I have written about many hotels, resorts and convention centers that have beehives on site. Bees are mentioned in about 80 articles on Green Lodging News, and I have to say that seeing a honeybee in nature is one of the greatest privileges given the struggles they have had in recent years. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, more than half of North America’s 4,000 native bee species are in decline, with 1 in 4 species at risk of extinction. Do what you can to encourage the presence of bees on your property—whether having a beehive or hives onsite or planting the types of plants that attract bees.
Named among “The World’s Most Important Animals” by the Royal Geographical Society and Earthwatch Institute, bees play a vital role in the pollination cycle involved in the production of over 75 percent of the food we consume globally. Pollination supports crop production, wild plant diversity, ecosystem balance, healthy soils, and clean air.
This week I highlight the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Vallarta, Mexico for its efforts to protect bees. In Mexico alone, beekeeping generates around 100,000 direct jobs. The property’s Guardians of Wildlife program features workshops for families to learn about bees, their importance, and tips to help conservation.
At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, besides being chosen by valuable guests every year, it is the place selected by bees to rest and feed during their pollination journey. New wooden structures act as temporary suites providing a comfortable space for them to find a respite and build their hives. In partnership with AZPER Guardián de la Vida (AZPER Guardian of life), the apiaries are conditioned with honey and pheromones to attract these insects. The artificial hives can be easily moved and relocated if needed. Flowers on the property offer ample food for the bees. And their honey is used throughout the resort’s restaurants as well the renowned SE Spa while supporting sustainable commerce locally.
Velas Resorts recently featured the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and its bee efforts in its online magazine. There you can see photos of how the resort is benefiting from bees. There is also a bee video leading off the page and a link to a blog entry entitled, “6 Honey Spa Treatments We Love.”
Got some interesting bee stories to share? I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
AAA’s Inspected Clean Program
Earlier this year AAA announced that it would enhance its housekeeping evaluation to include objective, scientific validation of the cleanliness of common surfaces throughout hotels. Hotels that meet AAA’s standards for cleanliness, condition and this new surface cleanliness testing will now be recognized as Inspected Clean and then assigned a Diamond designation. I recently spoke with Scott Hammerle, Director of the AAA Diamond Program, about Inspected Clean. Watch for the article soon on Green Lodging News.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in the Green Suppliers Spotlight!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, publishes Green Suppliers Spotlight, an e-blast to 23,120 subscribers that features the lodging industry’s leading green products and services. The e-blast features multiple vendors—unlike the current Green Supplier Spotlight that allows one supplier to “own” the Green Lodging News subscriber list for one e-blast. (Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample.)
Green Suppliers Spotlight is published weekly on Thursdays to general managers, owners, management companies, directors of sustainability, directors of engineering, facilities managers and many others who are either in purchasing positions or who influence purchasing decisions. Suppliers of green products and services throughout North America and beyond are invited to participate in the e-blast. (Minimum two suppliers per e-blast.) Green Suppliers Spotlight was created to give vendors an opportunity to reach a high number of industry purchasers at a very low cost—as low as $200 per e-mail. (Click here for rate sheet.)
Those advertising in Green Suppliers Spotlight can include up to 100 words, one image, contact information and multiple links to their website in their ad. At the end of each month, a report will be sent to each supplier with information on delivered e-mails, opens and click-throughs.
Planning Advertising for 2021?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2021. Many excellent spots are available on our website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2021 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlight currently stands at 23,120. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There are “subscribe” links on the Green Lodging News home page. You may also e-mail greenlodgingnews@gmail.com to be added to our list.
Green Lodging News & Social Media
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As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
