Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts will ban the use of
single-use plastics at its all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean and Spain
by 2020.
The hotel chain will substitute disposable plastic cups with
reusable cups and plastic straws with biodegradable ones.
These changes are in effect now at Bahia Principe's four
properties in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and at a corporate level at the offices of
Grupo Pinero, the brand's parent company.
"The measures we are implementing as a global brand are
an honest reflection of our efforts to minimize the impact of our operations
and reaffirm our commitment to environmental sustainability and preserving the
areas in which we operate," said Antonio del Toro, director.
In other environmental areas, the company said it reached several
milestones during the first four months of the year, including a reduction in
energy consumption and water consumption per guest per stay by 8% and 2%,
respectively, and a savings of 40% more recyclable waste when compared to the
same period in 2017.
Guests have the opportunity to take part in the brand's
conservation efforts via the Eco-Bahia Foundation, a nonprofit organization
aimed at the environmental protection of the land. Programs include sea turtle
rescues and Maya jungle preservation.