Columbia Honoured for Commitment to Sustainability

Columbia Hotels & Resorts’ management team has been formally acknowledged for its commitment to enhancing its knowledge on sustainability.

Health and Safety Manager, Mary Frangou, andFront Office Manager, Dimitris Ioannoutook part in a series of seminars and workshops aimed at creating unity within touristic abodes’ approaches island-wide pertaining to sustainable practices.

“The practical aspect of the workshops was interesting,” Mary explains. “We were given the opportunity to independently and objectively evaluate a property currently undergoing renovations. Closed to the public, it gave us an opportunity to explore the intricacies of its structure, praise the positives, and highlight the shortcomings impeding on its sustainable identity.”

Having successfully completed the two days of intensive training, Mary and Dimitris were honoured for their involvement with an official recognition from the presiding institute of tertiary education.

Mary elaborates of Columbia Beach Resort’ssustainable practices: “Taking part in the programme actually made us aware of how far along we’ve come with regards to sustainable practices, with our various international quality programme recognitions –such as ISO 14001 for Environmental Management –being proof of said efforts. Our management team committed itself long ago to ensuring that all the pillars of sustainability –namely, environmental, tradition, relationship with the community, and human resources –were not only erected, but ever-fortified.”

Continuing with examples, Mary explains: “For example, in further to monitoring our impact on the environment, and water, electricity, and oil consumption, we also work hard to fully integrate Cyprus’ culture intoour daily make-up, from our Cypriot-inspired breakfasts, to making traditionalkoulourakiain our residentDenKids Club.

“As to future targets? Mary is conclusive: “Having implemented and integrated these vital systems is not enough: being sustainable is a life-long endeavour for us here at Columbia, and every little really does help.”