Sustainable Tourism. Experiencing the Mayan World

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1 Sustainable Tourism Experiencing the Mayan World

2 Sustainable Tourism

3 Prologue In 1950 there were 25 million international tourists. Today we are approaching one billion international tourist arrivals in countries all around the world, and that number is expected to almost double in the next 15 years. Tourism is now one of the largest - perhaps the largest - industry on Earth. We have at our fingertips more places to go and more ways to get there then ever before in our collective history, and with that comes a new responsibility: We need to make sure that tourism helps to safeguard - and does not damage - the very natural and cultural attractions that visitors flock to see in popular travel destinations. Yucatan, with its significant biodiversity, abundant archeological sites and rich cultural Mayan traditions, is one of these destinations. To both protect and share Yucatan s natural and cultural treasures with the world,the Haciendas development has embraced a new vision for tourism; one that celebrates the restoration of Mexico s historical sites with a commitment to respecting the environment and supporting the wellbeing of local communities. These are the pillars of sustainable tourism that are helping to demonstrate that it is possible to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime while also protecting our planet and improving the lives of local people. The Haciendas development demonstrates an important alternative to mass tourism development in Mexico, and its recognition for best tourism practices internationally has inspired other countries and companies to follow the path of sustainable tourism. It is a message we can all be a part of in helping tourism reach its full potential and make the world a better place for future generations. Christ Costas Global Travel Editor, National Geographic Adventure Chairman, World Travel and Tourism Council - Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Experiencing the Mayan World

4 Sustainable Tourism Restoration and Adaptation of The Haciendas, with social, cultural and environmental responsibility Our Influence Productive Proyects Infrastructure A Better Life for our Employees Defense and Protection of Nature and the Environment Prologue

5 Preventive Health Personal and Family Development Education Housing Enviromental Conservatión Sustainable Development Grupo Plan What you do as a guest Contact Us Awards, publications, alliances and certifications

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8 Sustainable Tourism Experiencing the Mayan World By looking for good in others, we find the good in ourselves. Plato. The history of our social and environmental commitment to Mexico began more than ten years ago, when we turned our eyes toward the ruins of the sisal haciendas. Surrounded by hundreds of indigenous communities in unfavorable conditions, they had experienced their splendor in the 18th Century. In 1994, Grupo Plan acquired Hacienda Temozón, and thus was born our commitment to the region. Behind The Haciendas development lies the story of a steely faith in the power of environmental conservation and the preservation of the cultural heritage and traditions of the Mayan communities in which these resorts are located. With the goal of developing a successful and sustainable tourism project on the Yucatan Peninsula, we are seeking - above all - to rescue the magnificent sisal haciendas and bring the peninsula s architectural extravaganza to its demanding travelers by sharing with you our passion for the region s history and cultural values, and making us agents of economic change and social development for rural Mayan communities throughout the southern states of Yucatan and Campeche. Our Vision learning and understanding, in order to transform. We want to be a link between the present and the past of the Mayan world. We seek to create new opportunities for individual and social development in these communities by striving to find a balance between wealth and cultural values, as well as opportunities for sustainable economic development while preserving the environment, through: 1. The creation of actions that foster the identity, recognition and rescuing of expressions within the Mayan cultural universe, and overcoming extreme poverty by furthering education, health and sustainable development opportunities while involving the local population as promoters of their own social welfare projects. Sustainable Tourism

9 .. The construction and development of a sustainable tourism model, in which Mayan culture plays a fundamental role by protecting natural resources, such as beaches, caves, wells, water, flora and fauna, and empowering different communities by making them our business partners in the construction of this model. A strong respect for the environment, in our search for a better world for future generations. 9 Experiencing the Mayan World

10 The past Boom of the sisal-producing haciendas The initial haciendas on the peninsula were established after the 16th century for agricultural and/or livestock production. A number of indigenous people settled around these buildings to work the fields, and it was the hacienda owners responsibility to provide shelter, food and education, in addition to introducing the people to the Catholic faith. In 1529 Abala was de first encomienda in the Americas, municipality were Temozon was located. In the mid-19th century, the production and sale of sisal fiber began to grow in importance. It was internationally known as sisal thread because this is the name of the port on the Yucatan coast from where the exports of fiber were sent, and this is 10 how the boxes were labeled. Sisal was recognized for the broad properties of its fibers, and at that time the Yucatan Peninsula produced 90% of the rope and sacking used in the world, which brought great wealth to the owners of the sisal haciendas. The total number of haciendas on the Peninsula rose to close to 1,100 between 1850 and 1920, which was known as the Green Gold period. These imposing structures were, in many cases, designed by important local and foreign architects, many of whom were European. Workers houses were constructed around these magnificent buildings, which have a uniform architectural style and were designed to harmonize with the overall aesthetics of the property. It is important to note that the economic and social systems within these haciendas were similar to those of feudal Europe, where the workers (or peones) depended solely on the landlord s goods and services, in order to sustain themselves and their Sustainable Tourism

