Xel-Ha Blog

XV SUSTAINABLE YEARS IN XEL-HÁ

Millennium in time, the Natural Wonder is, for its great beauty, an icon of Cancun-Riviera Maya destiny. Next November 16 Xel-Ha is celebrating ten years being administered under sustainable principles, it means, guarantee its feasibly in order to next generations can use and enjoy it.

It refers to an achievement that it’s said easily but in fact, it represents a group of efforts attached to a clear vision state in 1994; be a model of sustainable and social responsible tourism recreation company.

During all those years in Xel-Ha has paved a solid way which involves, in one aspect, the feasibly to generate sources of work and economic leakage, and in other hand, a set of serious programs which guarantee preservation of ecosystems. At the same time, actions supporting social development around this nature reserve, confirms that labor done during several years makes to reap rewards.

Xel-Ha is today, a tourism recreation model in Quintana Roo and Mexico. Something meaningful in a country called “Cornucopia” which nowadays is passing through a dramatic deterioration of its natural resources as well as a huge incongruity between poverty and wealth.

To achieve XV Sustainable Years is worth celebrating. That is why since November a set of activities will improvement in order to celebrate these first three lustrums. Celebrations will be shared not only with local community, ours suppliers, clients and friends but also visitors whom will be visit the Natural Wonder until November 2010.

One of these activities will be the 2009 Xel-Ha Sprint Triatlon, which take place on November the 8th. What better opportunity to celebrate nature and sport, as perfectly well-matched elements in a society which promotes respect for environment and human health. Undoubtedly this event will mark a new era in the group of achievements that Xel-Ha has gotten during these last fifteen years.

It will be the beginning of a great celebration with children, young and adult people. A tournament to enhance sport and beauty of nature values. A date to remember.

BEING HAPPY: THE LESSON FROM COSTA RICA

The British organization “The New Economics Foundation” recently carried out a study to evaluate the level of happiness of different countries’ inhabitants regarding their life expectation. Costa Rica turned out to be the “happiest country of the world”.

It was eve more surprising that the USA was ranked in the 114th position, just a few spots before countries like Zimbabwe, in the African continent. The study covered 143 countries that gather 99% of the planet’s total population, which means, it was not shallow at all.

Why did Costa Ricans convincingly affirm to be satisfactorily happy in that country? “In Costa Rica, life expectancy at birth is 78.5 years, 85% of Costa Ricans claimed to be happy and pleased with their life, and the country is quite close to achieving a balance between what is consumed, and what is offered by the natural resources”, stated Nic Mars, one of the authors of the report.

“The ticos gave an average grade of 8.5 to the country they live in, and 9.2 to their lives, the second highest, right after the grade given by the Icelanders” informed the newspaper “La nación” which made public the results.

It is broadly known that Costa Rica, for several decades now, has had a steady and firm policy regarding the care provided to their natural resources, but above all, a proper use of them in order to generate job sources, wealth, and consequently, a balanced development. Their bet on responsible tourism was undoubtedly a wise move that has positively influenced more than a few generations of Costa Ricans.

Quintana Roo is a privileged state of the Mexican Republic, since it has a noteworthy natural wealth, and just like the Central American country, the foundation of its economic development is based on the tourism industry. As well, in Mexico, Life expectancy is 75.1 years, not so far from the Costa Rican.

So, the forced question arises: Why not to make of Quintana Roo the happiest state in Mexico? Could it be possible that we manage to keep our development without jeopardizing our natural resources like the Tico country?

As the study has confirmed, the highly developed countries are not necessarily those that better satisfy their population. So, when it comes to being happy, why not to emulate Costa Rica? If after all, it is Pure Life!

JULY: MONTH OF THE TREE

Almost 15 years ago, the group of shareholders to whom the Natural Wonder Xel Ha was given in concession, made a commitment to give this resource a sustainable use, as an urgent need to guarantee the possibility of enjoying it, as we do now, to future generations.

Throughout this time, the oath has been kept, and the park is today a model in sustainable tourist recreation, not only for Quintana Roo, but for the whole country. Our secret rests on having everyone who is a member of the Blue Family, profess their love to nature.

From this passion for the environment caretaking came in 2007 the Chacah´s Garden, so Xel-Ha, together with national and international celebrities could somehow impact society’s consciousness, and contribute to strengthening environmental culture in order to increase the number on environmentally responsible citizens.

