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The Seatrade Cruise Awards recognised an exceptional healthcare initiative between Paul Gauguin Cruises and the government of French Polynesia. This collaboration, known as the “Taote Gauguin” medical partnership— ‘taote’ meaning doctor in Tahitian—was honoured as the 2024 Sustainability Initiative of the Year. Launched in October 2023, the Taote Gauguin program provides essential healthcare assistance to some of the most remote islands in French Polynesia. As the m/s Paul Gauguin regularly visits these islands, the ship’s medical staff supports local doctors by addressing emergency or acute cases. The program also grants access to the ship’s medical equipment when needed, significantly reducing the need for medical evacuations from these isolated areas. To date, more than 90 patients have benefited from this initiative. HervĂ© Gastinel, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer of PONANT, the parent company of Paul Gauguin Cruises, expressed his gratitude: “We are thrilled that this important healthcare initiative has received this recognition and are honoured to continue to support the work of local doctors as they provide medical care to the people of the islands, we call home. These wonderful communities have welcomed Paul Gauguin Cruises into their lives for 26 years, sharing their rich cultures, traditions, and natural wonders with our guests, and it is our privilege to give back and continue supporting those who live here.” The Seatrade Cruise Awards program is renowned for recognising the best in the cruise industry and setting new standards for innovation, creativity, and technology. Mary Bond, Seatrade Cruise Portfolio Director, highlighted the significance of the Taote Gauguin program: “The work Paul Gauguin Cruises is doing in support of local communities in French Polynesia is a great example of cruising’s social sustainability focus in giving back to the communities its ships visit and deserves recognition.” In addition to this accolade, sister brand PONANT won the Most Innovative Shore Excursion of the Year award for a new shore excursion in East Greenland aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker. This adventure takes guests deep into the local Inuit communities of Tasiilaq, Ittoqqortoormiit, and Sermersooq, the largest and northernmost in East Greenland. Trapped in pack ice for most of the year, these territories remain largely inaccessible and virtually unvisited during winter and spring. In line with PONANT’s sustainability goals, the excursion was designed in close cooperation with local communities, emphasising a spirit of community engagement. This approach not only respects the fragile Arctic ecosystem but also supports the cultural heritage and economic well-being of the Inuit. PONANT has employed Inuits from Tasiilaq as part of the Expedition team for the season, bringing the destination on board and enabling them to share their daily lives and unique perspectives with guests. The winners of the Seatrade Cruise Awards were determined by an independent panel of leading voices from consultants, professors, editors, and operations executives across the international cruise community. This recognition underscores the importance of sustainable and socially responsible practices in the cruise industry, highlighting the positive impact that thoughtful initiatives can have on local communities and the environment.The post Paul Gauguin Cruises Wins 2024 Sustainability Award for Healthcare Program appeared first on Travel Daily Media.