WHA Members

"As a true leader in environmental stewardship, we realize that sustainable tourism must have a positive impact on the environment, the traveler, and the local community," says Jeff Senior, Fairmont's` senior vice president marketing & sales. "Innovative programs of this nature provide us with a means to enrich our guests' experiences and showcase the destination's heritage and culture, while allowing us to partner with the local community to develop smart and sustainable business endeavors."

A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels that truly reflect the essence of their destination. Featuring iconic landmarks like The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs, and London's Savoy, Fairmont hotels are more than a place to stay; they are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover storied life experiences. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont locations provide access to activities that are culturally rich and authentically local. From inviting beaches and tranquil spas to challenging golf courses and exhilarating ski hills, guests can fulfill their lifelong desires at Fairmont. With an enduring connection to the land and communities where we do business, Fairmont is also committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. With over 50 distinctive hotels in 12 countries, and more than 20 properties currently in development, Fairmont is committed to growing its portfolio of world-class hotels and plans to add properties in coveted international destinations like Cairo, Shanghai, Dubai, and Beijing over the next few years.

Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with over 80 hotels in 25 countries worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit our website.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism:

• Implementing the World Heritage Alliance principles
  

  Fairmont recognizes the importance of destination impact and maintaining the integrity of place. This is achieved through highlighting local culture and natural history, and promoting tourism activities to reflect this belief. Fairmont also recognizes that sustainable tourism means working with local tour operators to foster market selectivity and community advantage.

  Fairmont Mayakoba has partnered with local tour operator Community Tours Sian Ka’an. This partnership provides guests with an authentically local experience while supporting economic growth potential for communities in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and respecting the culture of the Mayan people.

• Participating in staff training programs
  

  In order to educate colleagues on issues of sustainable development and World Heritage, Fairmont Mayakoba front-line guest contact colleagues were provided with numerous on-site training opportunities. This consisted of an on-line training course developed by Destination Ventures as well as a series of on-site sessions led by Fairmont Mayakoba’s Ecology Manager, Lyn Santos.

• Educating customers about World Heritage
  

  by distributing educational brochures on World Heritage, managing Friends of World Heritage website to educate travelers on the importance of World Heritage and responsible tourism, including editorial content on www.unfoundation.org, distributing World Heritage information on UN Wire.

• Supporting community development around World Heritage sites
  

  sites by supporting COMPACT projects to foster sustainable livelihoods in and around World Heritage sites.

• Engaging employees to support the local community
  

  through WHA volunteer programs that allow employees to work side-by-side with community-based initiatives.

• Supporting the United Nations in its efforts
  

  to encourage sustainable tourism and the protection of World Heritage sites through the UNESCO World Heritage Convention by being the world’s largest private supporter of World Heritage.