11 families. The haciendas often had an infirmary, school, grocery store and a church. The Yucatan Peninsula s most important haciendas engaged in an economy that made use of its own currency for internal circulation, and workers were paid in this currency, which could only be spent in the local store, which was also owned by their landlord. After living through an age of splendor, a socialist movement developed in which the haciendas were engaged in complex land disputes, until they were taken over by the government for some years. There was no reinvestment in them, so when they were returned to their original owners they were in great need of very large investments that none of the owners were willing to make. In addition, while the haciendas were in government hands, natural sisal fiber lost its market value due to the mass production of nylon, and as a result the haciendas were gradually abandoned and the surrounding Mayan communities were left to fend for themselves after having depended on the property owners (the patrones) for decades. Little by little the population left, looking for new employment opportunities and leaving only children and older people behind. With the abandonment of these rural communities there was a progressive deterioration in their quality of life, and the abandoned haciendas eventually fell into ruin. In 1990, it was estimated that only 400 haciendas remained, all of them in ruins. The rest have disappeared or have been reduced to barely recognizable structures that cannot be salvaged. Most of the residents of the surrounding Mayan communities had emigrated, or were living in very precarious conditions. 11 Experiencing the Mayan World

12 The Challenge During one of our many trips to the Yucatán in 1990, we started to imagine what we could do to save the culture and great constructions of these amazing communities, while inviting the world to learn about the natural resources and great knowledge of the Mayans through their surviving descendants and keepers of their cosmology. We thus became pioneers in the area, developing sustainable tourism projects for the rescue and rehabilitation of the sisal-producing haciendas of the Yucatan Peninsula, through a clear vision for promoting the economic and social development of the rural Mayan communities. Luis Bosoms Creixell Grupo Plan CEO Marilú Hernández de Bosoms Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya President 12 Sustainable Tourism

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15 Restoration and Adaptation of The Haciendas, with social, cultural, and environmental responsibility Our challenge was to develop a hotel project as the axis for promoting the development of the rural Mayan communities near the haciendas that would include different stages for combining the enjoyment of travelers with exquisite social and cultural sensitivity, thus promoting the success of luxury tourism and promoting the sustainability of social, environmental and economic progress within the communities. Restoration of The Haciendas With the intention of realizing this dream, the process for restoring The haciendas involved putting together an interdisciplinary team lead by architect Luis Bosoms, founder and CEO of Grupo Plan. It included architects who specialized in historic and documentary research, as well as restoration architects and engineers who came from different parts of the country for the purpose of restoring the ruins, using documents, archived photographs and other specialized resources obtained from universities. An enormous effort was made to adapt the original spaces in The haciendas to serve the new functions required for the operation of a hotel. The objective was to add modern comforts while recreating the splendor of the past and respecting existing spaces and proportions. In the main houses, the Cuartos del Patrón (Landlord s Rooms) were turned into the main suites, while the cool and spacious terraces now house restaurants. The infirmaries, libraries, schools and grocery stores are the current suites, while the old water tanks used for watering the groves are now swimming pools. Our architectural proposal included working with original materials from the areas where The haciendas were built, while working together with locals in order to learn about building and construction techniques. The use of sahcab (a local building material similar to limestone), as well as mineral paints and chucum (a material extracted from trees that Mayans once used as a sealant), are just some of the examples of how we have adapted traditional materials while never losing respect for the land. In the case of the floors, for example, our project inspired the rebirth of many ceramic tile producers that had practically disappeared. 15 < Hacienda Uayamon pool Experiencing the Mayan World

16 During the construction phase, we gave priority to using labor from different local Mayan communities, thus promoting the development of local inhabitants as workers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Younger generations (who in many cases had migrated because of the lack of opportunities) also joined the project, and we witnessed how entire families came back to their communities. Food storage warehouses were established and, as the project grew, the number of inhabited residences in the community increased. Families improved the condition of their homes, and the number of children going to school grew. Management of The Haciendas The next phase involved organizing a team to provide hotel services that would involve people from different communities. We engaged in an ambitious training program for new recruits, to help them become waiters, cooks, bellboys and gardeners, and became committed to achieving excellence without losing sight of the values of Mayan culture, which is the essence of our project. 90% of the jobs created by The Haciendas development are held by local workers. Complementing these local teams, a hotel manager, whose responsibilities include guaranteeing guest satisfaction and serving as the link for discovering the richness of our project, resides at each hacienda. As the host, knowledgeable in the local culture and the natural and archeological riches of the region, each manager helps to plan unique experiences for our visitors. 16 Sustainable Tourism

17 Hacienda Temozon 85 direct local employees (82.5%) Suite-type rooms, several of which include a private pool. Hacienda Santa Rosa 27 direct local employees (96.4%) Suites and rooms decorated in the romantic style of the XIX century Hacienda San José 37 direct local employees (97.4%) Elegant suites that contrast with the exotic countryside Hacienda Uayamon 30 direct local employees (90.9%) Exquisitely elegant villas. Hacienda Puerta Campeche 36 direct local employees (92.6%) Suites and rooms in the original buildings that give it an antique flavor, but with the comfort of today. Total employees (%) from the community on the total headcount (March 2007)

