Green Key Ceremony for Camino Real Hotels in Mexico

On 13 September 2023, the Green Key certification event took place at Camino Real Polanco in Mexico, with 32 hotels under the Camino Real Hotels group (Camino Real, Quinta Real, and Real Inn brands) being certified.

In attendance were prominent figures from the tourism and hospitality sector in Mexico, including Miguel Torruco Marqués, the Secretary of Tourism; Humberto Hernández Haddad, the Undersecretary of Tourism; Dr. José Zeind Domínguez, the General Director of Tourism Certification; Leandro Trejo Escudero, the General Director of Camino Real Hoteles; and Joaquín Arturo Díaz Ríos, the CEO of FEE México.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ríos emphasized that "Green Key is not merely a recognition; it is the result of the significant technical support and strong commitment demonstrated by each and every department within the hotels during its implementation."

As part of their implementation efforts, Camino Real Hoteles successfully reduced electricity, water, and gas consumption by 7% compared to 2019. Despite a 2% variation in occupancy compared to 2019, electricity consumption saw a remarkable 13% reduction, resulting in a decrease of 3,320 tons of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to planting 276,000 trees in just one year.

Moreover, this achievement involved collaboration with over 200 suppliers from across the country, all of whom pledged to adhere to Green Key guidelines. In the process, more than 3,500 employees actively participated, receiving 96 training sessions on environmental issues, which were a central focus of the program.

In his closing remarks, Miguel Torruco Marqués, Secretary of Tourism, extended his congratulations to the establishments and emphasized that "Green Key represents a guarantee of sustainability in the management and operation of accommodation, as demonstrated by Grupo Posadas."

Foundation for Environmental Education Partners with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to Promote Sustainable Business Practices in Hospitality

A partnership designed to empower people to create an environmentally conscious world, has been announced by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).  As a strategic delivery partner FEE’s expertise will help the Alliance continue its development of the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.

Activity will see FEE support the Alliance specifically focusing on the social and environmental aspects of education and training. This agreement positions FEE as an external expert for the Alliance, bringing insight and knowledge which will enhance collective impact. 

Established in 1981, FEE is one of the world's largest environmental education organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 81 countries with programmes which help to protect our world’s natural resources.

This partnership combines the Alliance’s sector-specific expertise and reach, representing over 50,000 properties and 7 million rooms globally, with FEE’s education and training delivery know-how.

Activity will see both parties collaborate on potential joint fundraising campaigns for the hospitality industry, with FEE endorsing and incorporating specific Alliance tools and resources that are relevant to its efforts and programmes.

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, said:

“We are excited to welcome FEE as a strategic delivery partner and look forward to working with them to promote sustainable business practice in the hospitality industry.  FEE’s expertise in environmental education will undoubtedly support the Alliance in its delivery of the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.”

Foundation for Environmental Education CEO, Daniel Schaffer, said:

“We are very pleased to be entering a strategic partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. This partnership builds upon our existing cooperation which promoted the use of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s carbon and water calculation tools in the Green Key programme. We look forward to exploring further collaborations that engage FEE’s school-based programmes and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s work supporting vulnerable youth by ensuring short-term employment in the hospitality sector.”

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About the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together the hospitality industry and strategic partners to address key challenges affecting the planet and its people, local destinations and communities. They develop practical free resources and programmes to create a prosperous and responsible hospitality sector that gives back more than it takes. Their members represent over 50,000 hotels – totalling 7 million rooms – and include world-leading companies including Choice Hotels International, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, BWH Hotel Group and Radisson Hotel Group, as well as regional brands. Their network also includes other parts of the hospitality value chain, including owners, investors and suppliers, to further drive joined up action on sustainability, and accelerate the industry on the path to net positive hospitality. For more information, please visit: www.sustainablehospitalityalliance.org

About Foundation for Environmental Education

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is one of the world’s largest Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 80 countries. With a network of over 60,000 educational institutions, the Eco-Schools, Learning About Forests and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes empower young people to create an environmentally conscious world through experiential, project-based learning. The Green Key and Blue Flag programmes are globally recognized for promoting sustainable business practices and the protection of natural resources. With over 40 years of impactful experience in ESD, FEE’s strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, prioritises impactful action across all five programmes to address the threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.

Green Key International Director to Speak at 2nd F.I.C.C. World Congress in France

The Fédération Internationale de Camping, Caravanning et Autocaravaning F.I.C.C. AISBL, was founded in 1933, with 16 clubs from 7 countries. Today, it is constituted by 72 Federations and Clubs from 36 countries representing about 8 million consumers. It is an unique force that, through its technical commissions, represents, protects and promotes Camping, Caravanning and motor-caravanning at national and international level.

Organised for the second time by the Fédération Internationale de Camping, Caravanning et Autocaravaning (F.I.C.C.), together with an organising committee comprising members from all over the world, the 2nd edition of the World Congress will take place in the surroundings of the beautiful city of Paris, from 27th to 28th October 2022.

The World Congress with its topic “The Impact of Digitalisation and Sustainability on Camping Tourism” will unite experts from all over the world and will include presentations, discussions, workshops and reflections on three main themes: consumers, campsites and the camping industry, caravanning and motor-caravanning.

Green Key International Director, Mr. Finn Bolding Thomsen, will be attending the 2nd F.I.C.C. World Congress and will speak about implementing sustainability practices in campsites through the Green Key programme.

The opening ceremony takes place on October 27 at 9:00 am and will be the beginning of the interesting and most diverse program items.

The congress website can be accessed at: https://ficc.org/en/ or directly at, https://congress.ficc.org/