Eagle Beach -- CAST’s Governing Council convening in Puerto Rico with the purpose of planning the strategies to advance the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the Caribbean, made the announcement of a new regional award for Green Globe certified properties.
Best Overall Performer Award was granted to Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort in Aruba. The property achieved best practice status in all indicators and has performed most significantly above the best practice level.
The Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, also in Aruba, earned the Most Improved Performer for demonstrating the largest improvement in achieving the Green Globe benchmarks over two years.
“Both hotels are active members of CHA since 1993 and 2000 respectively, and they show their commitment to the region by practicing sustainable tourism initiatives and supporting CHA events and programs,” said CHA Director General Alec Sanguinetti, as he congratulated both properties on their awards.
The Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is a distinct boutique resort with Dutch colonial-style architecture, located on Eagle Beach that has been owned and managed by the same family since December of 1989. “We recognize the significant role we play in sustaining the natural beauty of Aruba, for the present and future of our communities and guest. Our commitment to the environment has moved us to adopt many sustainability procedures such as minimize use of energy, water and natural resources, employ local labor, and promote the use local products and services” said Jurgen van Schaijk, Owner & Managing Director of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort.
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa recently celebrated their re-certification for the Green Globe 21 Standards. The continuous efforts of staff and management to fulfill the company’s vision and promise to preserve a safe and healthy environment for the Island of Aruba, it’s people and visiting guests, is showing great results. Since the commencement of the Green Globe program in 2003, the resort was able to reduce electricity and water consumption per guest night of over 20%. “I can certainly encourage colleague resorts in the Caribbean to sign up for the Green Globe Certification program and learn how they can become a better neighbors in their community and save hard dollars” said Edgar Roelofs, Director of Operations of Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa.
This is the first time that these Green Globe awards have been made in the Caribbean. The Caribbean leads the 
world with more than 50% of all properties globally, certified to GG21. CAST is the Alliance Partner for the Green Globe 21 program in the Caribbean and a complete list of Green Globe 21 certified properties is available on www.cha-cast.com.
Pictured here Jurgen van Schaijk in Miami, during the American Express ‘Salute to the Stars of the CaribbeanÂ’ Awards Luncheon, held during the Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC 2006) at the Hyatt Regency Miami.
Edgar Roelofs is pictured here at the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa with Berthia Parle, CHA President, during her visit in Aruba, accompanied by AHATA’s Anky Bruins.
