AMResorts affirms commitment to sustainable travel
AMResorts has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable tourism practices throughout 2013 with the development of environmentally friendly initiatives at its resorts.
This year, AMResorts partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to support World Tourism Day 2013. The “Tourism & Water” themed event brought attention to some of the ways in which Rainforest Alliance Verified hotels are conserving water and protecting local waterways, including the installation of an electrostatic washing system that reduces wash cycle times by up to 70%, lowers water consumption by 3.9 million gallons per year, reduces wastewater pollution and prolongs the life of linens by up to 300% at Secrets Marquis Los Cabos, and the development of a comprehensive wastewater treatment program at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa.
Additionally, Rainforest Alliance awarded AMResorts with the Sustainable Standard-Setter Award for successfully investing in and implementing sustainable initiatives across its six luxury resort brands. Since launching in 2001, AMResorts have been committed to responsible travel and has made it a priority through its standard operating procedures, resort programs, guest involvement and education.
AMResorts is also continuously expanding the number of wildlife conservation programs and enterprises designed to benefit local communities. Some highlights include Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya involves guests and employees in its work with Save the Children and the Lazos Foundation — organizations that advocate for more than 4,000 children and teens from low-income families, in addition to training and educating staff on related issues; and Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun’s staff completes weekly beach cleans-ups to protect the local reef, in addition to ongoing programs that promote the efficient use of water and energy.
As well, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has released more than 300,000 baby turtles through its Dreaming of Freedom habitat protection program; Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa cultivates entrepreneurialism among its staff by inviting employees to start their own on-site businesses, including a car wash, barber shop and convenience store; several resorts are part of Amigos de Sian Ka’an, an organization dedicated to the sustainability and conservation of the local communities in the Sian Ka’an biosphere in Quintana Roo; and all AMResorts’ Mexico properties are Rainforest Alliance Verified. (http://www.amresorts.com)
