The Mexican Haciendas, the Luxury Collection properties of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide have been recognized at the international level

 

The Haciendas win the To Do! 2007 Contest for Socially Responsible Tourism organized by the Institute for Tourism and Development.  Mexico,  March 7th, 2008 - The Mexican Haciendas, are part of the luxury collection of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide have won the “Socially Responsible Tourism” award from the Institute for Tourism and Development, which organized the TO DO! Contest 2007.  

 

The award ceremony took place on Friday  March 7 at ITB the International Tourism Fair in Berlin, Germany.  

 

The exceptional architecture of the haciendas, the creation of innovative top class tourist destinations and the preservation of the Mayan culture, have been the core issues of Grupo Plan, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Haciendas del Mundo  Maya Foundation, which is seen reflected by this international recognition.  

 

The Haciendas Santa Rosa, San José and Temozón, in the state of Yucatán, and Uayamón and Puerta Campeche in the state of Campeche, invite visitors to experience a unique place, since they are not only able to stay at a luxury hacienda but also have a total immersion experience of the Mayan culture and tradition.  

 

The Haciendas of the Mayan World have been recognized worldwide for returning to the old Henequén haciendas their former splendor, conserving their buildings, respecting their spaces and using original materials in their restoration.  

 

Socially responsible tourism led by the Haciendas del Mundo Maya Foundation plays a key role in alleviating the poverty and preserving the cultural heritage of the communities near to the haciendas, since they have taken on responsibility for job training, literacy and spreading education, as well as training people at micro-enterprise developments, like tour operators, spa therapist and workshops. They have also contributed to encouraging the making of crafts and traditional customs and legalizing the inhabitants’ land. Today 94% of our associates are from the local communities.

Today, Haciendas del Mundo Maya Foundation, Grupo Plan and Starwood Hotels & Resorts are showing the world how responsible tourism can be a successful business strategy and at the same time help local communities in their development. In this way international travelers may stay at historic monuments with all the flavor of the past and at the same time experience the tradition of the local culture in a natural setting.  Those travelers who are seeking new experiences may enjoy the nostalgia of the Mexico of yesterday, with the comforts and conveniences of the world of today.  

 

The Haciendas are, in a word, beautiful pieces of Mexican history, all ready to welcome and pamper visitors, recreating and offering a unique experience at the hand of the tradition of the Mayan world. 

 

For reservations at the Haciendas please go to www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury or contact +1-800-325-3589 or +52-999-923-80-89 Fax: +52-999-923-79-63.

 

Haciendas del Mundo Maya Foundation, philanthropic division of Grupo Plan, is dedicated to conceiving and implementing social projects for the benefit of the highly marginalized communities of the Yucatán peninsula. Behind the Haciendas is the story of faith in the power of environmental conservation and preservation of the cultural legacy and traditions of the Mayan communities which surround the haciendas.  

 

For further information, please visit: www.haciendasmundomaya.com  

 

The Luxury Collection® is a group of unique hotels and resorts offering exceptional service to an elite clientele. All of these hotels, some of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world's finest.  

 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel companies in the world, with approximately 900 properties in over 100 countries and 155,000 employees in its own hotels or those it administers. Starwood® Hotels is proprietor, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts of the following brands recognized worldwide: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced Aloft (SM).  Starwood Hotels is also owner of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the most important companies in the development and operation of high quality time-share vacation resorts.  

 

For further information, please visit: www.starwoodhotels.com    

 

Grupo Plan is an innovative real estate development company with a solid track record in the luxury tourism marked in Mexico. Grupo Plan portfolio includes interests in various hotels in Mexico, including Mexico City, golf resorts and residential developments on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.  

 

For further information, please visit: www.grupoplan.com    

 

For further information please contact Laura Canepa  | Public Relations Director – Starwood Hotels & Resorts América Latina | laura.canepa@starwoodhotels.com (+5411 ) 4318-9397