The travel industry is full of good deeds to meet natural needs
Story: Ian Stalker
Top photo: Michelle Valberg
Photo: Joshua Earle
Let the good deeds roll.
It’s clear that the travel industry is full of people who are committed to make this world a better place.
Travel Courier has found numerous examples of those in tourism who are lending a helping hand to others, sometimes repeatedly.
Travel Courier is proud to introduce them to you.
Hockey Night in Canada's North
Jason Edmunds, Adventure Canada
Photo by Michelle Valberg
Adventure Canada did its part to create a very special Hockey Night in Canada’s North that actually lasted for well over a night.
The company, best known for its Arctic cruises, is a supporter of Project North, which reaches out to Northern hockey enthusiasts.
“I travelled with Project North on the Stanley Cup Tour 2.0 in 2007,” recalls Adventure Canada’s Jason Edmunds. “During this tour we travelled (with the Stanley Cup) to Yellowknife, Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Igloolik, Pond Inlet, Arctic Bay and Resolute, all in a 5-day time frame. We were accompanied by hockey greats Lanny McDonald and Mark Napier, who were amazing with the community members who came to see the cup. It was a whirlwind tour, but it was amazing on so many levels.
“In many of these Inuit communities, hockey is huge, as are the teams, players and of course the cup. For many it is only something that only existed on TV. To see it firsthand was something else. I could only describe the response as awe, and this is including the description of my own response.”
Edmunds hopes the most storied trophy in professional sports reappears in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
“I absolutely hope that the cup returns north,” he states. “In fact, since I last travelled it has done another tour to different communities. Project North is doing amazing work, and during these tours they also donate hockey equipment to the communities they visit to encourage engagement in sport. The community came together and had a shared experience, it was amazing to see and amazing to be a part of. It was a celebration of hockey and of community. I hope there are many opportunities like this in the future.”
A sweet sustainable initiative
Fairmont Empress, Victoria
Fairmont Empress didn’t let time on Earth Day go unnoticed.
The landmark Victoria hotel’s Bee Well Signature Program began April 22, focusing on sustainability and self-care. Using honey produced by the hotel’s millions of honeybees, Bee Well at the Empress is a combination of education, entertainment and experiences, with offerings that connect Empress Honeybees to the hotel and community.
“Raw honey has phytonutrients, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties to help boost the immune system and fight sickness,” says Alex Thorne, director of operations at Fairmont Empress. “Using the raw honey we produce here at Fairmont Empress in our kitchens and at the Willow Stream Spa provides our guests and diners with a sustainable way to live a healthier life.”
As part of Bee Well at the Empress, raw honey will be further integrated into a variety of experiences and services at the hotel. From cocktails in Q Bar, specialty spa treatments at Willow Stream Spa, to educational virtual tours of the hotel’s apiary, Fairmont Empress looks to connect its honeybees with guests, diners and the Victoria community.
Travellers looking to further experience the Bee Well at the Empress program can book the Wellness at the Empress package, which features raw honey in a specialty wellness tea service as well as an optional Willow Stream Spa treatment at a discounted rate.
Meanwhile, the Fairmont Empress has undergone a $3-million building improvement project that included mechanical system modernization and energy efficiency upgrades. The project included the replacement of the steam heating system with a high efficiency hydronic heating system, replacement of two 1960s era steam boilers with three high efficiency hot water boilers, replacement of domestic hot water tanks with new high efficiency tanks, and upgrades to the hotel’s building automation system. These upgrades improve the hotel’s energy efficiency, and reduce the overall carbon footprint, allowing Fairmont Empress to be more sustainable and energy efficient.
Lending a helping hand for Cape Verde
RIU Hotels & Resorts, Cape Verde
RIU Hotels & Resorts is doing its part to help keep residents of Cape Verde hale and hearty during these difficult times.