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19 Our Influence In 2002, as a result of the devastation left by Hurricane Isidoro as it passed over the Yucatan Peninsula, and with the participation of the local population, as promoters of their own social welfare projects, we reinforced the social commitment role that the investors of Grupo Plan had assumed, and created the Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, A.C. (Haciendas of the Mayan World Foundation), a non-profit institution whose mission is to generate viable, sustainable micro-regional development in Mayan rural communities that will elevate the quality of life of the residents through cultural and tourism development. Dividing the initiatives of each community, and with the interdisciplinary team of the Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, A.C., we promote the participation of the inhabitants of the communities in the design and execution of sustainable development projects in the following areas: 1. Preventive health 2. Personal and family development 3. Education 4. Housing 5. Environmental conservation 6. Productive projects 7. Infrastructure 19 < Artisans workshops, Sisal fibers, Horn napkin rings, Mayan vegetable gardens Experiencing the Mayan World

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21 Preventive Health Health, Hygine and Nutrition campaigns directly benefit 1,900 people per year. Due to the above actions, child mortality has decreased to 0% in children from 0 5-years old in the communities where we work. Based on diagnoses carried out in conjunction with the local communities, we worked on primary health services through the rescue of traditional medicine and Mayan herbology, and discovered that one of the principal problems that the local communities had was insufficient access to medical clinic services. This led us to the shared conclusion that the most sustainable response was that which the local communities had already given to this problem: traditional medicine based on Mayan herbology. Medical Centers In an exercise designed to aid the recovery of traditional medicine, we supported the establishment of medical centers within seven communities, to promote the prevention and early detection of illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure. This also helped the families finances, because the use of traditional medicine represents a savings in travel expenses and in the purchase of medicine. Each center has a general practitioner who gives a weekly consultation, and a community health promoter who supports the doctor during the week. Training of promoters We support the structure of the state health system in the seven communities by training community health promoters in the use of Mayan herbology and providing them with first-aid kits and the tools needed to detect malnutrition in the infant population. Botanical garden Registered as an Environmental Management Unit, the botanical garden is located in an orchard within the Hacienda Santa Rosa, and has an approximate surface area of one hectare. Beautiful rustic footpaths allow for the appreciation of the colors and smells of 230 vegetal species, and the area is divided into sections according to the use given to the plants in the region, which are not only aromatic and ornamental, 21 <Temozon s medical clinic. Experiencing the Mayan World

22 but also medicinal (for various respiratory, dermatological and digestive Illnesses). There are also areas for propagation and for supplying the center with compost and vegetables. Programs for Fighting Malnutrition The Casas de Salud (Medical Centers) keep an annual log of the weight and height of the children and pregnant women. Doctors and health promoters develop support strategies for government malnutrition programs and keep track of vulnerable populations. Health, Hygiene, and Nutrition Campaigns Health promoters are involved with annual checkups that are aimed at improving overall health conditions within the communities. These campaigns are aimed primarily at mothers, and teach them the importance of cooking with ingredients from the area that are rich in nutrients, as well as how to ensure proper oral hygiene in the family and the management and adequate separation of waste at home and in the community. Eyeglasses Provision We detected that a substantial number of participants in different projects (such as the handicraft and literacy workshops) had vision problems. Corresponding eye exams were performed, and 140 new pairs of eyeglasses were supplied in 4 different communities. 22 The best part is that there are people who already ask for their own plants to grow and use. Little by little, the use of medicinal plants has been encouraged, because in the beginning some people thought they would get poisoned if they took these plants. Many people come to me for a diagnosis of their illness, and according to what they say and what I know, I provide them with the plants. If it is something that I do not know, or if it s very serious, I also tell them so. Guadeloupe Tzuc, Health Promoter, Chunchucmil community. Sustainable Tourism

23 In 2007, there were 1800 doctor visits, of which 78% involved treatment with herbal medicine. The average malnutrition rate in our communities is 6%, while the rate in Yucatan State as a whole is 48%.

