Green Globe 21 is an international system of certification for hotels, through which hotels comply with a series for specific environmental standards in their operations and are then evaluated against these standards in order to obtain the prestigious Certificate.

Green Globe 21 is a vital designation for a hotel for two very important reasons. A hotel certified by Green Globe 21 guarantees its clientele that it takes into consideration the environment in its daily operation and is not abusive towards nature and its resources, without sacrificing the quality of its product and services. Furthermore, by maximizing its resources, the hotel reduces its operational costs greatly, (mainly in the areas of water and energy management, chemical substances and solid and liquid waste management), which in return, provides sustainable development of its business and by consequence, the community.

"Attaining Green Globe Certification is a tremendous accomplishment for La Cabana," said Lou Roelofsen, the resort's general manager. "Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is essential to the future of the travel and tourism industry, and I applaud all our employees for their hard work and commitment to brainstorming, implementing and monitoring environmentally-conscious practices that allowed us to achieve this goal," he added.

La Cabana is an excellent example of a hotel maximizing the opportunity to save operational costs in the areas of solid waste management, water reuse and conservation, energy conservation, environmental awareness, community involvement, and use of sustainable technologies.

Following is a list of La Cabana's most impressive "green" accomplishments in the past few years that reflect the resort's support of sustainable tourism and the environment.

• The implementation of the "Green Team," La Cabana's group of employees who create and execute environmental practices.
• The use of the "Waste Sort" program to periodically weigh and measure the quantity of waste and see the results of La Cabana's environmental initiatives (through a reduction of waste).
• Use of capacitor banks that control and regulate the efficient flow of electricity. This yielded a savings of $30,000.
• The installation of air-conditioner thermostats/timers which saved the resort $20,000.
• The "Sponsor-A-Mile" Program whereby staff members clean-up the mile of road (and surrounding area) between La Cabana and the Divi Hotel.
• Compacting of almost two tons of cardboard, 30 kilos of aluminum cans and 1,000 kilos of glass per week.
• The installation of 1.6 gallon toilets that yielded a savings of $40,000.
• Reducing, reusing and recycling, subsequently decreasing the amount of waste sent to Aruba's landfill (and creating a cost savings).

The hotel's Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Food Safety Program and Emergency Management Program - two initiatives targeting other environmental aspects - showcase management's forward-thinking philosophy.

"We are the largest property in Aruba, so to achieve Green Globe Certification is evidence of how regardless of size, you can protect and have an extremely positive impact on the environment," Roelofsen added.

Situated along Eagle Beach, La Cabana is a complete vacation, recreation and entertainment complex in a relaxed atmosphere reflecting the ease and spirit of the Caribbean. The resort encompasses studio, one-bedroom and Grand suites; a deluxe Health & Fitness Center; three swimming pools; five tennis courts; the "Club Cabana Nana" children's program; teen activities; casual theme nights; diverse dining; world-class entertainment in the Tropicana Showroom; and thrilling action in the Royal Cabana Casino, Aruba's largest gaming house.

For reservations call (800) 835-7193 nationwide U.S. and Canada or contact your favorite travel planner. For more information contact La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 250, Oranjestad, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean; telephone (011) 297-8-79000, fax (011) 297-8-70834. Visit La Cabana's home page at www.lacabana.com/resort or send E-mail to lacabana@setarnet.aw