In Santo Domingo, more than 50 managers and hotel sector employees in La Romana received ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria training. The aim was to gain knowledge about the standards used for evaluating the performance of tourism businesses in relation to sustainability and social responsibility.
An initiative by La Romana Bayahibe Tourism Cluster, the Ministry of Tourism, and the NGO A Green Pod, put emphasis on how ESG criteria can assist investors in recognizing companies that prioritize not only the financial aspect but also their effects on the environment, communities, and governance practices within the hotel industry.
“The ESG framework for tourism businesses, a creation of UN Tourism together with the SDG Impact Lab at the University of Oxford, works as a standardized tool that allows tourism businesses to evaluate their impact and evolution in crucial sustainability areas. Here at AHRB, we are keen to have all our members comprehend the importance of managing and measuring these ESG indicators. Companies dedicated to sustainable tourism distinguish themselves from the competition and secure a better positioning among consumers.“, underlined Ana García-Sotoca, executive director of AHRB.
According to Garcia-Sotoca, despite measures applied in La Romana such as waste management and projects enhancing work conditions and employee and community training, governance issues still require attention.
“Hotels in La Romana continually adopt sustainable practices, like reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. The Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus hotel serves as a clear example, having achieved a 10.61% reduction in energy consumption compared to 2019 and a 6% reduction in carbon emissions on an American level by 2024. This hotel also stands out for its majority-female management positions.“, he commented.
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