Mayan Resorts receive EarthCheck certification

The Riviera Maya

MEXICO--Mayan Resorts just received the EarthCheck Gold Certification for the fifth consecutive year at the Riviera Maya property.  Since 2004, four Mayan Resorts have earned the coveted recognition, the most recent being Mayan Resort Los Cabos in July 2009. Others to hold the honor include Mayan Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco.

The Riviera Maya property excelled in the following categories: affiliation, benchmarking (efficiency indicators and environmental impact) and certification.

EarthCheck is an international certification for sustainable tourism which operates its own benchmark and certification standard; it is now trusted by more than 1,000 organizations in over 60 countries. Only businesses awarded the EarthCheck seal can claim to be independently recognized as sustainable.

Mayan Resorts’ Certification is specifically based on three EarthCheck criteria: environmental conservation practices, support of local communities and cultural traditions. The resorts’ certification encompasses virtually every aspect of hotel development and operations – including construction, landscaping, golf courses, restaurants, hotel operations and transportation.

Mayan Resorts’ environmental conservation practices range from recycling programs and proper handling of dangerous materials to protection of local flora and fauna to the prevalence of indigenous vegetation in landscaping. Resort employees are also evaluated for involvement in conservation efforts, plantings, beach clean up and mentoring of children to care about the environment.

EarthCheck also evaluated the resorts for their support of local communities, including use of local labor and businesses as well as activities designed to help local populations in the area of health, education and welfare. Finally, Mayan Resorts were evaluated for their involvement in local and national cultural traditions, including support for literacy and education, promotion of local and national customs, activities to help employees become more culturally experienced through opportunities for them to engage in the arts.

“We are extremely proud that our resorts have earned the prestigious EarthCheck Certification. To earn this honor, each property must demonstrate sustainability practices throughout the resort, from golf course design and maintenance to restaurants to protection of our treasured wildlife. This is a top priority for Mayan Resorts and we are gratified to be recognized for our hard work,” said Eric Du Baele, Director of Hotel Operations for Mayan Resorts.

The EarthCheck program evolved from discussions at the United Nations World Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. By 1998, EarthCheck membership included more than 500 businesses and organizations in 100 countries. In 1999, EarthCheck became an independent, autonomous organization in the World Travel & Tourism Council, one of the founding partners. The accreditation program was launched in 2002. Since its inception, EarthCheck has represented the best in environmental sustainability and continues to be at the forefront of sustainability practices.