playful twist on art, coffee, sparkling cocktails, summer, family, and inspire creative-minded travellers to explore the world in style. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com, and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Le Méridien is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.



















