Cusco Accommodation Casa Andina Classic San Blas Sustainability

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Casa Andina has been active for a more sustainable and ecological tourism in the regions they operate hotels for a the last few years.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

The Casa Andina hotel chain does not simply focus on one area of sustainability in Cusco. Instead, they place their attention on several areas where 'caring for the destination' can help the local people, their staff, and above all, the environment. Eighty percent of the hotel staff in this chain are native to the local community as a measure to spread the wealth that tourism creates in Peru. All these staff members are aware of the negative influences waste can have on the environment the hotel takes time to train the staff about appropriate conservation practices. The personalized attention given to the staff members and their families is unique and difficult to find other places in Peru. Old, unused or items left behind are first offered to the staff or they are donated to a worthy cause to help the local community. The employees are also paid a fare wage which is competitive in the tourism industry and there are policies written about equal opportunities for genders, cultures and ages in all of the hotels.

The guests that participate in the tours will learn about the proper way to behave around the local people to best respect their culture. Guests are encouraged to purchase locally produced goods and information is available about when and where the best items can be bought. The hotel also recycles paper and plastic products.

The professionalism and attention this hotel chain delivers has been honed through the years of business operation in Cusco. The hotels have written policies about their practices that concern sustainable tourism in relation to the clients' experiences in their hotels.