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25 Personal and Family Development The methodology of the Foundation provides for the participation of the beneficiaries in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the projects. To exercise responsibility and respect in each program, new spaces are generated by implementing training in which the participants work together, covering topics such as assessment of individual and community potential and the development of personal skills. These strategies allow us to boost the improvement of communication in the community, which represents the main focus in each of the areas in which we participate. Human Development Workshops Based on annual diagnostics, we have created human development workshops, given by psychologists, whose objectives involve improving self-esteem, developing positive leadership attitudes, promoting organized participation, organizing groups and preventing family disintegration and violence. Training Workshops for Teachers We perform maturity and attention deficit disorder (ADD) analyses on elementary school students, in order to enhance their productivity and performance in the classroom. We then implement training workshops for teachers in four different communities, with the objective of improving teaching techniques for those children with ADD. School for Parents We participate in the implementation of a program designed by the Excelencia Educativa, A.C., organization (Educational Excellence, A.C.). Its intention is to improve parents self-esteem and make them aware of the importance of quality education for children, and quality communication between parents and children and between couples, in order to promote family unity and reduce domestic violence. This program has been implemented and incorporated into the lifestyle and culture of the Mayan communities, where local promoters teach a 12-meeting workshop in 12 communities and benefit 160 parents. The School for Parents is helping me a lot with my husband, who had begun drinking. He would come home drunk and shout at me and the children. With the advice I received here, now my husband has stopped drinking and again we are doing things together as a family. Teresa Yam, mother, Temozón community. 25 < Botanical garden, Health programs, Educational campaing for adults. Experiencing the Mayan World

26 Education 26 Annually, the construction and rehabilitation of 6 Community Libraries serve over 13,440 users. Teaching of English and computer classes for children and teens. We detected low levels of education within certain communities and noted the high rates of illiteracy, and therefore set up libraries in order to promote support for children and young people through the promotion of reading and the rescue of the Mayan language and culture, while favoring the development of cognitive and creative abilities and English language courses. We also launched literacy and remedial education for adults. Establishing Community Libraries Working jointly with official institutions and families from the community, we adapted spaces such as libraries, in order to incorporate certain tools that will complement and improve the quality of the educational services, while also providing computers and Internet access and thus offering the users the tools of the contemporary world. Training workshops and summer courses for children and teens are taught at these libraries, as well as advisory remedial sessions for the students. All libraries have the latest articles and sell stationery, which permits the collection of funds that will be re-invested in buying school supplies. Mobile Library This area is well known as a region with a strong indigenous Mayan culture presence and high marginalization and illiteracy level. The Mobile Library, donated by Fundación Alfredo Harp Helú, A.C., aims to provide an opportunity for children to get acquainted with the reading. Every two weeks it travels around 20 communities that surround the southern part of Chichén Itzá, a World Heritage Site, and changes its route every six months to reach an average of 12,000 new children every year. The Mobile Library works with local elementary schools, and its main objective is to bring access to the only books available in the area, thus spreading in the children the seeds for a love of reading in a fun and playful way. Quality School Program This is a government program that rural schools sign-up for, in order to improve their infrastructure and equipment. In collaboration with parents and teachers, we implemented the 1 x 1 Program, which in participation with the schools that have Sustainable Tourism

27 signed up for the program leverages the economic resources that the school provides, in order to achieve the quality of education goals subscribed to by the preschool, primary and secondary education institutions. Multimedia Classroom Campaign We support upgrading school facilities, by participating in the Multimedia Classroom Campaign in five different communities. Literacy and Educational Campaign for Adults In collaboration with the Yucatan Institute for Adult Education (IEAEY), and the Public Education Ministry (SEP), we provide assistance to students involved in the Literacy and School Regularization Campaign by offering adequate monitoring, oversight and assessment in order to raise the educational level of the rural population in six communities. Rescuing Mayan Tradition Faced with the accelerated loss of Mayan traditions, we support cultural promotion initiatives from groups in the communities by teaching the new generations traditional dances such as the Jarana in festivities known as Vaquerías, as well as rescuing oral history through interviews and the collection of testimonies from the local population for later dissemination among children and youth. At first, the children were sort of afraid of the computer, but now they come because they like to use it. Now, with the Internet, some boys who study in Maxcanu come here to look for reference material. Suemy Ruiz Hu, librarian, Santa Rosa community. 27 < Library on wheels Experiencing the Mayan World

28 Housing The improvement of housing is one of the key priorities for the people who live in the communities. We have therefore designed a program for housing improvement in which families, taking part in groups, are primarily in charge of the execution of the program. They contribute with their hard labor and monitor and evaluate the works, while the Foundation provides the materials. Engineers monitor and provide followup to all the organizational, design and review processes for the works, so that each house complies with requirements and structural standards. Reconstruction Project for Housing Units Affected by Hurricane Isidore More than 80,000 families became homeless when Hurricane Isidore slammed into the Yucatan Peninsula coast in 2002, causing irreparable damage to agricultural sectors. The Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, in alliance with the Fomento Cultural Banamex organization, developed a housing reconstruction project for those units affected by Hurricane Isidore by utilizing resources raised thanks to the initiative of Banamex, in which that financial institution provided one peso for every peso collected through its Account 22, which collected donations from the public. The implementation of the program involved the organized participation of the population, which provided manpower and the coordination of the cleaning of backyards and public areas. A fundamental objective of the project was to respect the urban setting and traditional housing of each place. The program was implemented in 23 communities and benefitted 2,665 families, who now have decent and safe homes. For more information about the use and transparency of the resources and the results, visit: 28 Regularization of Property Deeds In light of the legal uncertainty of thousands of families in terms of housing, we worked to promote the regularization of property deeds for rural housing communities. Working with different government institutions, we helped 922 Mayan families attain title to their land, thus allowing them for the first time to own family property. Sustainable Tourism

