CAYO GUILLERMO, Cuba — The Iberostar Origin Daiquirí hotel, located in Cayo Guillermo, is standing out today for implementing practices that contribute to the sustainability of tourism in the Jardines del Rey resort area, on the northern coast of Ciego de Ávila province.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

The facility has made progress in eliminating single-use plastics in order to reduce their negative environmental impact and align with global tourism trends.

It has also become a reference point for the rest of the hotel network in this northern keys destination by promoting sustainable production and consumption models and advancing the transition toward a circular economy.

Training and Awareness

To promote its sustainability initiatives, the hotel organizes workshops aimed at instilling in both employees and guests the importance of adopting practices that ensure environmental protection and contribute to eco-friendly tourism development.

Yirma Diamelys Mederos, the hotel’s Natural and Tourism Resources specialist, explained that the talks address issues such as circular economy principles, waste treatment, renewable energy sources, and the efficient use of energy carriers.

General Manager Vincenzo de Paoli added that the program also includes lectures on local biodiversity, endemic species, the importance of controlling invasive plants, and the planting of native vegetation in gardens and coastal dunes.

Hands-On Activities

Other workshop activities involve beach cleanups near the facility, guided tours through protected areas such as gardens, dunes, and mangroves, as well as initiatives to promote healthy eating habits among children, de Paoli noted.

Part of a Global Initiative

The Iberostar Origin Daiquirí is part of the Sustainable Tourism program, an international project of Cuba’s Environmental Agency, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.

This type of tourism follows the principles of sustainability by minimizing environmental impact, promoting local culture, and fostering social inclusion within nearby communities.