Vicky Karantzavelou - 04 June 2013, 14:03

The operational "S" Distinction program, to be launched in the coming months, is underpinned by the EarthCheck Assessed program and will assess sustainable practices for service providers across more than 30 tourism sectors.

The Mexican Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR), in coordination with EarthCheck, presented the first round of "S" Distinction certificates at the Green Expo 2013 in Quintana Roo, Rivera Maya. At the presentation, General Director for Education, Training and Certifications Mr Martin Vazquez Perez announced that EarthCheck Certified tourism businesses automatically qualified for the "S" Distinction.

“We believe in supporting a strong and sustainable Mexican tourism industry whilst assisting businesses, whether they be small or large, to reduce operating costs in water, electricity and fossil fuels, without compromising the delivery of quality of services,” said Mr Martin Vazquez.

"The "S" Distinction gives the industry easier access to technical assistance and funding to implement new technologies, plus it provides a marketing advantage to certified companies as consumers learn to recognise reliable and trusted certification labels" he added.

The operational "S" Distinction program, to be launched in the coming months, is underpinned by the EarthCheck Assessed program and will assess sustainable practices for service providers across more than 30 tourism sectors. The government branded program aligns to the objectives of the tenth strategic line of the National Agreement on Tourism, in favour of sustainable development of tourist activity, preservation of the environment, and responsible community resource management. It also speaks to President Pena Nieto’s commitment to addressing Climate Change by lowering carbon emissions, managing water resources more effectively, conserving biodiversity and improving recycling.

CEO of EarthCheck, Mr Stewart Moore, stated that Mexico can be regarded as a sustainability pioneer within the Americas, because its businesses and tourism officials have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable development.

"This year Huatulco in Mexico was re-certified as the first EarthCheck Certified Gold community in the Americas and we are pleased to support the "S" Distinction, which reflects Mexico’s unique features" Mr Moore said.

“The underpinning of the "S" Distinction with our EarthCheck technology continues to build on our long-term strategic partnership with SECTUR. It is an example of how EarthCheck and Mexico are working together to make Mexico's communities and destinations more sustainable.”

EarthCheck has certified many leading Mexican organisations, including Huatulco's airport, Centro Banamex, Grupo Vidanta, Grupo Experiencias Xcaret and Banyan Tree. A further 80 businesses will be joining the EarthCheck program over the coming months as part of a state-wide initiative in Quintana Roo which will benefit from the Small Business Fund operated by the Ministry of Economy (SE).
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