Xcaret and Xel-Há parks from Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico will receive EarthCheck Gold Certification for their commitment to implementing world-leading initiatives at an award ceremony held on Earth Day (April 22). Together the parks receive an average of two million visitors each year.
EarthCheck representative, Erica Lobos, said this achievement reflects the dedication of Xcaret and Xel-Há to preserving and protecting their natural and social environment.
“Earth Day is an annual event that recognises the necessity of preserving the world’s natural environment. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase the sustainability achievements of Xcaret and Xel-Há Parks.”
The EarthCheck Gold certificates will be received by the CEO of Experiencias Xcaret, Miguel Quintana Pali.
In 1990, Miguel Quintana Pali conceived the creation of Xcaret under the premise of taking advantage of natural wealth for the enjoyment of visitors, in a respectful manner of nature without compromising its viability future. Experiencias Xcaret today integrates activities in 10 different ecosystems, which gives the group a leadership in Mexico in sustainable tourist recreation.
EarthCheck is the world’s leading benchmarking and advisory group for the travel and tourism industry. EarthCheck Certification provides operators with a framework for environmental and social sustainability. This included requirements specific to their management systems, such as quality, environment, occupational health and safety, risk management and corporate social reporting.
In addition to effectively meeting the indicators established by EarthCheck, Xcaret Park is known for having decreased by 30 percent its electricity consumption in the last year; its conservation programs of sea turtles and the scarlet macaw have increased their populations in the wild and coasts of Mexico; preservation of cultural heritage and environmental education, among the most relevant.
At the same time, Xel-Há excels for maintaining an 85% of waste recovery through a major recycling program, relevant reforestation practices, water conservation, as well as the conservation program of queen conch, a threatened Caribbean emblematic species.
Indicators reviewed by EarthCheck in its assessment of environmental management are: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), Energy Efficiency, Potable Water, Ecosystem Conservation, Social and Cultural Issues, Land Use Management Planning, Quality Air protection and Noise Control, Wastewater Management, Solid Waste Management and Storage of Harmful Substances for the Environment.
ABOUT XCARET AND XEL-HÁ
Xcaret is a majestic park by the sea, with unique activities in the jungle, where visitors have fun discovering the natural and cultural heritage of Mexico, swimming through amazing underground rivers, its spectacular terrestrial and aquatic fauna, the values of its gastronomy and multiple artistic expressions.
Xel-Há is a Natural Wonder overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with a magnificent cove for snorkeling and discovering the marine life, special tours to learn the secrets of the jungle and mangrove, as well as restaurants of excellence to live a great dining experience.
For more information see:
www.grupoexperienciasxcaret.com