RIU along with the local Des-Bem Foundation and Spanish NGO África Avanza have donated food to 2,319 vulnerable people on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. In all, 2,319 Cape Verdeans received 27,328 meals thanks to the initiative by the Des-Bem Foundation, the local partner of África Avanza and RIU.
“Since October, this social action carried out on the Sal and Boa Vista islands has supported families with children and vulnerable people, whose situation has been worsened by the COVID-19 crisis, with the delivery of 12.5 tonnes of food intended to cover their basic needs with a hot and nutritious meal,” RIU said.
The campaign, which ended after Easter week, supplied 19,078 meals to 1,200 people on Sal Island in the Espargos, Santa María and Palmeira areas. On Boa Vista, 8,250 meals were supplied to 1,119 people in the towns of Sal Rei, Bofareira, Rabil, Funda Figueira, Cabeçados Tarrafes and Joao Galego.
“The main goal was to help families residing in the capitals, as well as people in suburbs and outlying areas,” RIU adds. “All of them are suffering serious economic consequences from COVID-19 in the archipelago, principally as a result of lack of tourism, the country’s main economic engine today.”
The meals were distributed according to official socioeconomic criteria for selecting the benefiting families, which prioritized single-parent families and the elderly. All meals were prepared following safety and hygiene rules, and consisted of packaged traditional Cape Verdean dishes made with healthy, local ingredients, including bread and fruit, and packaged using compostable material.
Gonzalo Álvarez of África Avanza, said the “initiative arose after we became aware of the great economic crisis brought about by the shutdown of all tourism activity in the country and the increasing number of people affected by this situation. Its presence and engagement in Cape Verde with a program of humanitarian medical care, led them to seek a formula for providing some type of assistance or a solution to this growing social problem, resulting in development of the Humanitarian Meals program with financial support from RIU Hotels.”
Sustainability goes beyond Earth Day
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet, B.C.
B.C.’s Black Rock Oceanfront Resort says every day is Earth Day.
The popular Ucluelet resort is once again raising the sustainability game with its Refillable and Zero Waste programs, reducing its ecological footprint and taking a load off the landfill while reducing plastic waste.
Spearheaded by Black Rock general manager Adele Larkin, the initiative is aimed at sourcing 100% natural, biodegradable, refillable products for its cleaning needs and guest amenities in 2021.
As one of the first resorts in Canada to adopt such a model, Black Rock turned to its own backyard for solutions. Thanks to a partnership with two Vancouver Island small businesses, The Den and Mint Cleaning, Black Rock guests are now enjoying refillable bathroom products such as Oneka shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotions, Cascades paper products, and Tru Earth laundry strips. At the same time, housekeeping staff now use earth-friendly, all-natural cleaning products.
“The Zero-Waste dream started with a conversation. It reflects how we feel about the natural environment and our desire to protect the rainforest and ocean,” Larkin says about this effort that builds on natural rainforest landscaping, energy efficient lighting, recyclable coffee pods, and many other green initiatives. “It’s better for the community, environment, visitors and our staff.”
Black Rock’s ongoing journey is being taken hand-in-hand with the District of Ucluelet, whose progressive council has also made sustainability and climate action a community cornerstone. “When a resort puts sustainability under the microscope, it can inspire others in the hospitality sector to follow suit; when an entire community embraces sustainability, it can be a game changer for destination tourism,” it noted.
Velas Resorts rewards healthcare workers
Velas Resorts, Mexico
Efforts by health workers to contain the coronavirus are appreciated by Velas Resorts.
The Mexican firm decided to award 300 all-inclusive room nights for healthcare professionals as a thank you for their efforts in the struggle against the coronavirus epidemic. A 100 medical personnel will be selected to enjoy a stay in the Velas Vallarta resort.
The “Let’s Be Thankful” campaign has seen Velas Resorts’ clients participate by donating nights which made the results possible. Aeromexico joined in the initiative, giving away 50 roundtrip flights for the medical personnel that will be chosen.
