Bucuti & Tara Celebrates 25 Years of Green Globe Certifications
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba proudly commemorates its 25th anniversary as a member of Green Globe, the pioneering organization dedicated to sustainability in the travel sector. From the earliest days when sustainable tourism was considered a niche segment to present times where regenerative tourism is a top criteria for discerning travelers, early adopter Bucuti & Tara reflects on this long-standing partnership and contribution to a global movement proving memorable vacations and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
Crossing paths for a sustainable future
Bucuti & Tara Founder, Owner/CEO Ewald Biemans, a life-long sustainability advocate, recalls being deeply inspired by the rallying cry of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, widely known as the pivotal 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Nestled on the tiny island of Aruba, Biemans was increasingly curious, studying ways to make his own young resort more sustainable particularly as he was witnessing rapid development in Aruba that was quickly depleting natural resources. At the same time, Green Globe began forming, equally inspired by the Earth Summit and wanting to fill a void of sustainability resources needed specifically for the world of travel.
Biemans aligned with Green Globe and a quarter century later, their shared commitment to people, place and prosperity continue to inspire travelers and the travel industry alike.
“World’s Most Sustainable Hotel/Resort”
Soon after forming Green Globe, the organization created guidelines for an international sustainable tourism certification program. Bucuti, an original member, welcomed this structure and worked it into its framework, one that has now proven so successful the United Nations deemed it “highly replicable and scalable.”
The Green Globe Certification Standard includes 44 criteria in four groups and supported by over 380 compliance indicators. Developed over three decades and re-examined twice yearly, the certification accounts for Environmental, Sustainable Management, Social Economic and Cultural Heritage attributes of a property. Sample initiatives include rainwater harvesting, installing the largest off-grid solar farm in Aruba’s private sector, founding and funding a spay/neuter program that has so far treated 36,500 cats and dogs to help curb the island’s pet overpopulation issue and being the only Aruba hotel providing staff access to green loans so they can implement the same sustainability practices enjoyed at work in their own homes. A major initiative since 2022, the resort forever protected a scarce tract of land now known as The Bucuti Tara - GMC Nature Preserve. This 30-acre/12-hectare park continues bringing together staff, community and guests for reforestation efforts while it doubles as a carbon sink. Bucuti & Tara’s success as the Caribbean’s first and only certified carbon-neutral hotel is in part to implement Green Globe’s criteria.
Travelers are guaranteed the highest level of sustainable operations and management. In 2016, Bucuti & Tara became the first to receive a perfect score of 100% from Green Globe. The organization proclaimed Bucuti & Tara the “World’s Most Sustainable Hotel/Resort.” Bucuti & Tara has proudly recertified every year with Green Globe and is currently at the Platinum level.
Why certify?
Green Globe provided Bucuti & Tara with the basic roadmap that helped the resort journey to where it is today. This initial certification provided a strong foundation that helped form and fortify the resort’s sustainability program. This led to becoming certified in Travelife Gold, ISO 9001 and 14001, LEED Gold v4.1 and ultimately, CarbonNeutral(R). Bucuti & Tara is now closing in on becoming certified Net Zero.
While it is encouraging for responsible travel experiences to be growing in demand, travelers also face a market filled with messages, many that are nothing more than greenwashing. By becoming certified with reputable organizations such as Green Globe, Bucuti & Tara is recognized for its rigorous people-safe and planet-safe hospitality experience, and extensive conservation and restoration program, one that reaps rewards for guests and the island community.
“Partnering with Green Globe for a quarter-century significantly supported Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort’s commitment to stewardship at work, in our Aruba community and for the greater good of the planet,” shares Ewald Biemans, Owner/CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba. “It signifies our enduring dedication to our shared mission of promoting responsible tourism practices, conservation efforts, and sustainable development worldwide. I say to regularly share with other hotels and hospitality entities, start your sustainability journey by becoming Green Globe-certified and you will know you are on the right track.”
Learn more by visiting Bucuti.com
About Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Declared the first certified CarbonNeutral® hotel in the Caribbean in 2018, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is the No. 1 Hotel in the Caribbean and No. 18 Hotel in the World according to Tripadvisor. Aruba’s premier adults-only boutique resort is led by celebrated hotelier and environmentalist, Ewald Biemans, who holds many accolades including multiple Hotelier of the Year awards. The resort is nestled on the powdery white sands of Eagle Beach, home to protected sea turtles and named one of the “Dream Beaches of the World.”
Home to the Caribbean’s Safest, Healthiest Vacation Experience and Aruba’s Health & Happiness Code seal, Bucuti has 104 well-appointed guest rooms, suites and penthouses. It offers sunbeds and shade for every guest; freshwater infinity pool; spa; WiFi; and complimentary iPad for use during stay. Award-winning healthy dining is enjoyed at oceanfront Elements, Tara Lounge and private beach dining. Reserved exclusively for guests and their friends, the open-air SandBar offers top-shelf cocktails and live music daily along with the Caribbean’s first Healthy Hour. The resort is IGLTA and TAG Approved® as an LGBTQ-friendly hotel. Bucuti & Tara, a worldwide sustainable tourism leader, holds eco-certifications of CarbonNeutral®, LEED Gold, Green Globe Platinum and Travelife Gold and was named the World’s Most Sustainable Hotel/Resort in 2016 by Green Globe.
