OUTRIGGER Resorts Achieves Green Key Certification in Fiji
OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has made a significant leap towards sustainability by announcing that both the OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, Fiji have received the esteemed Green Key Certification. This noteworthy accomplishment marks them as the first resorts in the South Pacific to achieve this distinction, showcasing their dedication to environmental responsibility.
What is Green Key Certification?
Managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Green Key Certification is a globally recognized eco-label that honors businesses that meet stringent environmental standards. It is designed for hotels, tourism facilities, and other hospitality entities that show a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The certification process includes rigorous auditing and documentation, making it a mark of true dedication to sustainability.
Recognition of Environmental Efforts
Martina Lucarelli, the international Green Key Coordinator, stated, “Green Key Certification recognizes tourism leaders who demonstrate a genuine, measurable commitment to environmental responsibility.” The certification assesses various criteria, and OUTRIGGER’s properties in Fiji have shown a strong alignment with these standards. Their achievement highlights meaningful actions aimed at protecting natural ecosystems while fostering local communities and cultures.
Pioneering Sustainability in the South Pacific
Not only are the OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, Fiji the first in the South Pacific to achieve Green Key Certification, but they also earned Green Seal Certification beforehand—another significant sustainability accolade. The OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort employs a dedicated environmental officer to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, which reinforces their commitment to sustainability. Both resorts prioritize local hiring and sourcing, emphasizing their role in the community while sustaining the delicate balance of nature.
Innovative Conservation Initiatives
The OUTRIGGER properties engage in various conservation initiatives. One notable project is the Sculptural Coral Gene Bank located off Castaway Island, Fiji. This initiative is designed to support coral regeneration, a critical effort given the challenges posed by climate change and human activity on marine ecosystems. It also serves as an educational tool for guests to learn about coral health and the importance of marine biodiversity.
A Call to Action for the Hospitality Industry
“The OUTRIGGER teams in Fiji continue to work tirelessly to implement practices and efforts that protect their beautiful island home,” said a representative from OUTRIGGER. They hope that achieving Green Key Certification will inspire other hotels and resorts in the South Pacific to adopt similar environmentally friendly practices. This sentiment is especially vital as travelers increasingly prioritize sustainability in their choices about travel destinations and accommodations.
A Global Commitment to Sustainability
The recognition given to both properties is just one step in a larger journey. OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels aims to achieve Green Key Certification across all 31 of its global properties, aligning with their overarching sustainability strategy and the OUTRIGGER Zone conservation initiative. This initiative not only focuses on environmental protection but also ensures that guests, hosts, and local communities engage in sustainable practices together.
The story of OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island exemplifies a proactive approach to environmental preservation within the hospitality industry, and it serves as a promising model for future efforts in sustainable tourism throughout the region.