Four Tips to Support the Environment While You Travel

• Marriott Bonvoy hotels invite you to enjoy destinations in Central and South America as a mindful traveler.

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- June marks the celebration of Environment Day, a time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our natural resources—a mission that should guide our daily lives, especially when we travel in search of breathtaking landscapes and new flavors. All the wonders a destination has to offer deserve to be met with respect.

Being a mindful traveler does not mean giving up comfort. On the contrary, it opens the door to authentic and fulfilling experiences that contribute to personal growth. That is why, with the support of Marriott Bonvoy hotels, we invite you to discover some initiatives that promote environmental care during your travels through Central and South America.

Choosing Sustainable Hotels: When selecting your accommodation, it is important to review the property's environmental practices and initiatives. For example, does the hotel support the elimination of single-use plastic packaging? Does it rely on clean energy sources, manage waste efficiently, or contribute to the protection of native species? In this way, you can enjoy the comfort of the hotel knowing that its operations are minimizing their environmental impact through targeted actions.

Some leading hotels in this field include Fairfield Alajuela and Courtyard Alajuela in Costa Rica, which are LEED-certified sustainable buildings with construction practices that respect the environment and the health of their occupants. Also located in Costa Rica's metropolitan area, Residence Inn San José Escazú, AC Hotel San José Escazú, and Courtyard Escazú have installed "pollinator hotels"—hives made from recycled materials designed for stingless bees. These structures support biodiversity by encouraging pollination and natural pest control. Meanwhile, Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belén features a microgrid of 450 solar panels, significantly reducing its CO₂ emissions.

Getting Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives: Hotels offer not only a chance to relax and enjoy a destination, but also an opportunity to give back to the local community through environmental initiatives in which guests can actively participate. At El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, the Leave Your Leaves activity takes place every afternoon, inviting guests to plant native tree species, such as the Cenízaro (rain tree) and Roble (oak), in pots. These trees are later transferred to the nearby Horizontes Experimental Station. This simple ritual not only contributes to environmental efforts but also offers a meaningful experience of connection with nature.

Another way to get involved is through a mindful beach walk, where you can relax to the sound of the waves, practice earthing, and make a positive impact on the environment at the same time. Recognizing this way to contribute, Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa and W Costa Rica have placed buckets near their beach access points, making it easier for guests to collect any litter they may find along the way.

Supporting Local Producers: In addition to boosting local economies and delighting travelers with fresh, destination-specific flavors, supporting local producers also benefits the environment. Shorter transportation routes result in lower CO₂ emissions compared to long-distance supply chains.

In Colombia, Fairfield by Marriott Bogotá Embajada recently joined a local initiative to host a farmers' market, promoting the direct purchase of agricultural products from families who run farms just outside Bogotá. "With these actions, we aim to support farming families by allowing them to sell directly, without intermediaries, and to reduce our carbon footprint by avoiding products brought in from distant regions," said Alexander Ferrer, General Manager of the hotel.

Also embracing the philosophy of using local products and offering dishes made with fresh ingredients, Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection has made permaculture a core element of its culinary approach through the Tierra de Yu project. This regenerative tourism initiative relies on local ingredients and sustainable practices, creating a productive ecosystem that includes a food forest, ancestral crops, and composting, all in collaboration with local farmers, fishers, and artisans. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint and restoring the soil, it also preserves traditional culinary techniques and strengthens local identity.

Meanwhile, Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort in Peru, follows the "Kilometer 0" concept at its restaurant Chalana. This means sourcing ingredients grown or harvested within one kilometer or less. The result: delicious, nutritious, and fresh dishes.

Remembering Through Experience: One of the best ways to honor a destination is by not taking its natural species. A responsible, environmentally conscious traveler chooses to remember a place through meaningful experiences or by purchasing local crafts, not by collecting shells, plants, rocks, or animals.

SOURCE Marriott International