The Riviera Nayarit Presents First Sustainability Report on Nuevo Vallarta

• Together with hotel partners, service providers, and the Government, the CVB has developed strategies and actions focused on promoting good sustainable practices and continuous improvement in this tourist area.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) presented its first Sustainability Report on the Nuevo Vallarta Nautical, Tourist, and Residential Development, which includes a series of strategies, programs, and actions developed in the area based on the EarthCheck environmental management system.

This report provides a look at the progress made during the period between July 2018 and June 2019, and although this is a first declaration, it actually represents four years of driving strategies and actions focused on promoting sustainability in this tourist area, said Marc Murphy, managing director for the CVB.

“We’re convinced that developing our activities in an environmentally friendly way is everyone’s responsibility, and it pays to improve the quality of life for everyone in the destination.”

 

 

EarthCheck Certification

With this EarthCheck Silver Certification Nuevo Vallarta is maintaining the leadership it claimed since 2016 within a small group of sustainable tourism destinations that have been certified under this international standard. The development, which extends across 480 hectares, welcomes the largest number of tourists in the Riviera Nayarit and, consequently, has the highest density of hotel rooms, hence the importance of measuring its sustainability.

According to the report, between July 2018 and June 2019 there was an influx of 698,334 visitors to the development, which represents an average occupancy rate of 75.85% and a revenue of $596,033,655 USD.

However, while the economic aspect important, so are the actions that contribute to land management and care of the natural environment. To achieve this, the CVB works closely with its hotel partners, tourism service providers, and the government.

 

 

Good sustainable practices

Jesús Carmona Jiménez, president of the Banderas Bay Hotel and Motel Association, said there is an important connection between the environment, visitors, and residents in Nuevo Vallarta.

“We’re convinced that the well-being and socioeconomic development of this community depends on the implementation of good sustainable practices; that’s why we’re continually seeking improvement throughout the year, both for the benefit of the environment and for ourselves.”

For example, we’re working on reducing the impact generated by tourism through actions that allow for savings in water consumption, a reduction in energy consumption, and integrated waste management, among others. Similarly, we’re promoting environmental education activities, making both visitors and the local community aware of the impact of their activities on nature.

 

In addition, the Riviera Nayarit CVB has developed a series of policies that will help reduce these impacts, which are mentioned below:

• Ensure that all actions and decisions in the destination are developed within the framework of national and international laws and treaties that Mexico adheres to in matters of sustainability.
• Create and implement an Environmental Management System at a local level that allows for the prevention and correction of potential risks in environmental, social, and economic matters.
• To promote and work towards continuous improvement, with the active participation of the community.
• To promote the development of the capabilities and the awareness of residents, workers, and visitors regarding the care of the environment and the community.
• To promote sustainable tourism in the region, monitoring and committing ourselves to ensure that activities are carried out with respect for the natural environment.
• To promote the consumption of local products and respect for the region’s cultural heritage.
• Encourage the application of the Code of Ethics for tourism and the codes for the protection of children and the fight against human trafficking signed by Mexico in the destination, promoting respect for human rights.
• Encourage companies to adopt good environmental practices and certification systems.

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EarthCheck is a valuable management and reporting tool to improve both environmental and business performance, in addition to providing a number of benefits including the control of energy and water consumption, as well as management of solid waste and emissions, allowing for the efficient planning of natural resources. The benefits are tangible for the aware traveler who is increasingly concerned for the environment.

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The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Bahía de Banderas Hotel and Motel Association (AHMBB) continue to work together to advance the region, strengthening its promotion and helping position it on the national map with the support of the Government of the State of Nayarit via the Tourism Promotion Trust (Fiprotur).