Palm Beach, Aruba (February 9, 2010) – Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino is proud to announce it is officially the firstHigh Rise resort on Palm Beach. The Authentic Island Chic resort on 12 beachfront acres on the northwest coast of Aruba received the prestigious Silver Status under the Green Globe Earthcheck Certification program, the premier international certification alliance for sustainable travel and tourism. Following the ongoing success of the resort’s EMBRACE Project to inspire staff and guests to revitalize cherished local landmarks, the certification recognizes the resort’s dedication to operating at the world’s highest environmental standards. “Green Globe Certified”
"Silver certification has generated excitement and pride for resort associates while elevating our standing in the community of Aruba, and we couldn’t be more thrilled," said Susan Santiago, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Aruba. "Supporting Hyatt's ongoing commitment to sustainability, our service team has made environmental efforts a major focus. All of our associates, driven by our "Green Team" are proud to be setting an example for others on island to follow. As global citizens, we embrace this responsibility and continue diligently working to improve efforts that preserve the natural and cultural resources of Aruba. Combined with Hyatt’s ongoing global sustainability program, Hyatt Earth, we’ve made a long-term commitment to reduce our environmental footprint through measureable and purposeful actions.”
Undertaking this highest level of Green Globe programs is no easy process, requiring an extensive audit encompassing interviews and reviews of policies and operations. Green Globe representatives, met with numerous associates, pursued onsite inspections and reviewed a range of environmental indicators using their Earthcheck™ tool, including the resort’s energy consumption, its sustainability policy – even its parrot population. By fostering a spirit of innovation, collaboration and community focus for all associates of Hyatt Regency Aruba, a true team effort was put in place to reach this impressive milestone.
Among standout practices, Hyatt Regency Aruba was lauded for:
- The “elegant” use of natural ventilation in the main lobby, befitting the resort’s tropical location while resulting in “substantial energy savings.”
- Use of premium environmentally friendly solutions, such as the planned introduction of biodegradable food trays instead of cheaper polystyrene trays.
- The roof garden with skylights for the Ruinas del Mar restaurant, hailed as “one of the few successful roof gardens in Aruba” in the Green Globe Certification Audit Report.
- Community work by employees done during work time.
That last point is particularly gratifying, as the resort’s volunteer EMBRACE Project (Employees Maintaining, Beautifying, Revitalizing Authentic Cultural Elements) saw the cleanup of two cherished local landmarks – the Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins and the Balashi Gold Mine Ruins – during 2009. Guests were encouraged to join volunteer staff in these morning-long cleanup efforts, and the resort rewards everyone with “Hyatt Force” t-shirts, snacks and drinks, transportation and tools for the work. Sites on the EMBRACE agenda for the year ahead include a return trip to the Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins and Balashi Gold Mine Ruins.
Taken together, Green Globe Certification and the EMBRACE program reveal Hyatt Regency Aruba to be on the leading edge of two of the hottest trends in travel: environmental sustainability and voluntourism.
The Green Globe program as managed by EC3 Global is the worldwide Benchmarking, Certification and performance improvement system assisting the travel and tourism industry to attain sustainability. Green Globe with Earthcheck science inside provides a certification system that responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management.
Rooms at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino start at $280, based on double occupancy. Call 1-800-55-HYATT or visit www.aruba.hyatt.com
For additional information, please contact Greta Peters, Hawkins International PR at (212) 255-6541 or Greta@hawkpr.com.
About Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino
Located on 12 acres of magnificent beachfront property on Aruba’s world-renowned Palm Beach, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino is a year-round resort with a reputation for refined hospitality. Its 360 sumptuous guestrooms and suites offer garden or ocean views with deluxe amenities. Recreational facilities are abundant and include a 3-level pool complex, a spa with fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, a private beach, Aruba’s first championship golf course, Camp Hyatt for kids and the Casino Copa Cabana. On-site dining includes Ruinas del Mar restaurant, Café Piccolo, Café Japengo and the Palms Bar & Grill. Nine meeting rooms and extensive outdoor areas are ideal for catered special events. The resort is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Queen BeatrixInternational Airport.
About Global Hyatt Corporation
Global Hyatt Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s premier hotel companies. The hotels owned, operated, managed or franchised by its subsidiaries provide authentic hospitality to guests in 45 countries through a passionate commitment to personalized service, cultural relevance, and the environment. Global Hyatt subsidiaries own, operate, manage or franchise more than 365 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Resorts™, Grand Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt Summerfield Suites® and Andaz™ brands with additional properties under development on five continents. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., operator of Hyatt Vacation Club®. The success of Global Hyatt is driven by the commitment and energy of the thousands of men and women around the world who provide exceptional service to hotel guests. From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Hyatt hotel worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or visiting www.hyatt.com
