Green Globe-certified hotels committed to ocean conservation

LOS ANGELES, California – “Together We Have the Power to Protect the Ocean” was the motto for Green Globe members, the Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa and the Bentota Beach Hotel, when on June 8, World O

LOS ANGELES, California – “Together We Have the Power to Protect the Ocean” was the motto for Green Globe members, the Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa and the Bentota Beach Hotel, when on June 8, World Oceans Day was celebrated. For years, both Sri Lankan properties have been deeply committed to ocean conservation.

The main objective of the World Oceans Day program is to increase awareness for the coral reef and global conservation status of marine biodiversity. Hotel guests and staff members participated in the activities, and educational seminars were available. The guest speaker was Dr. Terney Pradeep, head of the department of oceanography and geology faculty of marine science at University of Ruhuna. The program was conducted under the guidance of Mr. Sanjeeva Perera, General Manager at the Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa and the Bentota Beach Hotel.

The concept of World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. As a result of a United Nations General Assembly resolution passed in December 2008, World Oceans Day is now officially recognized by the UN as June 8, each year. This day marks an opportunity to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea.

Both properties – the Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa and the Bentota Beach Hotel – have implemented sound environmental practices and are closely involved with the local community, enhancing the John Keells leisure sector’s pledge “I Will Care.” CSR activities are numerous here, and just a few days earlier, on June 5, World Environment Day was observed.

The theme for this special day was “Eat with Ecology in Mind” – discouraging the waste of food and encouraging people to reduce their food print. Local school children from the Sri Sumangala Central College Hikkaduwa were invited to the hotels to join educational awareness sessions throughout the day. Activities concluded with an art competition for the children, and prizes were handed out to the winners.

In line with this year’s World Environment Day theme, the Bentota Beach Resort has started measuring their food waste, and educated all staff members on this important topic. As a result, a gradual reduction of food waste is expected at the hotel.

ABOUT CHAAYA TRANZ HIKKADUWA

The Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa is part of John Keells Hotels PLC, which is the hospitality leader in the Sri Lanka and Maldivian sector. Launched in 2011, the resort was designed to reflect the reality of Hikkaduwa as an engaging and transformational seaside holiday. Chaaya Tranz offers an easy-going style that could transport the holiday-maker into an alternate state of consciousness.

The resort features 150 rooms with magnificent views of the azure Indian Ocean. Rooms are composed with mosaics of color, comfort of rattan furniture, and private balconies. The John Keells Nature Trails team offers a variety of wonderful experiences, such as “A Journey with Marine Mammals,” “The Madu River Quest,” or the “Still Water Safari.”

ABOUT BENTOTA BEACH HOTEL

The Bentota Beach Hotel is part of John Keells Hotels PLC, which is the hospitality leader in the Sri Lanka and Maldivian sector. The hotel, designed and based on an ancient Dutch fort by the famous Geoffrey Bawa, is situated in the southern coastal zone of Sri Lanka, at the point where the Bentota River flows into the Indian Ocean. Bentota is known for its stretches of indigo sea and golden sands, a peaceful perfect beach sanctuary to escape to. The property offers 130 superlative rooms and 3 suites, all of which have sea-front or river views. All rooms are color-washed in somber beiges and whites and decorated with bright colored bed spreads and pillows. The resort offers a wide array of services, including a water sport center, tennis courts, and the Azmaara Spa.

Contact: Sanjeeva Perera, General Manager, Bentota Beach Hotel – Bentota, Chaaya Tranz – Hikkaduwa, Mobile: +94 718 440159, Office: +94 342 275176-7 , Email [email protected] , www.johnkeellshotels.com

ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com

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Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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