Sustainability is something we gladly see more and more often in the travel industry. Also hotels and travel agencies on Curacao are increasingly focusing on this important topic. This also applies to the Avila Beach Hotel which is one of the few hotels on the island which has a close relationship with the local population. Especially due to the fact that they are the oldest operational hotel on the island and therefore the setting of many warm memories of not only (loyal) hotel guests, but also from locals. Without the support and love of the local community, Avila would have been a different Avila. And the hotel gladly repays the favor.
Local Schools
The hotel has a long term relationship with a few local schools. In the past, almost every employee of the hotel donated a small amount of their salary to the Oranjeschool each month for many years. These donations were being doubled by the management and they save this to do big investment once a year.
The Oranjeschool no longer excists, but we still offer computers, and other equipment and support for the Pedro Luis Brion School, Schotborgh school and Kolegio Don Sarto.
Eden Reforestation Project for Each room night booked via our website
As of October 2019 we plant 1 tree in Haiti for each room night booked directly via this Avila’s website, via Eden Reforestation Project. This is a nonprofit organization in the US. Through their network of on-the-ground reforestation partners, they fund tree-plantings in North America, South America, Asia and Africa. By doing this we give back to nature for our and future generations.
Employees born and raised in Curacao
Over 90% of their employees are born and raised in Curacao. They therefore gained lots of knowledge about the island and as a result they provide the best tips about Curacao for its guests, they offer genuine local hospitality and are tremendously loyal staff that does not need to move away from the island. Which results in lots of working experience leading to providing an even higher quality of work and better service level.
Pack for a Purpose
The Avila Beach Hotel is a member of Pack for a Purpose which encourage their hotel guests to bring supplies useful to the Schotborgh school, Pedro Luis Brion school and Kolegio Don Sarto. And it is catching on because guests often bring a package with school supplies. With initiatives such as Pack for a Purpose the Avila Beach Hotel wants to contribute to the local community.
Summer course Cornell University
Besides Pack for a Purpose, the hotel wants to contribute to the development of its own employees as well. They spend a lot of time coaching, training its staff and offering internship opportunities, both in Curacao and abroad. Cherry on top a summer course at the prestigious Cornell University in New York; the best Hospitality & Hotel Management University in the world.
Recycling
One of the goals of the Avila Beach Hotel is innovation and sustainability. They try to save energy and recycle as much as possible. The hotel therefore earned the international "Travelife Gold Award" in 2013 and also the local "Sustainable Innovation Award 2013", which was then awarded for the first time on Curacao by Business Platform Environment.
A higher efficiency is sought after in all business decisions. All opportunities for a better environment and both the well-being of its employees and the Curacao community are being fully exploited. Together we can create a better world, even on a small island such as Curacao.