Mexico's 'Paraiso De La Bonita Resort & Thalasso' Joins Forces with the World Heritage Alliance
Promoting Sustainable Tourism to World Heritage Sites
RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico, November 22, 2006. Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso, a 90-suite boutique resort, AAA 2006 Five Diamond resort and member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World has today announced membership of the World Heritage Alliance, formed jointly by Expedia(R) and the UN Foundation in 2005 to promote sustainable tourism and awareness of World Heritage sites and communities around the world.
As a result of its new membership, Paraiso de la Bonita is committed to:
o Implementing the World Heritage Alliance principles, a set of guidelines developed in consultation between the UN Foundation, Expedia, UNESCO World Heritage Centre and National Geographic that foster greater attention to social, cultural and environmental sustainability within their business.
o Participating in staff training programs by enrolling their staff in occasional in-person or online training courses organized by the WHA that educate about the key issues related to World Heritage and sustainable tourism.
o Educating customers about World Heritage by providing informational materials, exclusive packages to World Heritage destinations, volunteer opportunities with local communities, and the ability for customers to purchase goods and services that are rooted in local cultures and environments.
o Supporting community development around World Heritage sites by working with local communities to build and enhance sustainable tourism opportunities for travelers and to provide markets for locally produced sustainable goods and services.
o Engaging employees to support the local community through WHA volunteer programs that allow employees to work side-by-side with community-based initiatives.
o Supporting the United Nations in its efforts to encourage sustainable tourism and the protection of World Heritage sites through the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
"Paraiso de la Bonita is delighted to support the World Heritage Alliance in its highly worthwhile mission" said Lucy Ruiz, General Manager, Paraiso de la Bonita. "Clients and repeat guests to Paraiso refer to us as the jewel in the Riviera Maya, and it's of great concern that we maintain this reputation in a responsible and sustainable way so that future generations can witness the beauty and the delicate ecosystems prevalent in the Riviera Maya for years to come."
About the World Heritage Alliance:
The World Heritage Alliance works to support World Heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and local economic development for communities in and around World Heritage sites. The UN Foundation and Expedia, Inc. created the World Heritage Alliance in the fall of 2005. For more information, visit: www.worldheritagealliance.org.
About Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso:
Created by owner, Carlos Gosselin, in homage to his wife, Elisa Gosselin, Paraiso de la Bonita (Paradise of the Beautiful) lies beachfront amidst 14 acres leading into the Caribbean Sea. The AAA Five Diamond property, which is well known for its dramatic architecture and striking use of color, features ninety ocean view suites, approximately 1,130 square feet in size, with large, private outdoor terraces (some with plunge pools); living rooms; and marble bathrooms with sunken bathtubs for two . Each of the suites is individually decorated with unusual fabrics, sculpture and antique treasures sourced by Carlos and Elisa during their travels to the Mediterranean, India, Africa, Bali, China and the Caribbean. Suites are named after geographic locations such as: Antigua, Jaipur, KwaZulu and Marbella and feature Bulgari amenities and an in-suite Tequila service.
The Thalasso Center Spa features the only certified Thalassotherapy Spa in North America, and offers a warm water hydrotherapy pool, outdoor aqua gym, fitness center, beauty salon, daily Pilates and Yoga and 'Temazcal', a Mayan-inspired sauna. 'La Canoa' restaurant offers fine dining. Afternoon tea with finger-sandwiches and 'Madeleines' is served daily at the 'Birds Lounge' as a complimentary treat for guests and the resort provides a never-ending supply of gourmet 'Iced Tea of the Day' with a new flavor for every day of the week. The second largest reef in the world is located directly in front of the property, offering guests world-class snorkeling and scuba opportunities.
Paraiso is only 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport by the property's own fleet of air conditioned, White Lincoln Navigators, with chilled towels, iced water and individual CD menu. Cancun and Playa del Carmen are 30 minutes by road in either direction. www.paraisodelabonita.com .
For More Information:
o Individuals looking to get informed and involved, please visit: www.friendsofworldheritage.org.
o Travelers looking for World Heritage trips, please visit: www.expedia.com/worldheritage.
o For a full listing of all 812 World Heritage sites, please visit: http://whc.unesco.org/.
Expedia and Expedia.com are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.
(c) 2006 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST: 2029030-40
For more information (press only):
Emily Grubb, KWE Group, 305 476 5424 or egrubb@kwegroup.com
Katrina Thomas, Expedia.com, 425.679.4317 or kathomas@expedia.com
Amy DiElsi, UN Foundation, 202.887.9040 or adielsi@unfoundation.org
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