Green Travel Mexico

Hacienda Tres Rios received recognition for its Environmental and Sustainable Tourism Practices from the Dual Green Globe/Green Certifications Program March 11th, 2009.

The resort has been recognized as a model for sustainable tourism by the Mexican government. The resort's commitment to sustainable best practices began years before construction and has extended through the construction phase to setting new standards for resource conservation and optimal environmental management. The resort utilizes on-site desalinization systems that enable them to pull saltwater from deep underground for resort water needs. This water is so cold it can be used to naturally pre-chill the air conditioning system, reducing electricity use and costs 38 percent. Heat emanated from the air conditioning systems is captured and used to heat guest hot water saving an additional 75 percent in natural gas usage and fees. And because of the on-site desalinization, the resort does not make use of the fresh water aquifer, protecting an increasingly scare resource in the world.

"Hacienda Tres Rios is razor-focused on the enduring, intelligent and responsible use of the properties three distinct ecosystems," said Guido Bauer, VP Global Sales Green Globe International. "It's truly remarkable to see a luxury beach resort with such high standards for carefully managing resources from its 120 plant species and 90 animal species to employee training and programs that benefit indigenous cultures."

In addition to becoming Green Globe certified, Hacienda Tres Rios is working with the World Heritage Alliance and The Rainforest Alliance. Hacienda Tres Rios CEO, Orlando Arroyo, is a featured panelist on the Working Together with Rainforest Alliance to Support Sustainable Tourism in Latin America panel at ITB in Berlin where he spoke about this partnership and about "Building and Operating a Successful Green Hotel."

"Tres Rios began as a nature park and we've been extremely diligent in ensuring we follow our set new standards for protecting the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the area so our guests can reconnect with nature while they enjoy luxury Mexican hospitality," said Orlando Arroyo. "We have worked hard to be recognized for our sustainability practices and are thrilled to be certified by the Green Globe/Green Certifications program."

About Tres Rios
Located just south of Cancun, Tres Rios is an exclusive eco-friendly retreat in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Located on 326 pristine acres of jungle, mangrove forest and coastal dunes, Tres Rios is home to three natural rivers, 10 cenotes (freshwater springs) and a one-mile stretch of white sand beach. When completed, the Tres Rios master plan will include five hotels with more than 1,700 suites, full- and part-time residences, a world-class marina and yacht club, an equestrian center, a premium spa, beach club, convention center, an estuary and nature park complete with a visitor center, Mayan cultural center, estuary bird sanctuary and botanical garden. Tres Rios brings unique activities and Mexican tradition to travelers, sharing honor and warmth with visitors who are welcome as more than guests; they're family. For more information, please visit Hacienda Tres Rios.

Dedicated to Sustainable Development
Tres Rios is a place of exceptional beauty guarded by rigorous environmental standards and committed to the sustainability of natural and cultural resources. In construction and operations, Tres Rios applies only necessary infrastructure to facilitate sustainable development with stringent monitoring of environmental impact. Approximately 150 acres or nearly half of the 326 acre lot will be maintained as a reserve with little-to-no development to ensure the perfect balance of human enjoyment while protecting the greatest natural resources.

About Green Certifications
Green Certifications, Inc. owns Green Hotel Certification, a leading third party certification based on internationally accepted documentation. The seal is an independent recognition of sustainability efforts. Environmental and cultural levels as well as Corporate Social Responsibilities are benchmarked against the highest worldwide principles. Its objective is to introduce and strengthen sustainability and social practices at all levels of management in the hospitality industry. The Green Hotel Certification seal also provides a distinguished promotional tool to reach a growing environmentally-aware global consumer market. Green Hotel Certification offers a completely paperless certification process which guarantees an efficient process. Through this system, properties are updated on a constant basis to ensure highest international standards. Its dedicated auditors work on site, performing evaluation, implementation, solution-finding and training throughout. More information can be found at Green Hotel Certification.

About Green Globe International
Green Globe International, Inc. is the majority owner of Green Globe, Ltd., a British company that owns the Green Globe brand, the premier international brand for sustainable travel, tourism and related green businesses. Green Globe's worldwide network extends across nearly 50 countries. Green Globe International has been admitted as an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the business leaders' forum for the travel and tourism industry, is a 5% common stock owner of Green Globe International. For more information on Green Globe International, please visit Green Globe International.