St. James, Barbados (May 30, 2007) - Almond Resorts, the Caribbean's premier chain of all-inclusive resorts is the proud winner of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association's 2006 Environmental Award and once again the resorts in Barbados have achieved Green Globe 21 certification. Always sensitive to the long term impact of the operation of its resorts on the surrounding environment, Almond's management has, over the years, worked diligently to maintain and improve the natural landscape and beyond that, to encourage and develop related local businesses so that they can become part of the life cycle of the islands.
Our resorts are situated in some of the most spectacular locations in the world, bordering wonderful beaches and crystal clear waters, with acres of tropical gardens and natural foliage. But beautiful as it is, we recognize that this environment is also very fragile and we have made the preservation of the ecological balance of our landscape our prime responsibility, says Ralph Taylor, Chairman and Managing Director of Almond Resorts. Our guests appreciate the quality of the Almond vacation experience which we have worked hard to develop into something that is uniquely ours. It is simply good business to pay close attention to our surroundings. Beyond that, the Caribbean islands are also our home, and very precious to us. In 2005, Almond Resorts Inc. was recognized for dedication to environmental preservation with Barbados Governor General¡¯s Award for Outstanding Environmental Achievement.
Each Almond resort has its own ¡°Green Team¡± made up of representatives from each of the hotel¡¯s departments. Green Team members, keep tabs on the progress of their resort¡¯s environmental conservation program and whether it is on track or in need of adjustment. All Almond Resorts depend on solar heating for their hot water supply and the lighting system throughout the extensive gardens and in and around the swimming pools operate on photo cells. Closely managed programs at the properties ensure that resources like energy and water are conserved and recycled to the best advantage.
With every resort that Almond adds to its resort chain, the company makes giant strides forward in setting up viable operating systems for environmental preservation. A recent addition to Almond team, is Loreto Duffy-Mayers, the resorts¡¯ Environmental Director. Well-experienced in her field, she is an active participant in environmental issues in Barbados, where she is based, and in the wider Caribbean. ¡°With an eco-educated, well-equipped team which has a detailed knowledge of the organization and day-to-day needs of environmentally-conscious hotels, Almond Resorts is indeed in league with the best eco-sensitive hotels in the world¡±, Chairman Taylor asserts.
Almond Resorts¡¯ newly acquired Casuarina Beach Resort in St. Lawrence, Barbados, is at the leading edge of the program, having been designed to operate on environmentally acceptable terms and ensuring the preservation of the natural habitats, like those of the endangered sea turtles, which nest on Casuarina Beach and the coral reefs. The preservation of the natural environment and active encouragement of the beach vegetation, apart from being an eye-pleaser, also serves as an effective barrier against climatic storm systems. Set among 9 acres of tropical forest, Almond Casuarina Beach Resort, when it opens in Summer 2007, will retain a sizeable portion of the original vegetation, and is one of the few hotels in the region operating within its own tropical forest ecosystem. Most of the vegetation is salt tolerant and drought resistant and is designed to minimize CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The successful maintenance of this ecosystem sustains all forms of local and migrating wildlife. The property composts almost all of its yard waste, thereby feeding its landscape without the need for chemically-enhanced topsoil. As with all Almond Resorts, the hotel has programs to minimize the use of energy, water and other non-renewable resources as well as hazardous materials and solid waste.
As its on-going commitment to improving the environment, Almond Resorts has training programs for its employees whose ranks are mostly made up of the local talent available in each area. Maintaining and enhancing the environment is not limited to the landscape, says Chairman Ralph Taylor. Our people are a vital part of the eco-system and we, at Almond Resorts, do our very best to include them in our efforts to sustain the natural balance. We have a policy of purchasing local products and services wherever possible and we actively plan and implement systems which make this a win-win effort all around. Our growers¡¯ agreements with farmers in St. Lucia give small farms the security of planning their crops ahead and knowing that there is a buyer awaiting their goods when they are ready for the market. It not only helps develop the fresh produce industry, but our guests are the prime beneficiaries of the delicious bounty of our islands. Our chefs are delighted with the sun-ripened quality of the local fruits, vegetables and herbs that are delivered to our kitchens within hours of being picked. And best of all, they are organically grown. ¡±
¡°We recognize that we have a social commitment to the local and regional community in Barbados and St. Lucia where our resorts are based, and that our business has an important educational role to play as well. Our managers and staff work actively with other entities in the tourism industry, in public agencies and community organizations to achieve our collective environmental goals, Chairman Taylor continues.
The Kids' Clubs at all Almond Resorts have programs and projects to widen the environmental knowledge of the resorts' younger guests in interesting and entertaining ways. Popular activities include nature walks, story-telling, treasure hunts, art classes and more.
For more information, please contact your tour operator or Almond Resorts at 1-800-4ALMOND or visit www.almondresorts.com.
For your FREE on-line Bahamas travel guides, visit http://www.caribbean.com.
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PRESS RELEASE - 2007