The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan became the first hotel in Puerto Rico to receive prestigious Sustainable Tourism Facility Certificate from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

“At the PRTC we are pleased to have the first resort hotel in our Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Facilities Program, because it is indicative of our commitment to provide our partners in the industry the tools to diversify the offerings we can provide as a destination and strengthen sustainable tourism in Puerto Rico,” said Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, director of tourism, Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “I am delighted to have delivered this significant certification to The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, and to congratulate them for their commitment and diligence in transforming such a renowned inn into a banner of sustainable tourism.”

The certification process for the 5-star hotel launched in September 2014, while the training process through the Division for Sustainable Tourism at Hotel Green Team began with employees in October 2014 and the compliance evaluation took place in December.

In order to obtain the certificate, the luxury property had to undertake several transformative steps, including the increased utilization of locally-produced organic products, establish energy conservation, utilize bio-digested compost in the kitchen area, promote the works of local artists for sale and support organizations like Make-a-Wish, Soles 4 Souls, Hotel el Paraiso and St. Augustine Parish.