WHA Members

"As recently nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, UNESCO World Heritage site Chichen Itza will receive more visitors from all over. Mayaland has a social and environmental responsibility with the Mayan communities with a permanent support and presence in the region” says Elena Castillo, Assistant Director, Mayaland Group.

Mayaland Group was founded in 1921 by Don Fernando Barbachano Peón. He established the first travel Agency in the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico. The company offered services first as a sight seeing tour operator to Chichen Itza and then with hotels located at the heart of the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows was the first Resort in the world to be built within an archaeological zone. The Barbachano family members and their Mayaland Resorts have upheld the values enshrined in the commitment that as members of the World Heritage Alliance have pledge to abide by and promote.

The decoration and ambiance of the Mayaland Hotel evoke the colonial style in its archways, courtyards, iron-trimmed terraces, stone and marbles. The Bungalows are spacious and built in traditional Mayan style in carved wood from local timbers with Mayan symbols as a reminiscence of this great culture. All hand-woven spreads and stained glass are handcrafted by local artisans. 

Mayaland Resorts and the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism:

• Implementing the World Heritage Alliance principles
  

  Mayaland fosters greater attention to social, cultural and environmental sustainability by sharing Mayan traditions with guests, featuring local products and cuisine at the resorts, we have a current recycling program in our resorts and main offices and permanent educational program to share with our guests on the native flora and fauna to preserve and celebrate our natural environment. 

• Participating in staff training programs
  

  Mayaland is constantly offering training programs in the environmental, cultural and social contexts to our staff. Through them, the staff is capable to share experiences and information with our clients and share information with each other. All staff from our Sales, Human Resources, Front Desk, and all Managers had taken the WHA training courses.

• Educating customers about World Heritage
  

  In each hotel room, Mayaland guests receive educational information on World Heritage and responsible tourism tips that include Archaeological and Historical information of the area, as well as energy saving information. Mayaland also sponsored the production of an educational brochure, co-produced with National Geographic, designed to educate responsible travelers on the importance of UNESCO World Heritage site Chichen Itza. A Multilingual concierge service is available to all of our clients providing information on the Area and Sustainable Tourism. 

• Supporting community development around World Heritage sites
  

  Mayaland participates with our local Mayan Communities to elevate their quality of life through programs of social support such as employment, promotion of local products and handcrafts, cultural expressions and the preservation of our valuable Mayan heritage, and working with local schools. 

• Engaging employees to support the local community
  

  As part of our supporting programs, Mayaland encourage its entire staff to participate in programs related to their local communities. Mayaland also offers continued education for employees in order to empower employees to further support their families as well as their communities. 

• Supporting the United Nations in its efforts
  

  Mayaland encourages sustainable tourism and the protection of World Heritage sites by educating visitors about the archaeological sites and the high value of visiting a Pre-Hispanic and devotional sites of the Mayan culture, By consequence of our proximity to these sites; we have to support the values of Sustainable Travel. Mayaland is a strong advocate for the protection and conservation of World Heritage sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal.