Hidden Valley Inn praised for its sustainable tourism practices and commitment to its environment
San Juan, Puerto Rico (April 27, 2006) – A small luxury eco-lodge located on a 7,200 acre private reserve in the Maya Mountains of Western Belize has won the Caribbean region’s premier award for environmental excellence.
Hidden Valley Inn today captured the 2006 Islands magazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Award at a special awards luncheon at the 8th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC-8) here.
“Hidden Valley Inn encapsulates everything you look for in a sustainable tourism award winner,” said Ty Sawyer, editorial director of Islands magazine, as he announced the winner.
The Inn, which consists of 12 cottages, sits on two unique ecosystems made up of tropical jungle and Caribbean pine, home to several species of wildlife, including jaguars and pumas.
The resort undertakes a variety of sustainable tourism programmes, including the use of recycled material and the provision of water from fresh springs to guests. It also facilitates natural research and ecological projects while providing accommodations to researchers who need it.
“The ecosystem of Hidden Valley is always at the forefront of the minds of management. That’s what makes them stand out and that’s why we have chosen them as this year’s winner of the sustainable tourism award,” explained Sawyer.
Trevor Rowe, one of the owners of Hidden Valley Inn, described the recognition as humbling and dedicated it to the resort’s 21-member staff, 20 of whom are native Belizeans.
For more information see their listing under Belize accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
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