This month, the Chacah´s Garden turned three years, and it was an honor to count on the presence of distinguished personalities who joined the famous people gallery. The garden has been enriched by the contribution of so many characters who have left their little seedling for Xel-Ha to care for it so in time they grow tall and beautiful and when tourists and people from Quintana Roo come to visit, they reflect upon the importance of nature’s preservation based on a simple formula: plant a tree in every important moment of your life.

This is undoubtedly a modest contribution, but it cannot be denied that the new human attitudes regarding responsibility to the planet, become evident due to not only great projects and huge catastrophes. Awareness comes from reflection, which cannot exist without a clear, constant and transcendent message.

The Chacah´s Garden has left an imprint, and it will keep its spirit as long as the human race stays indebted to its natural environment. May many more tree day celebrations come!

XEL-HA BRIDGE: EXAMPLE OF UNDERSTANDING

After months of efforts and requirements, the construction and operation of Xel-Ha bridge finally took shape. Located on km 240 of the Federal Highway Chetumal- Puerto Juarez, this is the result of the work done both by the government and private initiative, a highly beneficial advancement for the area.

Xel-Ha’s general director, Miguel Quintana, acknowledged the willingness of the state and federal authorities towards the execution of this construction in coordination with private initiative, and thanked the labor done by the Ministry of Communications and Transports (SCT), supported by the Engineer Eduardo Rodríguez Abreu, deputy director of this ministry.

The bridge’s operation, crowns a set of efforts made throughout several months, commanded by Elizabeth Lugo, Executive Director of Xel-Ha, to coordinate the three orders of the government, as well as private groups, in the investment and designation of financial, human and technical resources, to the relocation of underground networks, the contest and execution of the construction.

In that matter, it is outstanding the brilliant collaboration to the project by SCT, and National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH), by means of its director, the archaeologist Adriana Velazquez Morlet; the IPAE, lead by Melania G. Abundez; the State’s Ministry of Regional Planning and Development and its head Carlos Castillo Xicoténcatl; in addition to the Federal Prevention Police, TELMEX, Cablemás and other contractors.

The launching of Xel-Ha bridge, is an illustration of how joint efforts from authorities and private initiative may materialize into an exceptional outcome, therefore it is an example of understanding and good will that brings about benefits for the area and fortifies tourist activities.

LIVE MEXICO, LIVE XEL-HA

A great welcome has had in our country the advertising campaign launched by the Federal Government and Tourism Promotion Council of Mexico, to prompt local tourism, and hence revitalize “the no chimney industry”. Even though the sanitary emergency has been left behind, its consequences have been deeply unfortunate for several companies devoted to tourism, commerce and services, reason why today, there is a great expectation around the results this campaign might bring in the near future, like this coming summer season.

Certainly Mexico is still suffering the effects of the international economic crisis, however, numerous Mexican families every year have the huge opportunity to spend some time in our country and by it, contribute to the economic flow of any of the regions.

Tourism is a very noble activity that in a very short time benefits several population sectors, because the service’s chain is quite generous: from the hotel housekeeper to the shoe cleaner, each and every services provider is benefited by the economic movement when there are visitors in the destination. When there are not, on the contrary, unemployment raises, and anguish invades thousands of homes.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are frankly recuperating, and despite the irreversible aspects of this crisis, there is a good anticipation towards the benefits that will be brought by the promotion of the natural, archaeological, and adventure attractions offered by the region, along with the excellent lodging facilities.

The time has come, to get back on the track of optimism, and take advantage of this circumstance, to offer the Mexican tourists our so characteristic world class service, and to thank them their solidarity by making of their visit, an unforgettable moment. That is the least they expect, and the least we must offer.

A DESTINATION WITH PRIDE AND DIGNITY
“Poverty knocks me down, but pride raises back my spirit” Guillermina Chanona (1905-2004)*

During the most difficult days of this sanitary contingency, traveling through Cancun Hotel Zone was an opportunity to describe a very surprising event: to find even one tourist walking by the recreational sites, shopping, or on the beach, was something truly out of the way.

Unlike in other critical situations previously experienced, in Cancun there were no ripped out palms, nor broken windows, nor flooded areas. Everything was in the right place, and working perfectly. Splendorous nights, hotels, restaurants and fun centers perfectly lighted up, radiant, services providers readily prepared to welcome customers. The only thing missing was the basic ingredient in every destination’s success: tourists, and the economic flow they generate with their visit.

