lunes, 7 de julio de 2008

Green Deal a good deal for Guatemalan tourism










Saturday, July 5, 2008
Environmental sensitivity brings more business
By Daniel Drosdoff
”Businesses are finding that many tourists are not interested just in historic sites, lodging, and good food, but also in hiking on nature trails. They have more than an average concern about the environment. That means they may be inclined to give more of their business to a firm displaying the Green Deal badge.
A Green Deal certification for a hotel, restaurant, or travel agency tells customers that the business has taken steps not only to improve service to clients, but also to protect the environment, conserve energy, and comply with health and sanitation standards. The Green Deal standards are monitored by the Rainforest Alliance, a well-financed, worldwide organization based in New York. The certification, conferred on the basis of on-site inspections, is managed in Guatemala by the Asociación Alianza Verde. The names of companies holding the Green Deal certification are posted on the Internet.
For Benedicto Grijalva, owner of the Capitán Tortuga Restaurant and the Martsam Travel Agency of Flores, Green Deal certification has been a good deal. In addition to furthering environmental goals, it is also “a good marketing tool,” he said, and it is especially relevant for the nature tours organized by his boutique travel agency, which targets tourists interested in environmental issues. He also notes that the energy savings and sanitation measures associated with the certificate—such as electricity and water conservation—improve the quality and efficiency of his business operations.”
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