by Greg Custer
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Sun January 26, 2025
The beach and pool at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun. (Source: Greg Custer)
This article originally
appeared in the January issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
With plenty of sameness across the all-inclusive resort-scape (which is especially true for Mexico) many travel advisors want to partner with properties embracing values and policies that resonate with their customers.
Top of mind for many advisors and their clients are issues like ecological sustainability, workforce fairness and actions taken by resorts that benefit local communities – which are being addressed by Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection’s Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún All Inclusive Spa Resort, Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive and Live Aqua Cancun, which are part of POSADAS, Mexico’s largest hospitality company with nearly 200 properties.
Benchmarking Efforts
Yet it can be challenging sifting through how individual properties perform beyond price, location and amenities. Fortunately, there are hotel operation benchmarking efforts like Green Key, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Global Sustainable Tourism Council and more. There are also hospitality leaders who strive to embrace workforce fairness, ecological sustainability and benefits for marginalized communities.
The Live Aqua Cancun pool. (Source: Greg Custer)
The Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection is taking steps by listening to guest testimonials and designing needed mitigation strategies. Cancun’s unimaginable growth over the last 40 years brings enormous pressure on the region’s aquifer, waste treatment and electricity generation systems. There’s also the human impact tied to worker migration, housing, social services and public education.
Finding Solutions
Out of the need to find energy and resource solutions, POSADAS has systemwide technical analytics closely monitoring each property’s energy footprint. The three Cancun resorts carry out water footprint calculations through the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance platform and under the supervision of Green Key. POSADAS also installed photovoltaic systems in its hotels to reduce electricity consumption. All its Cancun hotels perform greenhouse gas calculation and negotiate with local suppliers for the collection of recoverable waste.
A sophisticated Prometheus software evaluation to improve environmental performance led to high-efficiency air-conditioning and water-heating equipment investments. It has also earned POSADAS a Green Key Distinction, an environmental certification program that helps establishments improve their environmental performance and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Social Responsibility
In 2023, POSADAS received the Socially Responsible Company Distinction for the 11th consecutive year. It established a Psychological Support Line specializing in situations of domestic violence in collaboration with UNICEF, and has provided support to hundreds of women, minors and companions as a refuge, offering nearly 2,000 room nights and nearly 12,000 free meals in 2023 alone.
There have also been 5-K runs for mental health fundraising, with the participation of employees and families. The company provides lactation stations for workers and health support to more than 1,800 people with eye exams, glasses, surgeries and psychomotor therapies. Scholarships are also prioritized. Some 600 children and young people completed Ministry of Public education high school diplomas, POSADAS said.
“We provide the opportunity for locals to offer their services onsite, such as artisans and braid makers,” said Fiesta American Condesa Cancún Sales Manager Claudia Sosa. “We also incorporate local products in our daily food offerings. The hotel also buys piñatas every year from a charitable foundation to help children that suffer from Down syndrome.”
Guest Feedback Surveys
“We genuinely care about our guests’ feedback. Each survey tells us what we’re doing well and where we can do better,” said Live Aqua Cancun E-Commerce Manager Haffid Gonzalez. “That’s why we take every response seriously. One example is how we installed in-room dispensers to minimize the use of plastic bottles. Live Aqua also implemented the use of terrariums as centerpieces in restaurant areas to promote biodiversity and enhance the guest experience.”
At Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, “we believe that a truly exceptional vacation experience is one responsible and respectful of our environment and the local community,” said Director of Marketing Lorena Vilchis. “We are committed to sustainability. From protecting turtle nests to collaborating with local artists and embracing seasonal slow-food menus, we strive to minimize our environmental impact and support the vibrant local community.”
Taking steps both big and small, POSADAS’ Cancun resorts are listening, learning and leading a path ahead with sustainability at the center.
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