Mexican Government partners with EarthCheck
The Mexican Government last week signalled its intention to
become a world leader in sustainable tourism.
A partnership agreement between Mexico's Secretary of Tourism
(SECTUR) and EC3 Global was signed at the First National Forum on
Sustainable Tourism.
During the forum the Minister of Tourism, Sec. Gloria Guevara
Manzo, signed the agreement with EC3 Global to support the adoption
of EarthCheck science and solutions for tourism operators and
companies committed to sustainable practices.
Sec. Guevara Manzo said the agreement aims to increase the
sustainability of tourism projects in Mexico and to align their
performance with global benchmarks, endorsed by the World Tourism
Organisation.
At the opening of the First National Forum on Sustainable
Tourism, Sec. Guevara Manzo explained sustainability is on the
Secretary of Tourism's agenda and it is a significant issue because
it relates to energy efficiency, improved environmental performance
and the protection of cultural heritage.
"most importantly it reduces operating costs in water,
electricity and fossil fuels, without sacrificing the delivery of
quality of services,'" said Sec. Guevara Manzo.
"It also gives easier access to technical assistance and funding
to implement new technologies plus it provides a marketing
advantage to certified companies as consumers learn to recognise
reliable and trusted certification labels," she added.
After announcing the creation of the distinctive "S" program to
promote sustainability in the tourism sector, Sec. Guevara Manzo
stated that there have been advances in energy saving programs in
hotels and tourism companies, and added that tourism in Mexico has
a strong commitment to sustainability.
The Minister believes that the partnership will allow regional
growth to align with the goals outlined in their National Tourism
Agreement, which provides a framework to promote sustainable
development.
The Vice President of Sales for EC3 Global, Mr André Russ,
stated that Mexico can be regarded as a sustainability pioneer
within the Americas, because its businesses and tourism officials
have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable
development.
"This year Huatulco in Mexico was re-certified as the first
EarthCheck Certified Gold community in the Americas...and we are
pleased to announce the introduction of a specific SECTUR led
tourism program which reflects your country's unique features." Mr
Russ said.
The Secretary of Tourism said this prestigious accomplishment is
an example of how EarthCheck and Mexico are working together to
make Mexico's communities and destinations more sustainable.
The President of the Mexican Association of Conventions, Ms
Maricarmen Garcia Basurto also emphasized that Centro Banamex,
where the Forum was held, is the first convention centre in the
Americas to be EarthCheck Certified.
EarthCheck has certified many leading Mexican organisations,
including Huatulco's airport, Poliforum Leon, Grupo Vidanta, Grupo
Experiencias Xcaret and Banyan Tree Mayakoba. A further 80
businesses will be joining the program over the coming months as
part of a statewide initiative in Quintana Roo.
About EarthCheck:
EarthCheck is an internationally recognised
environmental management and certification program with more than
1,300 members in 70 countries. The program improves
operational performance of member organisations and reduces costs.
Recent studies show that 6 million people a week are impacted by
EarthCheck's branded solutions. The company takes a scientific and
systematic approach to risk mitigation and legislative requirements
and is regarded as one of the world's best-practice environmental
sustainability leaders. www.earthcheck.org
Further media information:
Andre Russ, Vice President of Sales at
andre.russ@ec3global.com