If hurricanes in Cancun and the Riviera Maya had set an example of how the tourism industry can be seriously damaged by natural phenomena, the sanitary emergency caused by the swine flu made it very clear that there is no need for a catastrophe to impact it to a total paralysis degree. All the negative information power, and the fear it breeds, are enough to “raise the temperature” if not suffocate, one of the main Mexico’s economic activities.

Facing the hard to believe lack of tourists, when walking down Cancun Hotel Zone at the hardest times of the emergency, also let us witness something about the destination we hardly ever have the chance to realize: the pride and dignity with which every day, hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers get ready to serve and welcome visitors, with the best smile, the most professional attitude, and at the right time.

This extraordinary event, was as well an opportunity for entrepreneurs, the people who live on the tourism, and authorities, to endow a different rhythm to the destination, and cope with the adverse situation creatively and eagerly; from every corner initiatives came to light, plans to prompt the services available, to engender trust on the usual markets and penetrate into new alternative target markets, to honorably and proudly state, that our destination is still standing, and ready to resume its so distinguishing dynamism, in the best moment of its life.

And life goes on!

-o-

*Guillermina Chanona is a personality from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, who lived for almost a century. When she died, at age 99, she felt a deep passion for life, and her always firm spirit, was basis and foundation of her whole personality. She went through both wealthy times and extreme poverty, but she kept her optimism towards her personal capability to succeed. With great dignity she coined the phrase “Poverty knocks me down, but pride raises back my spirit”

By walking… the path is made

By the year 1994, when Xel-Ha’s Inlet was granted in concession by Quintana Roo authorities, the group of shareholders that received it, propounded the strong and clear commitment of giving this resource a sustainable use.

Throughout the years this commitment has gradually turned into specific actions, from social work, to scientific research, going through a set of highly impacting measures regarding the environment.

In addition to the social, environmental, and economic benefits generated by this management, Xel-Ha has got several acknowledgements and certifications of diverse nature, which is reason for pride to the Blue Family.

Thus, for instance, Xel-ha was awarded last year with the first place in the National Recycling Prize, granted by Coparmex and Semarnat; we have also received, for several years the Socially Responsible Company distinctive, by the Mexican Center for Philantropy. As well, as On of the top 100 companies to work in Mexico and one of the top 20 to work for women.

Additionally, Xel-Ha has been honored with the “Best Enterprise Practices”, the Model of Gender Equity certificate, it is a signatory company at the UN World Pact, at the World Economic Forum, and received from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) the award “Must see waterpark” and the “Brass Ring Award”.

This 2009, Xel-Ha reaches the Green Globe Silver Certified Status, the most important in sustainable tourist recreation, with outstanding levels on all the indicators evaluated by the technical committee of this organization, whose headquarters are located in Australia.

For the Blue Family it is quite satisfactory to share with everyone such distinction that not only recognizes the effort made for 15 years, but also encourages them to keep up the accomplishments and actions now that the environmental challenges in the world have become dramatically more complex.

	Green Globe		Maravilla Natural de México
	Must See Waterpark		Distintivo H
	El Pacto Mundial		Carta de la Tierra
	The Great Place to Work® Institute		Modelo en Equidad de Género
	Empresa Socialmente Responsable

Xel-Há News: Good News Emissary 

Xel-Ha Natural Park has been, for almost 15 years, run as a model of sustainable tourist recreation. Throughout all this time Xel-Ha has surpassed serious difficulties amongst which, the hurricanes that closed its doors for certain periods and exhibited how the tourism industry can brake its gait abruptly.

The world economic crisis and the sanitary emergency originated by the H1N1 Influenza, have caused negative outcomes when it comes to the flow of visitors: bookings fell to the lowest levels ever seen in May and June, and the scene looks worrying for the summer high season.

Just like in previous occasions, although this time the park did not have to close its doors, Xel-Ha is facing this situation with creativity and strength: preventive measures are applied to avoid risks, all the facilities are operating normally, and the employees are calm, for they know they will keep their jobs. 

For the tourist destination Cancun- Riviera Maya, it is fundamental that its reality is known by all, and the best way of doing so, is communicating it clearly, through Xel-Ha News, the journal that today starts its never ending journey through the global network. We will get to our costumers, suppliers, friends and general public with a very clear message:  We are still standing, and we will continue to be an iconic destination for a long time, sharing with all visitors our Natural Wonder.