PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—The World Travel & Tourism Council announced that Grupo PUNTACANA, the parent company of the PUNTACANA Resort & Club, located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Award in the Destination Stewardship category. The honor was granted due to the company’s dedication and success in developing a program of commitment for sustainable tourism, and for strengthening the economic and social wellbeing of their product and surrounding region. The accolade recognizes the protection of natural and cultural heritage, social and economic benefits to local people, and environmentally-friendly business practices. Grupo PUNTACANA is the first Caribbean organization to be recognized in this category.
According to Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president & CEO of WTTC, PUNTACANA Resort & Club successfully demonstrates sustainable tourism practices on a daily basis. “We are delighted to present the 2009 Destination Stewardship Award to the Grupo PUNTACANA as a tourism enterprise that has over the years developed exceptional programs in sustainable development,” Baumgarten says. “These programs have not only helped the local community by providing jobs but also educational and health resources unmatched by other destinations. Sustainability has been in the Grupo PUNTACANA’s DNA since its inception, setting the bar high for other companies conducting business in the region.”
“We are honored to receive the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Stewardship Award,” said Frank Rainieri, founder and CEO of Grupo PUNTACANA. “Grupo PUNTACANA strives to be an example of successful regional environmental and social responsibility development for the world’s tourism industry. Our commitment to the Punta Cana region has always been defined by a deep and humble respect for its breathtaking natural treasures and warm, friendly people.”
Selected From Three Finalists
Three finalists for the Destination Stewardship Award were selected by an international team of independent judges for having successfully demonstrated sustainable tourism development practices in all categories including the protection of the surrounding natural and cultural heritage, social and economic benefits to local people, and environmentally-friendly operations. The property was also judged on its efforts to communicate widely with local and international media, as well as other stakeholders, in order to set an example and promote best responsible business practices in the travel and tourism industry. Grupo PUNTACANA demonstrated exceptional commitment in all of the areas mentioned, driven by the company’s Ecological Foundation.
Founded in 1994, the PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation brings together thought leaders from prestigious universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, and the University of Miami to develop and implement new ecological programs, such as residential, hotel and resort environmental management practices, coral reef conservation projects, a cutting-edge water treatment facility and an aggressive waste management initiative. Led by the Foundation’s director, Jake Kheel, a Cornell University graduate, the organization also oversees the programming and development of several schools and a hospital serving the local community. The Foundation represents the heart of the deep commitment to environmental protection, sustainable tourism business practices and education for the Punta Cana region and abroad. The Award was accepted by Grupo PUNTACANA CEO Frank Rainieri during a special session of the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit on May 16, 2009.
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