Green Lodging Certification Awarded to Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

May 26, 2004 - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has honored the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa as one of the state’s first Green Lodging hotels. Coconut Point was recognized for going above and beyond environmental regulations, and has become a leader in voluntarily implementing hotel conservation programs.

The Green Lodging program was first introduced as a voluntary program establishing environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.

The hotel industry’s potential to make a positive economic and environmental impact is substantial, as Florida alone hosts 35 million hotel guests annually. It is estimated that $1.50 is saved each day for every hotel guest that chooses to reuse his or her towels and sheets. The industry would save an estimated $20 million a year and conserve billions of gallons of water if only one-quarter of hotel guests chose to “practice green.”

“Our management and staff believe in leading by example,” said Carlos Cabrera, vice president and managing director of the 450-room resort. “Their strong commitment to this cause is evident, as they have adopted inventive, yet simple ways to save energy, reduce waste and ultimately reduce costs.” Environmentally-friendly features at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa include a state-of-the-art laundry system that filters and reuses water, window tinting to reduce air conditioning use, energy efficient lighting, donation of unused room amenities, such as shampoo, to local charitable organizations and recycling facilities. Employee training and guest information is also provided to encourage “green” choices. “By initiating conservation programs and reducing waste, recycling, minimizing pollution and using energy efficiently, we are challenging others in their industry to do the same,” noted Cabrera.

Situated on 26 acres along the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida in Bonita Springs, Coconut Point is one of Hyatt’s newest luxury golf and spa resorts. The full-service resort offers amenities that allow guests to experience the distinctive surrounding such as eco-tours, fly-fishing, bird watching and a private beach island. The resort also features hydro-grid tennis facilities, 18-hole golf course designed by Senior PGA Tour Champion Raymond Floyd, 19,000 square-foot full European-service spa, 5,000 square-foot lagoon with a 140 foot water slide, lap pool and Camp Hyatt children’s program with learning activities. Conference facilities include 73,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space and an 11,000 square-foot beach pavilion. For additional information or reservations, call (800) 233-1234, contact a travel agent or visit www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com on the Web.

SOURCE Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa