(Seychelles News Agency) - The H Resort Vallon Beach has been awarded the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label certificate for integrating sustainability practices in its business operations.

In his address at the award ceremony last week, the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley said he was pleased with the increasing number of hotels displaying their commitment towards the sustainable tourism initiative.

“We live in an era where people have become very conscious about the environment. Travellers are on the lookout to associate themselves with sustainable service providers,” he said. 

The Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label certificates are awarded to hotels found to be integrating sustainability practices in their business operations. (H Resort) Photo License: CC-BY

The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach in the north of the main island Mahe has 55 percent of green cover which is taken care of by an expert team of gardeners and landscapers. A natural lagoon that flows through the property is also maintained and monitored by the resort team in collaboration with local agencies.

The resort, which opened in 2015, is also one of the only large businesses in Seychelles to have their own food composter which recycles kitchen and food waste then re-uses it for maintaining its lush gardens. It also has its own mini garden for spices and herbs and recycles plastic, cans and glass bottles by incentivizing its staff to contribute to the act.

“Sustainability is becoming the single most important factor that is adding value to customers choosing a hotel or destination,” said the general manager of the hotel, Johannes Steyn.

He added that “it is necessary that recognitions like these driven by the local government reflect the determination and endeavours of businesses like us to be answerable and responsible to our stakeholders and to the nation we operate in.”

Going forward, Steyn said the resort will soon be making an alternative yet eco-friendly option available for its guests.

Minister Dogley said while the department is doing an excellent job at raising awareness in regards to the importance of sustainability in the tourism industry there is much work to convince even the smallest establishments to join the cause. 

Last week Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa also received the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label certificate.

The Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label certificates are awarded to hotels after they are found to be integrating sustainability practices in their business operations. To date, 17 hotels have obtained the certification.