March saw 350 nominations received, and during April the public voted to select the stories of the health care heroes, which will bring with it the chance for an all-inclusive stay of 4 days and 3 nights.
Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts said, “With this initiative we want to thank the true heroes; the partnership with Aeromexico reinforces the values that we, as Mexican companies share, along with the responsibility to our country.”
Adriana Prieto, manager of sustainable development for Aeromexico added, “We congratulate Velas Resorts for this initiative that coincides with the values of social responsibility that we have and promote. Aeromexico thanks all of the medical personnel of Mexico and in the world for their extraordinary work.”
Compassion for Mother Earth
Preferred Hotel Group
The Preferred Hotel Group marked Earth Day by showing compassion to Mother Earth. Preferred Hotel Group – which operates Preferred Hotels & Resorts – created a way for travelers to give back to the planet in a meaningful way by donating points they have earned through membership in the brand’s I Prefer Hotel Rewards program.
“After an eye-opening year of reflection during which people have become hyper-mindful of the world around them, Preferred has prioritized addressing this growing desire to make thoughtful decisions that positively impact the environment. Its new I Prefer Points for Good initiative allows I Prefer members to donate their points at cash value to the Ocean Heroes Network, a global non-profit organization that supports the potential of emerging youth leaders by equipping them with the tools to transform their passion for ocean health into tide-turning careers,” Preferred Hotel Group said.
From April 22 (Earth Day) through April 30, members could log on to their personal profiles via IPrefer.com to redeem and donate points in increments of $5, $10, and $20, with all proceeds going directly to the Ocean Heroes Network.
“As the world reopens, Earth Day serves as a gentle reminder that taking care of the planet should be a priority for all – and always moving ahead – and Preferred is honored to support the global movement through I Prefer Points for Good,” Preferred Hotel Group said.
Planting roots for the next generation
Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Costa Rica
Part of Costa Rica is looking a little greener thanks to Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge guests.
The resort celebrated Earth Day by having two guests plant a tree on April 22.
“Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge lives in harmony with nature and its guests are encouraged to actively take part in the sustainable practices that are the foundations of this beautiful property immersed in the rainforest,” the resort said.
Tofino Resort promotes sustainability
Tofino Resort + Marina, Tofino, B.C.
Tofino Resort + Marina celebrated Earth Day with an Ocean Friendly Business designation from Surfrider Pacific Rim, which promotes sustainable practices.
As a commitment to join other local businesses in the region to make improvements to commercial waste management practices, Tofino Resort + Marina is dedicated to reducing single-use and unnecessary plastics and implementing regenerative practices.
“We are thrilled to be an Ocean Friendly Business and excited to implement guidelines that support our values of living and working in reciprocity with nature,” said resort general manager Christopher Fehr.
“On the Pacific Rim, the business community is continuing to create a culture of commercial stewardship, from engaging in circular practices to championing the movement towards a plastic free coast,” says Lilly Woodbury, regional coordinator of Surfrider Pacific Rim. “With the cooperation and support of our local businesses we are more aligned and empowered than ever before to instill waste habits that advocate and advance the values of the people that work and live here.”
Surfrider Pacific Rim is committed to the protection and enjoyment of the ocean, waves and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. As part of this network, Tofino Resort + Marina has actioned several meaningful changes including:
• Adopted the use of sugar cane-based and 100% compostable takeout containers for signature restaurant 1909 Kitchen, eliminating plastic takeout coffee cups, containers and sauce ramekins;
• Joined the Take Back the Tap Campaign, supporting the elimination of single-use plastic water bottles;
• Eliminated foam docks from their marina, recognized as a leader in eliminating un-encapsulated foam docks on the coast;
• Installed refillable bathroom amenity dispensers throughout the resort;
• Led a socially distanced beach clean up during the Pacific Rim Whale Fest 2021 at Cox Bay Beach;
• Committed to ongoing monitoring and improvements to maintain designation, working closely with Surfrider Pacific Rim each year moving forward.
