RIVIERA MAYA, MARCH 21th, 2013 – Pet-loving guests at Fairmont Mayakoba can now make a difference in an underprivileged dog’s life, while enjoying a relaxing vacation. The luxury hotel, recently ranked in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2013, invites visitors to participate in its Pack for a Purpose® project, aimed at helping injured and abandoned dogs, while providing the rewarding experience of giving back to the local community.
Unfortunately, countless of stray dogs can be found on the streets of Mexico. Guests of the AAA Five Diamond resort are invited to use the extra space left in their luggage to bring an in-kind donation for Playa Animal Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray dogs, and ultimately finding them permanent loving homes.
Before traveling, tourists can review the list of needs on Pack for a Purpose’s website, which includes animal supplies such as a blankets, grooming and food products, as well as veterinarian equipment and health supplies. Donations are collected at the hotel, then the resort’s Ecology and Social Responsibility Manager delivers them to Playa Animal Rescue. Guests looking to volunteer further can deliver the donation themselves at the shelter and give some love to these adorable four-legged friends.
“As a pet-friendly hotel, partnering with Playa Animal Rescue comes natural to us. At Fairmont Mayakoba our goal is to raise awareness for a culture of non-violence towards animals, while offering an opportunity for guests to have a positive impact in the local community” mentioned Sven Richter, Hotel Manager and owner of Pippa a stray he rescued from the streets of Playa del Carmen. “It is also an easy way to incorporate a memorable CSR activity into any group’s program”, added Richter.
Aside from rescuing strays, Playa Animal Rescue’s dream is to build a low cost clinic for the pets of local people who have fewer resources. “We want to create a lasting change in the local community by teaching the locals how to care for puppies and nurture and sterilize them to prevent future stray animals” mentioned Jan Northenscold, Shelter Director. The non-profit also has in place and easy process for visitors to adopt dogs and take them home.
Fairmont Mayakoba is committed to be a positive ambassador for the community while providing out of the ordinary experiences for the sophisticated traveler. Rates start at $199 per room, per night, for information or to book a reservation, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com/mayakoba. For more information on Fairmont’s Green Partnership program and the company’s industry leading environmental initiatives, please visit www.fairmont.com/environment.
ABOUT PLAYA ANIMAL RESCUE
Playa Animal Rescue, Inc. (PAR) is a 501(c)3 registered non-profit, no-kill animal shelter located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico composed of local residents and frequent Riviera Maya visitors who came together to address the local street dog problem. With the help of donors, the organization opened a shelter in April 2012, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abandoned dogs, and to finding permanent, loving homes for each of them. The results have been encouraging, as PAR has rescued more than 160 dogs since its opening and placed 100 others in permanent homes in Mexico, Canada and the United States. PAR is also dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership with community outreach and education, as well as promoting spaying and neutering of pets. For more information, visit http://playaanimalrescue.org/vet-clinic-project/
PACK FOR A PURPOSE®
Pack Pack for a Purpose is a Raleigh, N.C., based non-profit that assists travelers with up to date information about needed supplies for community-based projects supported by lodgings around the globe. Travelers use their luggage to bring school, medical and other supplies to the communities they visit: www.packforapurpose.org
About Fairmont Mayakoba
Nestled in the heart of Riviera Maya, Mexico, the 401-room Fairmont Mayakoba is an AAA Five Diamond resort set on 45 acres within a private, luxury community surrounded by a lush mangrove forest intersected by crystal clear canals. The property has 40,000 square feet of meeting space, a 37,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa featuring 20 treatment rooms and a carefully crafted menu of services and distinctive treatments incorporating indigenous ingredients, and El Camaleón Golf Course, host to the only official PGA event in Mexico also featuring the Jim McLean Golf School. A dedication to a green philosophy has earned Fairmont Mayakoba verification as a Rainforest Alliance certified hotel, among other eco-accolades. For reservations call 1(800) 441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com/mayakoba.
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ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of more than 60 luxury properties around the globe, including Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel, The Plaza in New York, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The luxury brand’s distinctive hotels offer a sense of heritage and sophistication, warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also recognized internationally for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit fairmont.com.