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Mayakoba Resort Named Top Sustainable Development
Monday, December 12, 2011
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Officials from United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Rainforest Alliance gathered last night to honor Mayakoba Resort and developer OHL Desarrollos as a world leader in sustainable tourism development. Both organizations re-presented awards bestowed on the development during 2011, the Ulysses Award from the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Sustainable Standard-Setter Award from the Rainforest Alliance. The award ceremony was held at the resort’s Banyan Tree Hotel and attended by representatives from both organizations, Audubon International, as well as several top government officials.
In receiving the awards, Andrés Pan de Soraluce, President of OHL Desarrollos applauded the efforts of both organizations in raising awareness of the vital subject of sustainable development and added, “From the beginning of our development of Mayakoba, we wanted to achieve two things. First, a resort that touched the environment lightly, leaving an unspoiled landscape for the enjoyment of our guests and future generations. Secondly, we wanted the resort to be among the finest in the world, an enclave within an enclave of natural yet magnificent hotels. We are delighted and honored to receive these awards, which commend the exceptional work of our environmentally-conscious team.”
Mayakoba was presented with the prestigious UNWTO Ulysses Award under the “Innovation in Enterprises” section and garnered the award for “Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Development.” The Ulysses Award celebrates tourism projects from around the world that are improving the positive social impact of the sector and taking a leading role in responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
Rainforest Alliance also honored Mayakoba Resort with the esteemed Sustainable Standard-Setter Award, and announced it as the first resort in Latin America to be recognized as a Rainforest Alliance Verified Destination. Mayakoba was selected for their commitment to conservation and outstanding leadership in efforts to improve the environment and local community outreach.
“We applaud Mayakoba for their commitment, which demonstrates that luxury travel can go hand in hand with environmental, economic and social sustainability,” said Daniel Katz, founder and board chair of the Rainforest Alliance. “Mayakoba sets a shining example for other resort groups in Mexico, and throughout the world, to follow.”
Located in the heart of Mexico's Riviera Maya, Mayakoba sits on 593 acres of ecologically diverse land dotted with lagoons, mangrove forests, cenotes, canals, and white sand beaches. The more than 148 acres of mangrove forests along the coastline provide an important refuge for nesting birds and shelter for thehatcheries of young fish and turtles. In order to protect the endangered trees, Mayakoba’s infrastructure is located behind the coastal mangrove forest, thus respecting its integrity and having allowed the forest to increase by 100% within a very short time period. Wildlife inhabitation has also increased from 35 species to more than 200, as a result.
Developers OHL Desarrollos began working with the RainforestAlliance in June of 2010 to implement a series of best management practices based upon the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, a list of internationally-recognized recommendations for socially, environmentally and economically sustainable tourism. The property’s three distinguished hotels – Rosewood, Fairmont and Banyan Tree – are linked by more than nine miles of crystal clear canals, a unique aquatic ecosystem for transporting guests that also offers new habitats for wildlife and relief for coastal environments. Each resort employs its own biologist, with whom guests can explore and learn. A variety of measures have been implemented to ensure continued sustainability, including water and energy saving practices; promoting visits to local communities; and administering strong and well-documented sustainability policies and procedures.
About MAYAKOBA
Located in the Riviera Maya just 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba is an eco-friendly resort development on the shores of the Caribbean in Mexico. Surrounded by natural beauty in its lagoons, pools and sugar sand beaches, Mayakoba is home to three luxury hotels – Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Mayakoba. The resort also offers a spectacular 18-hole golf course designed by renowned architect and PGA legend Greg Norman. The signature course is home to the Mayakoba Golf Classic – the only PGA TOUR event in Mexico. Six miles of freshwater lagoons that lead to a white sand beach with turquoise waters on the Caribbean Sea connect all of the hotels. Guests are transported in boats via canals made exclusively for the resort, which have led to Mayakoba being called “the Venice of the Yucatan.” Mayakoba is an eco-conscious development and has implemented significant practices to encourage sustainability. For more information, please visit www.mayakoba.com.
About United Nations World Tourism Organization
The UNWTO, which is a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the leading international organization in the field of tourism and plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. http://www.unwto.org/.
About Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/.
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