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Recognizing the resort’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and the fragile ecosystem of the Riviera Maya, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa has received the prestigious Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative’s (MARTI) Sustainable Hotel Certification. The official certification ceremony will be held on April 16, 2010 at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa.
"We’re extremely proud that our efforts to sustain the Riviera Maya were recognized and we will continue to implement new projects and programs that will benefit the environment," said Jacques De Paep, director of sales and marketing, Sandos Hotels & Resorts.
This certification is a result of hard work and the implementation of a variety of ecological programs at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa, including:
– Reducing Carbon footprint – Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa features a unit that uses new technologies including a pilot system and solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint (CO2 emissions) by 75%. In the near future, the technology will be used on other buildings throughout the resort.
– Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa has implemented a "Extinguish the Light Ignites the Life" program to encourage all personal and guests to save electricity by shutting off lights and air conditioners when leaving rooms.
– "The water that you waste today will be needed tomorrow" is a program that has been designed to reduce unnecessary water use. All personal are encouraged to engage in practices to conserve water and guests are informed of ways that they can help through the resort’s Eco TV channel as well as informational fliers in hotel rooms.
– The use of biodegradable products throughout the hotel.
– Personnel training on environmental practices and techniques.
– Respect to the resort environment by reproducing indigenous plants and protecting and reproducing indigenous wildlife.
– Recycling and separating trash. The resort partnered with a local company, Publimedia Recycling, to collect and separate trash. Recyclable materials are brought to recycling centers in Playa del Carmen.
– Enhancing the fresh water flow system to allow nutrients to flow to mangroves and out to Coral Reefs.
– Educating guests – All guests can enjoy a complimentary Eco Tour with a guide that helps participants observe the extraordinary details that the Mayan jungle holds including treasures such as 16 natural cenotes, indigenous animals and exotic fauna.
– The Sandos Eco Club has been created within the hotel and consists of hotel employees that work closely with the community to engage in beach and neighborhood clean-ups as well as support local children’s foundations.
MARTI works with local hotels, marine tour operators, cruise tourism leaders and local governments to integrate good environmental practices into tourism development and operations.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
