Ethical Destination Weddings: Saying 'I Do' With a Clear Conscience - Tip #1 Choose a Responsible Hotel
The term 'responsible tourism' has been used to describe tourism that is not only fun for visiting tourists, but also gives back to the world and local community by protecting nature and contributing to the lives of local people. This series of blogs will give you tips on how to contribute to the Mexican culture and economy, while preserving its beautiful land and ecological sites.
Tip #1 – Choose a Responsible Hotel
Certain hotels pride themselves on the fact that they have gone the extra mile to be ecologically sound in their building, their policies and their practices. Hotels can find many ways to help the environment and local communities. Here are some ways hotels can be ecologically friendly and foster growth in their community (remember Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?):
- Conserve energy and use renewable energy sources
- Recycle water and 'xeriscape' (landscape with water-conserving techniques)
- Cut back on waste by using bulk soap and shampoo dispensers, composting, and using recycling bins
- Reuse sheets and towels
- Use environmentally-safe cleaners
- Pay staff fair wages
- Purchase organically-grown food from local farmers
- Contribute to local charities
- Help preserve local historical sites
One simple way you can help protect the land and contribute to the local communities is to choose a hotel that is also committed to these principles. This in no way means you have to compromise quality or service by staying in a glorified campground. In fact, many of the World Heritage Alliance members are also some of the most luxurious properties found anywhere in the world. If you're thinking about getting married in
1. Maroma Resort & SpaNamed "The Top Beach" on The Travel Channel's "The World’s 10 Best Beaches," and "World’s Best Honeymoon Destination" in Modern Bride, this boutique hotel in the Mayan Riviera was one of the first in the area, and still wins awards every year. Romantic and secluded, you'll be treated like one of the many celebrities who have also stayed at Maroma, including Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Cameron Diaz, Farrah Fawcett, Sean Penn, Sharon Stone, Minnie Driver, Prince Charles, and the list goes on. With an amazing spa, gorgeous accommodations, and a pristine beach, it's hard to find a more romantic spot for your wedding day. To visit their website go to www.maromahotel.com *Image copyright Orient Express Hotels.
2. Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & ThalassoWith only 90 suites, this small luxury hotel makes an excellent wedding destination in the Mayan Riviera. The resort combines the elegance of traditional Mexican architecture with the great Mayan culture hallmark of the
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a leader in sustainable tourism and a World Heritage Alliance member. Their 5-star Fairmont Mayakoba beach and golf resort, found in the Mayan Riviera of Mexico, has been paired with a local tourism network from the nearby Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site. As with all
4. Camino Real With over 20 hotels across
5. Camino Real ZaashilaThis Mediterranean-style resort is located on a private stretch of
If you would like to learn more about ecotourism and responsible tourism, here are some useful resources:
- World Heritage
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre - http://whc.unesco.org
- The International Ecotourism Society - www.ecotourism.org
- Best Green Hotels – www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com
- Transitions Abroad – www.transitionsabroad.com
- For the ambitious, try reading the Responsible Travel Handbook - www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/responsible/responsible_travel_handbook.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment