Viva Resorts by Wyndham partners with PADF for eco-friendly tourism, while Beyond Green expands its collection of environmentally conscious properties worldwide.
A 2023 report by Booking.com found that more than 70 percent of global travelers express interest in eco-friendly accommodations. This growing trend is reshaping the luxury hotel market, where high-end resorts are embracing eco-conscious practices. Two recent developments in the Caribbean and beyond exemplify this shift: the partnership between the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and Viva Resorts by Wyndham to protect marine ecosystems, and the global expansion of Beyond Green, a portfolio of eco-friendly luxury properties. Together, these initiatives highlight how sustainability is evolving from a niche concept into a core component of luxury travel.
The partnership between PADF and Viva Resorts aims to protect the Caribbean’s fragile ecosystems while promoting sustainable tourism. Viva Resorts, which operates all-inclusive properties across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas, is working with PADF to integrate eco-friendly practices into its operations. The focus of this collaboration, aligned with the USAID Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity, includes initiatives like better waste management and marine conservation efforts to protect local wildlife and habitats.
Katie Taylor, executive director of PADF, described the partnership as transformative. “Partnering with Viva Resorts by Wyndham is more than just a step forward — it is a pivotal moment in our shared commitment to safeguarding the Caribbean’s marine ecosystems,” she said in a statement. “This partnership exemplifies the power of aligning with organizations that recognize the urgency of sustainable tourism and the vital role it plays in protecting our oceans.”
For Viva Resorts, this collaboration extends beyond implementing new technologies and practices; it’s about ensuring the long-term survival of the Caribbean’s natural beauty. Eco-friendly lighting designed to protect nesting turtles, the creation of marine corridors for species like manatees and whales, and the conservation of coastal environments are among the initiatives being pursued. “We are thrilled to partner with PADF to advance our shared goals of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation,” says Erika Sordo, corporate director of Marketing and Public Relations at Viva Wyndham Resorts. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in preserving the natural beauty of the Caribbean and supporting the well-being of its communities.”
This regional effort to balance tourism with environmental preservation is part of a larger, global trend that is transforming the luxury travel industry. Beyond Green, launched by Preferred Travel Group in 2021, is rapidly expanding its eco-conscious portfolio. The collection now spans nearly 50 properties in 20 countries, with seven new additions announced across Africa, Europe, and Latin America. This growth underscores the rising demand for sustainable luxury experiences, where guests seek more than just comfort — they want to contribute to the preservation of the destinations they visit.
Beyond Green properties adhere to more than 50 sustainability indicators, which align with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These hotels and resorts not only focus on reducing their environmental impact but also prioritize community engagement and cultural preservation. “With each addition, we continue to uphold our commitment to using travel as a positive force for change,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Beyond Green. “These properties strengthen our shared vision of fostering a more sustainable and responsible future for both travelers and the planet.”
The new properties joining Beyond Green’s portfolio exemplify this commitment to sustainability. Swinton Park Hotel in North Yorkshire, England, offers guests a luxurious experience within a historic castle, while incorporating eco-friendly initiatives like biomass heating and tree planting. In Costa Rica, SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge stands out as a model for integrating sustainability with luxury, drawing on renewable energy sources and supporting local biodiversity through its conservation programs.
Other additions include Austria’s Bio- and Wellness resort Stanglwirt, which uses hydroelectric power and sustainable building materials, and several properties in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, such as andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp and Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge. These lodges are renowned for their commitment to minimizing environmental impact through the use of solar power and battery energy storage systems, while still offering guests an immersive, luxurious experience surrounded by wildlife.
Related on Ethos:
