Eco Hotels & Resorts wants to see and promote real change. They deeply believe that the way of traveling needs to change and people need to be aware of the impact the travel industry has on our planet. A key aspect while traveling is focusing not only in not damaging the environment but in regenerating it. That is why they base their sustainability criteria on 12 different pillars taking into account the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria.
Every hotel or resort in their collection is committed to each of these pillars, with the sole purpose of generating a good impact on the environment. Today we’re going to talk about one of their core pillars so you can get a better understanding of the importance and impact EHR has on this: community

Morgan’s Rock - Nicaragua
What Is A Sustainable Community?
According to the ISC a sustainable community is a place where people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome and safe, where every group has a seat at the decision-making table, and where prosperity is shared. They work to manage their human, natural and financial capital to meet their current needs and take into account the following elements in order to be considered a sustainable community:
- Equal opportunities for all individuals.
- A safe atmosphere of respect and tolerance for diverse viewpoints, beliefs, and values.
- Ecological integrity.
- Satisfaction of basic human needs for clean air, water and nutritious, uncontaminated food.
- Protection and enhancement of local and regional ecosystems and biological diversity.
- Conservation of water, land, energy and nonrenewable resources.
- Meaningful and equal employment opportunities for all members.

Vomo Island - Fiji
EHR & Their Communities
Throughout the world, people want the same things: access to clean air and water, economic opportunities, a safe and healthy place to raise their kids, a roof below their heads, lifelong learning, a sense of community, and the ability to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. That is why Eco Hotels & Resorts considers community to be one of the most important pillars they have.
Their member hotels are deeply involved with local communities, most of their employees are locals or from nearby towns/cities/villages. They support them by providing access to employment, community engagement programs, education initiatives, financial support and health services. The goal is to make local communities prosper, grow and improve by working together with them.

Hermitage Bay - Antigua & Barbuda
Spending time helping and enriching your community is a great way to broaden your perceptions of the world. This will be an eye opening experience since you start immersing and surrounding yourself with people from different cultures and traditions. Giving back to the places and people helps to form and unite a community and makes you gain a unique sense of purpose by helping those around you!

Hermitage Bay - Antigua & Barbuda