• Short Description of the Practice:

Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden is a 5-star “Gran Lujo” (Luxury) hotel in Tenerife committed to sustainable development and minimising its environmental impact. It operates with an integrated management system, holding certifications such as UNE-EN ISO 14001, EMAS, UNE-EN ISO 9001, and BIOSPHERE HOTEL standards. The hotel's fundamental objective is to provide high-quality services with the minimum environmental footprint possible, particularly focusing on resource efficiency. Key initiatives include rationalising energy and natural resource consumption through investments in energy-efficient equipment (e.g., in rooms, kitchens, and the machine room), sourcing 71.3% of its electricity from certified green providers, and implementing water-saving systems like dual-flush toilets and flow reducers. The hotel also prioritises waste reduction and recycling by promoting selective waste separation and reducing paper consumption through digital solutions and reusable materials.

• Implementation Period:
• Status:

[   ] Planned [   ] Pilot phase [   ] Fully implemented [X] Ongoing and evolving

• Thematic Areas Addressed:

[   ] Farm to Fork / Sustainable Food Systems
[   ] Waste Management
[X] Resource Efficiency
[   ] Other: ___________

• Describe how the practice aligns with the selected Thematic Areas:

Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden demonstrates a significant alignment with the thematic area Resource Efficiency. The hotel is committed to rationalising the consumption of energy and natural resources through efficiency and the use of renewable energies. They have made investments in more efficient equipment in various areas, such as rooms, kitchens, and the machine room. This has contributed to a decrease in electricity consumption per overnight stay. Notably, 71.3% of the hotel's total energy consumed is from certified green sources. Water conservation efforts are evident through the implementation of systems like dual-flush toilets, flow reducers, and the replacement of bathtubs with shower trays in guest rooms, which has led to a reduction in water consumption per overnight stay. Furthermore, the hotel aims to reduce paper consumption by 20% by using QR codes for information like Spa treatments, room service, and mini-bar menus, and by utilising reusable materials for cleaning notices. Notably, 88% of the white paper consumed is recycled. These efforts are central to managing the environmental impact of a large-scale accommodation provider.

• Explain how this activity fits within the tourism sector:

Hotel Botánico's activities are deeply integrated into the tourism sector, particularly by exemplifying a comprehensive commitment to sustainable tourism. While its luxury accommodations, diverse gastronomy, wellness facilities, and event spaces fit a traditional high-end resort model, its deliberate focus on environmental responsibility distinguishes it as one of the key players in Puerto de la Cruz committed to these principles.

• What learning value for VET training, curriculum development or capacity-building of professionals does the practice offer?

Hotel Botánico's operations offer significant learning value for VET training and professional capacity-building. The hotel serves as a model for effective sustainability marketing, using QR codes and its website to transparently communicate its environmental efforts to guests. This practice teaches the value of promoting eco-tourism and how it can be done. Furthermore, its commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship—from protecting local fauna (the hotel provides detailed recommendations for guests on how to interact responsibly with local wildlife) to meticulously maintaining its gardens—provides a real-world case study in responsible tourism. Finally, the hotel's annual environmental reporting (e.g., electricity, water, waste, emissions) teaches professionals how to use data to measure and improve sustainability performance.