29 Construction of WCs In coordination with the Junta Nacional de Agua Potable (National Drinking Water Board), we implemented the WC Construction Program, which included training in the use, proper handling and awareness of the benefits afforded by the proper use of WCs, both in terms of hygiene and family health. As a result of this project, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases have declined considerably in these communities. Today, 207 WCs have been built in the communities of Temozón Sur, Itzincab and Santa Rosa de Lima. Creation and Rehabilitation of Community Areas We also help communities in the construction of certain spaces for healthcare services, education, recreation, culture, and development purposes. We used to sleep together like sardines, especially when it rained, but now things are different; our family is better-off. Mrs. Fanny Be Coba, mother, Temozón community. 2,665 houses refurbished. 922 families helped to attain their property title deeds. 23 communities and 2,665 families that had been affected by Hurricane Isidro benefitted, all of whom now have safe homes. 29 < TIpical mayan house. Experiencing the Mayan World

30 Environmental Conservation Starting in 2007, the Botanical Garden was officially recognized as a Sustainable Management Unit, which granted us the authorization to disseminate and manage endemic plants threatened with extinction. We designed integral campaigns to raise awareness of the need for environmental clean-up in the communities, through talks and activities related to the adequate management and separation of solid and organic waste and reforestation in the communities in which we participate. Solid Waste Management Program We worked with communities to develop environmental responsibility, organize the adequate management of household solid waste and clean up community areas, through talks aimed at making them realize the importance of having a clean and healthy environment. We provide trash cans and locate them in strategic areas, to promote the efficient collection of waste by the municipality. PET Container Recollection In collaboration with the company ECOCE, we coordinate a program for recycling PET containers in two different municipalities throughout the state of Yucatan. This benefits children and young people from rural schools. By paying for these packages, money is reinvested in computer equipment. Botanical Garden We created a botanical garden for the purpose of spreading, rescuing, and promoting 230 different medicinal, ornamental and aromatic plant species. As part of the promotion of traditional Mayan medicine, there is an up-to-date classification and dissemination of all Mayan names and the use of each herb.

31 Rescue and Promotion of Canches (traditional Mayan orchards) We encourage families to use canches for the self-supply of families, thus achieving an improvement in family nutrition. Community Orchards We work together with communities in the implementation of community orchards for self-supply and sale to guests within the haciendas, thus generating new sources of income for the local population. The agro-livestock processes of these orchards are aimed at the certification of organic products. Reforestation In collaboration with the Comisión Nacional Forestal (National Forestry Commission) and the Secretaría del Desarrollo Rural (Ministry of Rural Development), more than 1,940 trees have been planted in 15 communities. Environmental Clean-up Campaigns In collaboration with the government program Oportunidades (Opportunities), we help coordinate annual environmental clean-up campaigns that consist of cleaning the exterior and interior of houses, streets and public areas; clean-up processes in opencast wells for water consumption; the collection of scrap materials; the planting of ornamental plants, and the general painting of buildings where families interact. When they do the campaigns they leave the town very clean. But people should do it constantly. I clean my yard, but my neighbor doesn t so it s pointless. Because by the afternoon, his garbage has spread to the others. Mrs. Matilde Huh Ko, Chunchucmil community. < PET container recolection, Canches

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33 Productive Projects We work with community groups by supporting their initiatives to generate sources of income for their families. We promote the establishment of microcompanies organized as self-sustainable cooperativas (cooperative organizations) with a gender approach. We assist them in their application for funding by contributing part of the resources for the training, tools, equipment and certification, and supporting them in the search for markets that offer them a fair price for their work. Artisan Workshops We support the training of 242 artisans from 33 workshops in 13 communities. Once they are organized as cooperatives, we provide them with follow-up during the processes of production, quality control, administration and marketing, as well as with the promotion of fair trade. These cottage handicraft coperatives were born thanks to entrepreneurs and renowned designers such as Sandra Gutierrez (Mexico) and Roxana Liendro (Argentina), who create unique pieces that merge the rescue of Mayan techniques and materials with avant-garde design. In support of these cooperatives, three stores have opened in Yucatan for the sale and distribution of the products, in addition to boutiques at each of The haciendas. Others are about to open in downtown Merida and in the city of Campeche. Visit us: Casa de Montejo: Calle 63 # 506 x 60 y 62, Col. Centro. C.P , Mérida, Yucatán. Centro Cultural y Artesanal Izamal: Calle 31 # 201 Centro Izamal, C.P Yucatán. Parador Turístico Ochil: Km , carretera Mérida-Uxmal. C.P < Artisans sisal handicraft Experiencing the Mayan World

