March 2008 – According to the International Ecotourism Society, more than two-thirds of U.S. travelers consider “active protection of the environment, including support of local communities,†to be part of a hotel’s responsibility, while 70% would pay a premium to stay at a hotel with “a responsible environmental attitude.â€
Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa has become the first “Green Certified” resort in Key West by the Florida Green Lodging Program, and has received “1 Palm†status. To achieve this designation, Hyatt Key West represents best management practices of water conservation, energy efficiency, and clean air.
They also formed a “Green Team†and operate in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. The hotel’s new Jala Spa was a major aspect in the hotel’s certification; designed with all-natural products, the Spa donates $5 to the Reef Relief Organization with each Signature “Jala Blue” treatment purchased.
Another eco-friendly resort, Hawks Cay, located on its own island in the Florida Keys, is committed to teaching their guests the importance of conserving the environment and more specifically the Keys. Guests are introduced to a family of dolphins that live on property while on-site marine biologists share simple steps to help protect marine life.
Hawks Cay also recently created the Environmental Management Committee (EMC) to oversee all things “eco†during their re-launch. One of EMC’s many projects was to replace all golf carts utilized by staff and guests with a far more eco-friendly alternative bicycles.
Report by Chitra Mogul
