Mauritius all inclusive holiday

We recognise that in carrying out our work we have a responsibility to respect other people's places and ways of life. All tourism potentially has an environmental, social and economic impact on the destination involved and we should aim to minimise any negative impact caused by the tourism that we produce. We believe we should aim to be responsible in our dealings on each of these three levels. To help us to do so we have proposed a set of guidelines intended to help companies, customers and local suppliers recognise their common responsibilities to:

Protect the environment – its flora, fauna and landscapes, respect local cultures – traditions, religions and built heritage, benefit local communities – both economically and socially, conserve natural resources – from office to destination, as well as minimising pollution – through noise, waste disposal and congestion.

To fulfil the details of these responsibilities we will:
• Establish our own policies, code of practice, and involve our staff
• Inform our clients about Responsible Tourism and, where appropriate, encourage them to participate
• Work with our suppliers and partners to achieve responsible goals and practices
• Publicise good practice to encourage and spread Responsible Tourism.

Environment
There was great care taken by the architect from the planning stage to retain the character of the site where the hotel exists. Palm trees were not removed but replanted to retain the tropical nature of the site. There is also a policy not to build higher than the existing tallest palm tree on the property. Where possible the building materials – wood, etc is sourced locally. The water for the gardens and golf course is re-cycled as is the glass and plastic from the hotel.

Aware of the need for water conservation, Beachcomber Hotels was the first company in Mauritius to invest in waste water plants. Each hotel is equipped with its own waste water plant. Those located on the Peninsula generate between 600m3 to 800 m3 of water a day, 60% of which is used to maintain the gardens and golf course.

Another big project in the pipeline in terms of energy saving is the building of a cogeneration plant at the Shandrani Resort & Spa and on Le Morne Peninsula. Cogeneration is defined as the production of electricity and useful thermal energy - either heat or cold - simultaneously from a primary energy (fuel source); it is therefore compatible with sustainable development. On a long-term basis this new system will allow Beachcomber resorts to sustain themselves in terms of energy, instead of using the electricity generated by the Central Electricity Board (CEB).

In a near future, Beachcomber Hotels could also look at BMS technology. Building Management System (BMS) is used in buildings to create a central computer controlled method of monitoring and optimising facilities such as heating, air-conditioning, lighting and security. These systems reduce energy waste as facilities are used only when needed.

We are working with the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF) to promote conservation on its nearby reserve of Ile Aux Aigrettes, home of the Pink Pigeon and other rare species. A weekly show and tell session in the Bob Marlin mini club, by MWF staff and sponsored by Beachcomber Tours, ensure that children (and parents) are fully exposed to this unique and fragile ecosystem. Visitors are actively encouraged to visit Ile aux Aigrettes and trips to the island will raise the profile of this unique project whose spectacular results have seen the population of the endangered Pink Pigeon rise form 12 birds in 1986 to 320 birds today. Other successes have seen 30 endangered and endemic plant species re-introduced including the critically endangered Round Island Hurricane Palm of which only a solitary tree remains in the wild. The Mauritian Fody, another critically endangered species, has been saved from extinction and the numbers have now risen to over 100 birds.

Donations to the MWF are encouraged by room message and a treasure chest in Reception for coins / notes. Plans to raise the profile and funding include leaflets highlighting MWF to be issued to guests to all guests.
The marine ecosystem in Blue Bay Marine Park is also being promoted. More information about the coral and tropical fish will be displayed in the boathouse. Guest involvement is encouraged on the complimentary snorkeling and glass bottom boats. Information cards and cards identifying the marine life will be used to make the experience more interactive and more rewarding. There is also an opportunity to develop this with a show and tell in the mini club and by hosting special “mini club cruises” in the glass – bottom boats. Documentation issued by the UK office can promote these activities even before the visitors arrive.

Community
Beachcomber Hotels employees are almost entirely Mauritian. Almost all the staff are recruited and trained locally. Hotels have a policy of using a series of work bus services to ensure a cheap method of travel to get to work and this also minimizes the impact on the local environment and the transport infrastructure.

The hotel group has a series of local training academies to ensure a good pool of skilled staff who, if they wish, can train close to their homes. The academies offer a range of courses in all hotel disciplines and courses range from 30 hours of basic training to 2 years for more elaborate disciplines. The Academy celebrates its 12th birthday in 2007 and trains approximately 1500 employees a year.

In 1999 Beachcomber Hotels set up and started to fund The Foundation of Hope and Development, FED. This is a charitable island -wide organization where five regional committees staffed by volunteer hotel employees work with the local community to channel funds and expertise into social projects. The Foundation has been donated approximately £1million in the last 7 years and this has gone to various projects including the development of a variety of community social projects such as the sponsorship of unemployed school leavers to enable them to apply for training at the Beachcomber training academies. FED is now working with, and training, local handicraft makers to help with the development and marketing of their wares through, amongst other sources, our hotels. The Alpha Project, launched in 2006, is aimed at tackling illiteracy in Mauritius.