34 Training for 230 artisans organized in self-sustaining cooperatives. Promotion of jobs for seniors. Spa Therapists The training project for spa therapists is the result of the search for opportunities for the development of the communities in which The Haciendas operates. We have trained 50 therapists in six communities, and have created 16 jobs. We have spas in the haciendas and in the Centro Cultural y Artesanal Izamal, (Izamal Culture and Handicraft Center) where local therapists offer their services. These therapists earn a steady income that exceeds the minimum wage in the state of Yucatan, which is Mex$1, (approximately US$130) a month. One of the characteristics of the spas is that some therapists have inherited the ancient Mayan healing method known as sobada (a form of massage). These women pass on their knowledge to the younger women in their communities, thereby sharing their wisdom and spreading these healing skills. It also offers The hacienda guests a magical experience that merges a comforting rest for the spirit with ancient Mayan techniques. Cultivation of the Habanero Pepper We support the initiative of a group of twenty farmers for the application of governmental grants in the agricultural sector. 70% are senior citizens, and this provides them with the opportunity of being productive. As part of the project, we provide them with training and advice in the cultivation, handling and commercialization of the habanero pepper using indoor techniques, thus supporting the creation of new jobs. In 2007 there was a yield of 30 tons per hectare of this pepper, which widely surpassed the reported overall average of 17 tons per hectare. The workshop is a home; a place where we learn to work and move forward economically as a cooperative, in order to help produce an inheritance for our children Maria Rosalinda Cetz Sulu, craftswoman, Itzincab community. 34 Sustainable Tourism

35 35 < Habanero pepper cultivation Experiencing the Mayan World

36 The Civil Association of Temozón Sur directly benefits 204 families C o n s t r u c t i o n o f 3 m u l t i - p u r p o s e c o u r t s f o r t e e n a g e r s

37 Infrastructure In these projects it is important to note that the main stakeholders for the implementation of each program are the communities. We collaborate by providing spaces designed for improving health, educational and leisure services. In this section we have grouped the provision of community infrastructure provided at the request of different communities or beneficiary institutions. Construction of Sporting Areas With the support of the Government of the State of Yucatan, we have supported young adults from different communities in the construction of three sporting areas, in order to encourage the healthy use of free time. Construction of Community Infrastructure We support the initiative of the people of Santa Rosa in the relocation and construction of community buildings such as local and municipal police stations and initial-education schools. The project is based on self construction, where the community provides the labor and the Foundation conducts the technical supervision and provides all the necessary materials. Construction of Community Development Centers Following the natural disaster caused by Hurricane Isidore and the support of Banamex for the implementation of the resources raised by Account 23, we have built 56 Community Development Centers in rural communities of the state of Campeche. These shelters, designed to provide safe refuge in the event of future natural disasters, were handed over to the community where the project was designed by the Foundation, and with the approval of the State Government are used for the Cocinas Escolares (School Kitchen) initiative within the Integral Family Development (DIF) program. Additionally, these buildings are used for purposes such as dressmaking courses and family development seminars. The Temozón Sur Non-Profit Association We support the initiative of the community to create the Temozón Sur (South Temozón) non-profit association, which will implement projects. The association oversees the smooth operation of community vehicles for emergency transportation and waste collection, and the construction of roofs and WCs, in addition to serving as a link between the community and the Foundation. 37 The remodeling and expansion of the library will be helpful, because that will allow us to carry out more activities for the benefit of the children and youth. Mrs. Maria Eugenia Ortega Pech, librarian. Experiencing the Mayan World

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39 A Better Life for our Employees Any hotel development has the potential to make a positive impact on the livelihood of the local population in the places where it operates. Grupo Plan, since its inception, has followed a firm path, through an inclusive and respectful view of the local Mayan culture and traditions, toward positively influencing the communities where its hotel developments are located by supporting the participant population and their collaborators in their personal development processes. This is accomplished through training that enables them to have the opportunity to occupy stable and well-paid jobs in various operational areas of the hotel. We have a team of associates made up of young adults and seniors, 90% of whom are of local origin, and this allows a very low rotation that has brought positive results, such as the decline in labor migration and the strengthening of the social fabric. We strongly support the development of local micro companies, which will generate a virtuous cycle in which fresh, quality products are made available to The hacienda guests, and local families have a stable and formal economy by being paid a fair price for their products. Over 90% of the associates are locals. 39 < Local employee Hacienda Santa Rosa. Experiencing the Mayan World

40 Defense and Protection of Nature and the Environment We ensure that the stay of our guests becomes a pleasant and memorable experience by surrounding them with the natural richness around The haciendas. Protecting the environment and promoting various initiatives in collaboration with present generations, which allow the safeguarding of natural resources for future generations, are fundamental to the social commitment of Grupo Plan. Ecological responsibility is a priority for the sustainability of the best practices in tourism that we implement. We strive to minimize our ecological footprint in each of our tourist destinations. Activities for the Defense and Protection of the Environment Our concern for the protection of the environment is present at each of the areas of operation of The Haciendas development. In all Grupo Plan properties, every last detail that allows us to offer an unforgettable experience to our guests is carefully analyzed in order to make us aware of its impact. We promote awareness among the guests, so that they may experience a unique tourism experience while being able to have a positive impact on the environment. 40 Green Actions Green Actions, designed in our Annual Plan for Social Responsibility, a document that guides the social and environmental actions of The Haciendas development, is a campaigns to help save water and energy, using the RRR (Recycle, Reuse and Reduce) program. We use reusable ceramic packaging for the amenities in the rooms, such as the bathtub salts, shampoo, conditioner and body cream, and we also use energy-saving light bulbs in strategic locations. Sustainable Tourism

