LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives has received international recognition for its sustainable tourism efforts by being awarded prestigious Travelife Gold Certification. Travelife – the international sustainability certification scheme – assesses a hotel’s performance in managing its social, environmental and economic impacts, and in supporting sustainability as part of its hotel marketing and operational strategies.
Travelife’s sustainability certification is a non-profit flagship programme that supports tourism destinations, businesses and travellers in implementing innovative solutions for the continuous development of sustainable tourism. To gain Travelife Gold Certification, a resort must meet 150 sustainability criteria. This includes environmental issues, such as minimising waste and the use of energy, water and chemicals, as well as the taking of positive action on social issues, employee welfare, the protection of wildlife and in the support of the local community and local businesses.
In the process of this sustainability certification, all of the island-resort operations were assessed, including operational practices and procedures, guest communications and environmental management policies. The strong points in the assessment included the LUX* Resorts & Hotels carbon offsetting programme and the whale shark and marine protection programme, as well as the Resort’s energy, waste reduction and water saving measures. The Resort goes further in protecting the environment by hosting its own on-site marine biologist, who works closely with the Maldives Wildlife Protection Authority. LUX* South Ari Atoll also encourages its guests to get involved in conservation activities, such as sponsoring the wildlife protection programme and joining in the volunteer tree-planting programme.
As Glenn Daniels, the Resort’s General Manager, says, “This certification rewards the dedication of the team at LUX* South Ari Atoll, who put all their energy and passion into daily tasks on the island. Being a one-island resort, we can operate as a family community here at LUX* South Ari Atoll and this award is testament to the team’s continued commitment to sustainability. By collaborating with an organisation such as Travelife, LUX* South Ari Atoll continues to focus on helping people celebrate life and making each moment matter during their stay.”
Travelife Gold Certification is an operational standard that reflects the values and convictions of LUX* Resorts & Hotels with regards to sustainability. Last year, all LUX* resorts operating in Mauritius (LUX* Belle Mare, LUX* Le Morne, LUX* Grand Gaube, as well Tamassa and Merville Beach which are Managed by LUX* hotels) also received Travelife Gold Certification. They continue to monitor the impact of their sustainability efforts, report on results and plan improvements to continuously help protect the unique natural and cultural characteristics of their resorts and the surrounding areas.