Earth Month may be winding down, but the commitment of the hospitality industry isn’t. Following are some ongoing initiatives and travel options to keep both visitors and the planet happy.
The Bahamas Takes Action Toward Sustainable Future
The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, represented the 700-island nation at the United Nations General Assembly Sustainability Week in New York City, April 15-19, coming away with stronger resolve to lead in the global collaboration for a sustainable future.
To that end, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has launched two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at fortifying the health and restoration of mangrove trees devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The “For The Love of Mangrove” campaign is led by Team Tourism volunteers, public service staff, along with visitors and the public and a strong showing of the industry’s environmental stewardship:
- Mangrove Magic: Team Tourism and partners such as the Bahamas National Trust, Waterkeepers, and Friends of the Environment are engaged in a spirited competition to plant the maximum number of mangrove propagules to grow new trees.
- Adopt-a-Mangrove encourages Team Tourism and others to contribute financially to bolster the Mangrove Restoration Project in collaboration with partner organizations.
According to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment & Aviation, “mangroves aren’t just part of nature’s tropical landscape; they’re the guardians of our coastlines, mitigating erosion from storm surges, currents, and tides. Their intricate root systems serve as sanctuaries for myriad marine organisms, making them vital to the ecological balance of our oceans.”
Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, The Bahamas is committed to actions towards continued country prosperity while protecting the planet with major overarching goals such as:
- Life Below Water—Protect biodiversity and marine life through the sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources.
- Responsible Consumption and Production—Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns across the nation’s 16 islands and thousands of cays.
- Climate Action—Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
- Life on Land—Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems: sustainable forest management, desertification, land degradation and biodiversity loss. For more information, visit bahamas.com.
African Travel Shares Ethical Wildlife Practices
African Travel, Inc. (ATI), an award-winning luxury safari outfitter has announced a continued commitment to promoting ethical wildlife experiences by sharing responsible practices with clients to help create a healthy planet. ATI is highlighting three key areas where clients can make a positive impact on wildlife conservation and the protection of habitats while enjoying an immersive African safari adventure. These include supporting conservancies and their community-centric initiatives, understanding the impact of geotagging endangered wildlife and choosing reputable travel companies with an animal welfare policy.
Here are three ways clients can practice responsible wildlife excursions on their next safari journey:
- Supporting Leading Wildlife Conservation Partners: Private reserves in Africa are working to enhance Africa’s ecosystems, investment in community livelihoods and wildlife. Clients can contribute to the preservation of endangered species by choosing safari outfitters that support and promote these conservancies and reserves, including Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, East Africa’s first private and largest rhino sanctuary, on ATI’s 12-day World’s Greatest Show & Safari.
- Not Geotagging Endangered Wildlife: While on safari, guests post photos of animal encounters on social media sites, not realizing that embedded within the post or the image is a geotag containing the GPS location of endangered wildlife such as elephants, rhinos and big cats. Poachers use this location data to track valuable animals for poaching. On the 8-day Under Kenyan Skies safari, clients spend a day with East Africa’s first all-female anti-poaching unit. Guests can observe a dog sniffing demonstration, which showcases how these highly trained bloodhounds are able to track poachers to protect the 57,000-acre conservancy and its precious species. African Travel, Inc. shares tips on disabling geotagging to allow guests to protect and preserve wildlife while enjoying its beauty.
- Animal Welfare Policy: According to World Animal Protection, over half a million wild animals suffer in tourist entertainment venues globally. In 2014, TTC established an Animal Welfare Policy in partnership with World Animal Protection and updated it in 2020 to ensure that all wildlife experiences meet the approved guidelines of animal welfare based on the Five Domains of Animal Welfare—nutrition, environment, health, behavior and mental state. Clients can learn about Shamwari Game Reserve’s great conservation projects on the 10-day South Africa’s Natural Wonders. The journey includes visits to Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where they’ll learn about the efforts aimed at protecting rhinos, big cats, vultures and other African wildlife species. African Travel, Inc.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Tucked away in the heart of the North Malé Atoll, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests to celebrate the Earth with a collection of eco-conscious activities and indulgences. The luxurious resort seamlessly blends island living with contemporary design, immersing travelers in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Maldives.
At The Ritz Kids Club, young explorers can pedal their way to delicious smoothies with the resort’s bike blender workshop, craft pizzas using a solar oven, get creative at the marine life vs. plastic painting workshop, take part in a coral regeneration adventure, and explore coral reefs through the Jean-Michel Ambassadors of the Environment Program. All of which will foster an early appreciation for environmental conservation.
For those in search of tranquility, The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a serene retreat designed to inspire deep relaxation and rejuvenation, including a specialized bamboo tapping treatment, complemented by the luxurious Bamford collection of organic body and skincare products. After unwinding at the spa, visitors are welcome to enjoy an organic wine-tasting experience to savor the finest vintages available.
As the sun dips below the horizon, adventurous travelers can join thrilling night dives, led by certified divers, and enjoy the vibrant wonders of the resort’s marine life. During the day, underwater panoramas are even more overwhelmingly beautiful. ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels-and-resorts
