The unnecessary use of single-use plastics, along with a multitude of problems with ensuring plastics are disposed of safely, has lead to a global pollution crisis.  This Ayia Napa property, part of Atlantica Hotels & Resorts, has been taking action in this area since 2007 when they did away with using plastic water bottles in their restaurant service, instead opting to provide filtered water in glass bottles.  Their guests responded well to this initiative, encouraging the property to take several more actions over the coming years.

They provided guests with more environmentally friendly alternatives to source water throughout the hotel through the use of personal refillable bottles, then completely eliminated plastic straws, coffee stirrers, plates, cutlery, cups and glasses from their operation.  They found a new way to provide pre-portioned butter in their buffets so that individually plastic wrapped portions were no longer required and were able to remove plastic bin liners from guest rooms.

Changing procurement policies and procedures has been an important part of their success.  For example, they try to purchase in bulk whenever they can to reduce the use of plastic packaging and give preference to suppliers that use paper-based packaging or reusable containers.

Achieving Travelife Hotel of the Month is just one of many accolades this property has received for their efforts to reduce waste, having twice been awarded the Zero Waste Beach Champion by Coca Cola and TUI Care Foundation, and in 2018 they received a Special Sustainability Award for being perceived as the most environmentally aware  hotel in Cyprus.