41 Our concern for the environment is also present in the manner in which we dispose of waste. Solid waste is collected in a central tank, and is classified as organic and inorganic. Inorganic waste is treated in an incineration system because municipalities do not have a law to administer their proper management. Organic waste, such as dry leaves and branches, is collected daily and treated into compost and used as fertilizer in the gardens. We are implementing an action plan to incorporate all the organic waste from hotels to the compost processes above. In the selection of plants to beautify the large gardens at The Haciendas, native plants have been selected that require little water in order to survive; a measure that is consistent with the limited water resources in the region. Other measures in favor of the defense and protection of the environment include the treatment of sewage and soap water from all haciendas waste pipes. The water is treated by anaerobic treatment plants, in which bacteria work in the decomposition of matter, and after going through a filtering system are reused in plant and garden irrigation. 41 Experiencing the Mayan World

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43 Sustainable Development At Grupo Plan we launch sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially responsible projects ranging from preserving traditional Mayan culture to assisting local micro-companies in order to improve the economy in their communities. We also support those families with tools designed to improve the quality of their life and long-term vision. Work with Local Entrepreneurs The strategies of the Foundation to promote sustainable development include supporting the founding of small community businesses that keep traditional arts alive by rescuing techniques and materials used since pre-hispanic times. For women in these communities, producing handcrafts with their own hands helps them to generate income and provide better opportunities for their families. 43 < Sisal fibers Experiencing the Mayan World

44 Grupo Plan 44 Grupo Plan is company, founded in 1992, that is dedicated to real estate development. It has experience in the planning, development, design, construction and operation of tourist resorts, including hotels, villas and golf courses, as well as the construction and building of all types of properties related to tourism, housing and services. It is a corporation of Mexican investors who specialize in the conceptualization and development of tourism projects, and also has associate companies and/or subsidiaries that offer innovative tourism products with high architectural quality and design. We have created groundbreaking concepts for sites that are extraordinary, due to their high potential and limited utilization. These innovations are intended to have a positive impact on the international traveler, who seeks to find uncommon destinations and demands accommodation that is extraordinary in its originality and responds in a responsible manner to the social and environmental needs of the region. In 1993 we started El Tamarindo, a resort subtly embedded along the coast of Jalisco State, in Tenacatita Bay. The El Tamarindo Golf Resort is surrounded by over 1,000 hectares of rainforest and private beaches, and is the ultimate expression of luxury; the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate while keeping in touch with nature. That same year, in one of the most exclusive coastal areas of the Mexican Pacific, we developed El Careyes, a spectacular hotel where the vibrant colors of Mexico blend delicately with the trademark architecture of Costa Careyes and the natural beauties of this matchless tourist destination. In 1999 we started the project for the Hotel W Mexico City. Bold in design, the hotel offers a magnificent urban retreat within one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Its ample 237 rooms and bathing area are integrated into an incredibly sexy space that the guest will never forget. In early 1996, Grupo Plan acquired some of the old haciendas that were in a state of abandonment in the Yucatan Peninsula. An ambitious restoration project then started, which has sought to project the historical and cultural potential of these extraordinary architectural complexes as high-level tourist destinations. The main objective was to restore the main architectural features of The haciendas while retaining the ancient spaces and elements. The idea was to restore the image, personality and individual splendor of each of them. Sustainable Tourism

45 What You Do as a Guest You are one of the people who make the success of the social and environmental programs of Grupo Plan possible. By virtue of being a guest in one of our haciendas, you are already involved in the efforts to achieve a better quality of life for the Mayan communities. Throughout your stay, you contribute to the preservation of local jobs. Employees render their services to the Grupo Plan hotels, and this directly benefits the economic welfare of their communities, who form a crucial part of the integral development programs we implement. Many of the products for the consumption of our guests are prepared in community workshops, from soap to some of the ingredients on the menu. We therefore invite you to continue to participate with us in favor of fair trade by supporting local small producers, consuming food in The hacienda restaurants and buying handicrafts in the workshops that benefit the communities, as well as in The hacienda boutiques. On our website ( you can learn details of our products. Visit our projects. If you want to be part of this important social initiative, contact: Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, A.C. Telephone (Yucatan): (999) Telephone (Mexico City): (52) (55) Experiencing the Mayan World

