RCI, a global leader in vacation exchange and a key player in the timeshare and vacation ownership industry, has announced the winners of its annual RCI Green Awards. The awards celebrate Earth Day and focus on environmental stewardship within its affiliated resort network. This year marks the fourteenth edition of the awards, highlighting the increasing commitment to sustainable practices across the globe.
The RCI Green Awards recognize resorts with exceptional dedication to environmentally sustainable operations. The most recent winners showcase a range of impactful initiatives, from eliminating single-use plastics to embracing regenerative tourism models and leveraging technology for efficient resource management.
In a significant evolution, this year’s awards expanded their scope to acknowledge regional leadership in sustainability. Acknowledging the diverse environmental challenges and innovative solutions implemented worldwide, RCI introduced three distinct global regions:
- The United States
- Latin America/Caribbean,
- Europe/Middle East/Africa/Asia Pacific
This regional approach underscores the growing global emphasis on responsible tourism within the vacation ownership sector.
Juan Ignacio Rodriguez, Managing Director of RCI, expressed his admiration for the commitment of their affiliated resorts. “We’re continually inspired by the innovative sustainability practices our resort affiliates are embracing around the world,” he stated.
“That’s why we’re excited to expand the RCI Green Awards with new regional categories that highlight how properties are adapting responsible tourism principles to meet their unique environmental challenges. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding efforts to safeguard their local ecosystems while delivering exceptional vacation experiences for our owners and guests.“
The RCI Green Award Winners:
North America
- Platinum: Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains (Tennessee, United States)
- Gold: WorldMark Victoria (British Columbia, Canada)
- Silver: Massanutten Resort (Virginia, United States)
Latin America/Caribbean
- Platinum: Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa (Quintana Roo, Mexico)
- Gold: Hoteles Xcaret (Quintana Roo, Mexico)
- Silver: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Nayarit, Mexico)
Europe/Middle East/Africa/Asia Pacific
- Platinum: Los Amigos Beach Club (Malaga, Spain)
- Gold: Sterling Munnar (Kerala, India)
- Silver: Sunset Harbour Club (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain)
RCI’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond these awards. As the leading vacation exchange company, RCI promotes responsible travel practices within the vacation ownership industry. By celebrating environmentally conscious resorts, RCI encourages its network of over 3,600 affiliated resorts in more than 100 countries to prioritize sustainability in their operations.
This aligns with a growing global consumer demand for eco-friendly travel options. Research indicates that many travelers actively seek sustainable tourism experiences and are willing to support businesses that demonstrate environmental responsibility. For example, Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Report highlighted that 76% of travelers want to travel more sustainably.
The RCI Green Awards program is a testament to the fact that environmental responsibility and exceptional guest experiences can go hand-in-hand. The program is accessible to all RCI-affiliated resorts, encouraging widespread adoption of sustainable practices within the industry.
The 2025 RCI Green Awards application process will be announced in the fall of this year, providing an ongoing incentive for resorts to innovate and improve their environmental performance.
About RCI:
RCI is a pioneer in the vacation exchange industry, shaping the way families experience travel for decades. As part of the Travel and Membership business at Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL), RCI offers its 3.4 million members access to a vast network of affiliated resorts worldwide.
Beyond its core exchange platform, RCI Travel provides enhanced travel services, offering members greater flexibility in their vacation planning. The company’s dedication to “the new shape of travel™“ encompasses providing diverse vacation options and fostering responsible and sustainable tourism practices within its extensive network.
The RCI Green Awards serve as a vital platform for sharing best practices and inspiring further environmental stewardship within the hospitality sector. By celebrating the achievements of these leading resorts, RCI underscores the importance of sustainability as an integral component of a thriving and responsible vacation ownership industry. Hospitality professionals looking to learn more about RCI and its initiatives can visit www.RCI.com.
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