Tourism is a driving factor for many coastal communities’ economies but is also a leading cause of declining ocean health. These communities thrive off the ocean’s beauty, activities, and resources, which is why Iberostar Hotels & Resorts recognizes that the ocean is more than just an economic tool but a vulnerable, valuable environment that must be cherished and protected.
In 2018, the hotel chain launched Wave of Change, an ambitious commitment to protecting our oceans and advocating for responsible tourism. The movement is founded on three principles–moving toward a circular economy, improving coastal health, and promoting sustainable seafood consumption.
What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is based on reusing and regenerating materials, eliminating wasteful consumption and production. Iberostar’s operations became single-use plastic free in 2020, and the chain pledged to be waste-free by 2025 and carbon neutral by 2030.
Reducing food waste is also a top priority. The chain implemented a composting center at Iberostar Waves Paraiso del Mar in Riviera Maya in August 2022, processing raw materials like gardening waste, fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds.
How are they improving coastal health?
Iberostar understands that guests come to their resorts to enjoy leisure vacations surrounded by tropical beauty. These beautiful beachfront environments are also home to thousands of marine species, and their protection and upkeep are in the hands of coastal communities.
Iberostar fully embraced this responsibility, launching a mangrove conservation and restoration program in the Dominican Republic and planting over 2,200 mangroves in the surrounding natural wetlands of Iberostar Waves Dominicana. Mangroves are a vital member of the marine community, and as a bonus, they help offset carbon emissions. Iberostar has also implemented a coral reef lab at Iberostar Selection Coral Bavaro to help restore and maintain the ocean coral in the area.
Why is sustainable seafood consumption important?
Overfishing is a serious threat to coastal communities and contributes to the global decline in biodiversity. Iberostar has pledged to move toward solely working with local and ethical fisheries that have established standards to ensure that the seafood they provide is sustainable and regenerative. This means that there is a distinct effort to protect biodiversity and the livelihoods of the people who work in the seafood industry.
In 2022, Iberostar announced that 100 percent of the seafood served at their resorts in Mexico comes from responsibly sourced fisheries, a significant step toward their goal to have all the chain’s seafood sourced sustainably by 2025.
Do your part to support responsible tourism and book your next beach vacation at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.