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47 Contact us hacienda puerta campeche and hacienda uayamon are located in the state of Campeche. hacienda temozon, hacienda san jose and hacienda santa rosa are located in the state of Yucatán. For further information please visit: or call (52) (55) the fundación haciendas del mundo maya, a philanthropic division of Grupo Plan, is dedicated to the conception and implementation of social projects in favor of highly marginalized communities in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you are interested in learning more about the project, or in learning about other forms of collaboration, request an interview with the hotel manager or send an to the following address: fhmm@haciendasmundomaya.com or call: (52) (55) (999) grupo plan is a groundbreaking real state development company, with a solid background in the Mexican luxury tourism market. For more information visit: or call: (52) (55) starwood hotels & resorts worldwide, inc. is one of the leading hotel companies in the world. It operates and is the franchise holder of hotels and resorts of the following brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Méridien. For more information, visit: or call: (5411) < Hacienda San Jose, Hacienda Temozon, Hacienda Puerta Canpeche, W Hotel Mexico city Experiencing the Mayan World

48 Awards, publications, alliances and certifications ACKNOWLEDGMENTS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER MAGAZINE APRIL 2008 THE 150 STAY LIST TRAVELLER MEXICO -HACIENDA SANTA ROSA -HACIENDA TEMOZON -HACIENDA UAYAMON KEYS : Sense of place Location inspired architecture, ambience, and amenities Eco stewardship Ethic of giving back to the community. To travel well, we believe, is to soak up authenticity. ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST AUGUST 2006 COVER - HACIENDA PUERTA CAMPECHE It s truly an image out of a dream. 48 CONDE NAST TRAVELER AUGUST 2000 COVER HACIENDA SAN JOSE Ten Haciendas Heaven The moment you arrive in this part of Mexico, you can t escape the magic. Sustainable Tourism

49 AWARDS TOURISM FOR TOMORROW AWARD World Travel and Tourism Council, INVESTOR IN PEOPLE AWARD WINNER The Haciendas was recognized in 2005 with this prestigious award that recognizes, within 150 participants worldwide, the responsible tourism developed in The Haciendas by the Foundation. Because of our annual efforts, from 2006 we are members of the jury. TO DO! 2007 Award granted within the framework of the Worldwide International Tourism Exchange (ITB) Fair in Berlin, Germany. This award was given for the Best Socially Responsible practices. BETTER EMPLOYER OF AMERICA 2005, 2006 and 2007 The company Hewitt grants the prize wich recognizes those companies that surpass best practices for and with their employees. The colaborators of the participant companies, through surveys, provide the information for the selection of the wining enterprises. BEST HOTEL DESIGN WORLWIDE DECEMBER HOTEL W MEXICO CITY First W in Latin America awarded Best Hotel Design Worldwide by Interior Design Magazine and HOTELS Magazine AWARD FOR CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC VALUE 2001 GIVEN BY ARCHTECTURE AND DESIGN MAGAZINE -HACIENDA TEMOZON 49 Mexico s haciendas are places of enormous historical and cultural value. Experiencing the Mayan World

50 ALLIANCES WORLD HERITAGE ALLIANCE 2008 We are members of the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, working to promote and preserve this worldwide legacy through our commitment to sustainable practices and economic development support of local communities near UNESCO World Heritage sites. An initiative of: United Nations Foundation and Expedia inc. RED AMERICA (AMERICA NETWORK) 2007 We have been members of the Red America organization since Red America promotes the fortification of the collective actions of institutions dedicated to benefit marginalized communities in Latin America. CERTIFICATIONS INTERNATIONAL FAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION (IFAT) 2007 The main objective of the IFAT is to promote principles of fair trade at a world-wide level. From 2007, the products developed by the artisans and farmers of the Foundation have been warded this certification. 50 CENTRO MEXICANO PARA LA FILANTROPÍA (CEMEFI - Mexican Center for Philanthropy), 2005 We have been members since We belong to a group of 400 institutions for philanthropic promotion, affiliated to the CEMEFI. We work with this organization to develop better strategies for socially responsible companies and institutions. Sustainable Tourism

51 PUBLICATIONS ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST MEXICO JULY 2006 Hotels with Style HACIENDA TEMOZON All the buildings, outside and inside, have been carefully refurbished using the techniques and materials of yesteryear and painted with red, yellow and blue mineral pigments used in the distant past. TIME MAGAZINE JULY 2005 Restoration of the haciendas has linked cultural heritage preservation with poverty alleviation. CONDE NAST TRAVELLER HOT LIST MAY BEST NEW HOTELS IN THE WORLD W MEXICO CITY Guest rooms are stunnig

52 JUNE 2001 THE TOP TEN HACIENDAS -HACIENDA TEMOZON -HACIENDA SANTA ROSA -HACIENDA SAN JOSE -HACIENDA UAYAMON MAY 2001 HOT LIST 60 BEST NEX HOTELS IN THE WORLD. MAY 2000 HOT LIST 36 BEST NEW HOTELS #2 MEXICO- HACIENDA SAN JOSE TRAVEL & LEISURE FEBRUARY Romantic Places HACIENDA PUERTA CAMPECHE A dose of urban style to this historic town.

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